Schedule

Disability Innovation: Past, Present and Future and what it means for Advisors and Plan Sponsors

On the Benefits Alliance Stage

Data analytics, tools and how do advisors assess the differences to help plan sponsors effectively manage LTD claims cost to ensure future sustainability of this product.

Tammy Phelps is the Regional Vice President, National Accounts at Empire Life leading our national sales service team. She has been delivering ideas and solutions within the insurance industry for over 25 years. Having held various senior leadership roles on both the consulting and insurance carrier side of the business she brings a unique perspective to strategic planning. As a result, she understands the perspective of all stakeholders involved in the benefits industry and leverages this to surface winning solutions for her carrier partner relationships. Tammy remains committed to providing ongoing education to the industry through her volunteer work with CEBS and CPBI.

Vanessa is the Product and Marketing Vice President for Group Solutions at Empire Life. Prior to joining Empire, Vanessa held senior marketing and communications roles in the financial services and insurance sectors including Chief Marketing Officer at GE Capital and Vice President and VP/Head of Commercial Marketing for HSBC North America. Vanessa graduated from the University of Toronto with an MSc and has completed the three levels of the CFA. Vanessa is passionate about philanthropy and past volunteer roles include Director and Treasurer of the BC SPCA and executive United Way sponsor at GE Capital.

More than 1 or 2

On the Benefits Alliance Stage

Vision care has never been a hot topic at the benefits table yet losing one’s eye sight is a top fear. So together we will dig deeper into the world of eyecare. Opening your eyes to all the services Optometrist can offer your members from disease detection to boosting confidence to increased productivity. With proper eye health members win and employers win.

Dr Alan Ulsifer, Chair and CEO of FYidoctors, graduated from the University of Waterloo as an optometrist in 1990, where he was acknowledged for several awards in clinical achievement, including the Ontario Association of Optometrists Award for Excellence in Patient Management. In 2008, Dr. Ulsifer oversaw the creation of FYidoctors, which still stands as the largest business merger in Canadian history in terms of the number of companies involved. He was awarded the Ernst 5 and Young Emerging Entrepreneur Award for Western Canada in 2008 and the Top Canadian Entrepreneur Award in 2012. Dr. Alan Ulsifer has served on many Boards over the years and has an ICD.D designation. He currently serves as CEO & Chair of the FYihealth Group

Susanna Di Cesare, Director, Strategic Partnerships: has been in the eyecare industry for over 15 years. Throughout her career she has worked on the product side and professional side managing retail, big box, on-line and optometric identities. She joined FYidoctors in 2020 as she believes in their values and vision to enhance lives and elevate the eyecare industry. She has strategized and executed numerous innovative projects supporting this mission throughout her career.

Connecting the dots with Patient Navigation

On the Benefits Alliance Stage

In a world of artificial intelligence and personalization of benefits plans, the plan members’ journey is evolving rapidly. While a common question today “what does the booklet say”, does all of this disappear with care pathways and technology? Yes. Connecting the dots for plan members in their time of need – and going a step further to suggest what the plan member is not even looking for, but could help them in improving health outcomes elevates the plan member experience to another level. And for advisors, benefits plans that connect the dots generate rich data providing value to the advisor / client relationship. During this session we will explore the art of the possible, emerging technologies and thinking, as well as examples of care pathways that provides solutions to plan members journeys with chronic disease. As a key takeaway, we hope your tool box is filled with thought provoking questions for providers in the benefits space.

Bio Coming Soon…

Critical Illness – Why the need, what it provides

On the Benefits Alliance Stage

Understanding the likelihood of an individual having a CI event and understanding the impact of CI payments to a recipient who has had a CI event.

With over 10 years of experience in the employee benefits industry, I am a passionate and strategic leader who drives growth and innovation for Allstate Benefits as the National Vice President of Sales and Distribution Alliances. In this role, I oversee the development and execution of the national sales strategy, as well as the management and expansion of the distribution network across Canada. I leverage my expertise in employee benefits, customer relationship management, and strategic relationships to deliver value-added solutions that meet the needs of our clients and partners. I also contribute to the vision and mission of Allstate Benefits, which is to provide best-in-class voluntary benefits to Canadian employers and employees. I am motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives and well-being of millions of Canadians through our products and services. I am proud to be part of a diverse and inclusive team that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

Beyond Finances: Enhancing Retirement Readiness with Lifestyle Planning

On the Benefits Alliance Stage

Retirement “lifestyle” planning might appear to fall outside the scope of workplace benefits, but there are compelling reasons to incorporate it into your work with your clients. Join Retirement Coach, Tammy Vigue, for a unique perspective on why lifestyle planning matters more than ever!

Tammy Vigue is a retirement coach and consultant with over twenty years of experience in the pension and investment industry, including a decade focused on retirement coaching. Throughout her career, she has advised and educated thousands of employees across Canada on their retirement plans and spoken internationally on retirement lifestyle planning. Tammy’s unique approach, combining her financial industry expertise with her psychology and coaching background, addresses the often-overlooked emotional and psychological aspects of retirement, helping clients transition into their post-career lives with ease and confidence. She has designed courses and workshops on retirement lifestyle planning and collaborates with advisors, consultants and leading employers to deliver holistic retirement solutions. Tammy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Simon Fraser University and is a Certified Life Coach.

Inclusion, Access and Longevity

On the Benefits Alliance Stage

The quest for healthy outcomes and inclusion drives our practice We are leaning into the global longevity boom for best practices to help create that culture of health we strive for. How an individualized approach resonates with the younger workforces, and drives value for organizations. How our practice is shifting to work for inclusion in the workforce and advocating for healthcare and access to resources for those who need it.

