Entries by Daryl Smith

Five Steps in the Broker Selection Process

In Part 1 of this blog series we offered tips on how to select a benefits broker and when you should consider looking for a new broker. In this follow-up post, we’ll take a look at the 5 Steps to follow in the broker selection process. Start Early When contemplating how to choose a benefits […]

How Are Today’s Health Benefits Plans Changing?

The changing labour force is changing benefits plans. The evolving demographics of the workforce demands a re-examination of current employee health benefits plans offered by employers in Canada. In short, as the labour force changes, health benefit plans will also need to change. How Has The Labour Force Been Changing? According to Statistics Canada, as of […]

What Does Each Generation Value for Employee Benefits?

In this blog post our experts at Benefit Strategies Inc. will take a look at employee benefits by generation, where we can see there are some marked differences. We live in a unique time where the North American workforce is comprised of four generations of workers that represent a diverse age group. It’s no wonder […]

Tips for Designing an Employee Benefits Package

In this Benefit Strategies blog post we’ll offer some guidelines on how to design an employee benefits program that attracts great employees and won’t break the bank. As a business owner, you often have to put so much on the line when it comes to attracting, hiring, and retaining talented employees. And, when it comes […]

2019 Federal Budget- Employee Benefits Impacted

How will the new 2019 Federal Budget impact benefit plan sponsors, employees, and employers? National Pharmacare Program With the March 2019 Federal budget, progress is being made towards instituting a National Pharmacare Program. The move away from Provincial Pharmacare Programs involves projects to develop a National Drug Formulary and the creation of a Canada Drug […]

Benefit Strategies Inc. Wins Consumer Choice Award

For two years running (2018 and 2019), Benefit Strategies Inc. in Edmonton Alberta has been awarded the Consumer Choice Award for Business Excellence. The majority of our clients are from the Edmonton and the Northern Alberta area, but our group and employee benefits brokers also service small and medium sized businesses throughout Western Canada, the […]

Marijuana Legalization in Canada & What It Means for Employers

Canada recently legalized recreational cannabis…so what does that mean for employers? Medicinal & Recreational Use In 2017, Health Canada conducted a survey of medicinal cannabis users and here’s what they discovered: 97% per cent of sufferers indicated experiencing some level of relief 72% reported they were able to decrease their use of opioids and other […]

Green Shield Canada – SMARTspend Benefits Plan

Mental health support and complete drug coverage are both central in the new SMARTspend benefits plan by Green Shield Canada. Although massage therapy coverage has been terminated, the SMARTspend benefits plan is a revolutionary product by Green Shield Canada that will focus on: Better support for mental health Options for digital mental health support 100% […]

Top 10 Workforce Priorities: Survey

Employee productivity and engagement, wellness, and attracting and retaining employees are among the top workforce priorities for Canadian employers, according to a new survey The survey polled approximately 200 Canadian plan sponsors in relation to their group benefits, priorities in the workforce, and more. Top 10 Priorities Employee productivity/engagement Employee wellness Attracting, retaining employees; developing skills for […]

Key Estate Planning Questions to Ask Yourself

Do You Know What Estate Planning Questions to Ask? Estate planning is organizing a tax-efficient transfer of your assets to family members, specific people or charities. Your estate plan will determine who should receive assets, and when proceeds of your estate should be distributed. Plus any other financial or contractual obligations. If you own a […]