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Through writing my posts I have enjoyed discovering the history of our long weekends.  Wikipedia has an interesting write up on Victoria Day . This holiday has been observed in Canada since 1845 and it use to be quite the celebration.  Queen Victoria was considered "The Mother of Confederation" and following the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, May 24 was made by law to…

Since I am active, I find my circle of friends and influence are active as well.  On several occasions, I have heard mentioned, "Why am I not rewarded with my MSP and Insurance Premiums for being active and eating healthy?" Manulife has answered your requests with a 20 Year Term Life Insurance contract called Vitality that rewards you for having…

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…