Pamela Glendinning

Misuse and abuse of narcotics are becoming far to common. Green Shield is the company that handles the administration for the Extended Health and Dental claims for the majority of the Third Party Administrators (TPA).  Examples of TPAs are the Chamber of Commerce plan, Rwam Insurance through Capri Insurance, and the TPAs I use are Encon and Benefits by Design.  Green Shield…

I am excited to announce that Empire Life has a new mobile solution that lets employees access their benefits anytime, anywhere. The new plan member mobile solution, announced in December 2016, makes it easier than ever for employees to access their benefits. Now, from any mobile device, they can connect directly to our plan member website…

I am a member of the CPHR (Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia & Yukon) formerly known as HRMA (Human Resources Management Association).  Every month they offer Roundtables in Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton.  I find these roundtables very informative and of great assistance to my work as an Employee Benefit Specialist. I would…

Since 1998, NOW Canada has been providing front-line programs and services for women and youth who have experienced addictions, abuse, sexual exploitation and mental health challenges. Along with Karis Support Society, it never ceases to amaze me how passionate the organization and the people working in them are.  I hope to see you at the…

At first glance the new rules around a Maternity Leave might seem like the government has provided a very generous offer.  The Maternity Leave can be extended to 18 months, however the Government is providing the same amount of money.  This means if the parent so chooses to take the extended leave, instead of the parent receiving 55%…

Benefits Canada did a piece on Workers Compensation Board (Work Safe) and marijuana.  Workers Compensation Board are asking for Employers to develop a policy for marijuana in the work place prior to legalization.  They also ask about testing for marijuana, which is not something an employer can randomly do. Does Medical Marijuana make an employee impaired and if…

We own a Fit Bit or an Apple Watch and are recording all that we do in a day to stay healthy.  What do we do with that information?  Manulife is offering a Life Insurance product where they reward you for living a healthy lifestyle.  The product is called Vitality, which provides rewards and potential premium…

Norton Rose Fulbright, is an International Law Firm, and through their Global Work Place Insider, they blogged on a Provincial Court of Nova Scotia decision on Medical Marijuana: "On January 30, 2017, a Board of Inquiry, formed as part of the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia, issued its decision in Skinner v. Board of Trustees of the Canadian…

CBC News announced, the government is projecting an overall surplus of $295 million for the 2017-18 fiscal year.  British Columbia and Quebec are the only two provinces in Canada that have posted surpluses in the past two years. As part of its 2017 budget, the Liberal government announced approximately two million British Columbians will have their…