Pascale has over 20 years’ experience in the health insurance industry and founded Mapleston Benefits Consulting (O/A The Benefit Code) in 2012 after working for suppliers such as Canada Life, Green Shield and Global IQX. Pascale is not afraid to drive change. Whether it’s researching best practices globally, introducing new ideas to incorporate science and technology into health benefits or using wellness storytelling to increase plan engagement and improve health, Pascale is continually looking for innovative ways to create healthy employees and drive positive outcomes.

Bridging the Journey – Using an effective brand and clear messaging to build Bridgewell Financial

On the Benefits Alliance Stage

Come and CONNECT with Michael Wortsman, one of the founding partners of Bridgewell Financial – a recent addition to the BA family. Michael will share his experiences of professional growth and development as he progressed from independent advisor to partner at a rapidly-expanding group benefits, insurance and wealth and financial planning firm. That process involved developing an entirely new brand for Bridgewell that reflected his and his partners’ personal values, interests and approach to business. Learn how Michael worked to define Bridgewell’s unique value propositions, along with strategies the Bridgewell team used to effectively communicate their wellness-oriented brand to clients and industry stakeholders. Michael will share his recommendations for others embarking on the brand journey, what he’s learned along the way and what he would change. It’s sure to be an informative and engaging discussion!

Michael has dedicated his career to helping organizations empower their employees’ success with innovative group benefit solutions. “I’ve always found it rewarding to help our clients achieve their business goals, while also giving employees and their families the opportunity to live better by supporting their mental, physical and financial well-being.” That passion has been passed down across generations. Michael earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Concordia University—and soon after the Life License Qualification Program designation for insurance professionals—before joining his father Irwin, a long- time group benefits broker, at the Creative Planning Financial Group in 2001. After several years at CPFG, Michael would go on to launch his own firm, The Employee Benefits Company (TEB/CO). He quickly earned a reputation for his responsiveness, industry knowledge and creative approach to employee benefits program design. He brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as a Bridgewell founding partner. “Our increasingly-globalized economy is creating rapid shifts in almost every industry, so companies need ingenuity and flexibility to compete for talent,” he says. “If we can deliver a bespoke employee benefits program that helps them gain an edge, we’ve done our job.”.

Rhythms of the Economy and Multi-Asset Investing

On the Connect Stage

Stephen Lingard, Co-Head of Multi-Asset and Portfolio Manager of the target risk and target date funds at CI Global Asset Management, will share his insights on the dynamic landscape of the economy and provide a comprehensive analysis into current trends. He will share his views on how to position a retirement portfolio given the economic environment today. Retirement can be tricky at times and understanding how to navigate through the economy can make it a little bit easier.

Stephen Lingard, Senior Vice President, Co-Head of Multi-Asset, brings first-hand global experience to his role as he has studied and worked in Europe, the US, and Asia over his 27+ year career. He joined CI GAM in 2019 as the multi-asset portfolio and research lead, with a macro, equity and alternative strategy focus. Prior to CI GAM, Stephen was Head of Multi-Asset Solutions with Franklin Templeton (Canada/Asia). Before that, he was an investment manager with Fidelity Investments (US & Canada), and prior to that, he was a Bond dealer at Société Générale Asia (Singapore). Stephen is a CFA charterholder with a BSc from Western University and holds an MBA from EU Business School. He is also a member of the Toronto CFA Society and spends his free time with North Toronto Soccer and Leaside Hockey.

Refreshing CAPSA’s Capital Accumulation Plans Guideline: An Overview, and Insights on How Regulators Will Apply

On the Connect Stage

Originally issued in 2004, the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities’ (CAPSA) Capital Accumulation Plans (CAP) Guideline has stood the test of time.  But it was time for a refresh!  Since 2019, CAPSA has been leading a review and update of the CAP Guidelines. Join CAPSA’s David Bartucci, Head, Pension Operations and Regulatory Effectiveness at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) in this session to understand CAPSA’s process used to update and key changes to the document, and provide insight into how CAPSA member regulators will be using the document in their supervisory role. David will also provide a preview of CAPSA’s soon to be released Risk Management Guideline.

David Bartucci is the Head of Head, Pension Operations and Regulatory Effectiveness at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). He was formerly the Head of Stakeholder Relations and Special Projects . David first joined FSRA as the director of policy for pensions in 2019. He also spent nearly one year with the additional responsibility as the Director in FSRA’s Consumer Office. Prior to joining the Regulator, he spent more than a decade in progressively senior positions in the Ontario government.

Communication is Key: Making benefits easier & more accessible to Plan Members

On the Connect Stage

There are many ways that a benefits plan can support the physical and mental health of plan members and their families. But to get the most out of their plan, members need to know what coverage they have, how it can help and how to access those services. Communication is critical to helping plan members and their eligible dependents understand their benefits plan and appreciate its value in supporting their overall health and wellness. Group insurance providers and advisors play a vital role in making the sometimes-complex world of group benefits easy for plan members and their dependents to navigate.

Meghan Vallis has been in the benefits industry since 2006 and in her current position as Group Sales Vice President of Western Canada and myFlex she leads the respective sales teams at Equitable. Meghan is passionate about helping Advisors succeed to transform their client’s employee benefit experience to what Meghan calls braggable benefits. As a full-on benefits nerd, Meghan loves to talk shop and connect with folks in the benefits industry. People rely on Meghan for her unique perspective of the industry, and she is a go-to resource for industry colleagues and clients. Meghan is also the voice behind The Group Advisor Blog

Sofia Colaiacovo started her Group Benefits career with Equitable Life in 2005 working in both service and sales roles, before being promoted to Group Sales Vice President Eastern Canada. In this role Sofia leads the Eastern sales team, focusing on building strong distribution partnerships by adding value and creating mutual opportunity. As part of the Group Leadership team, she is responsible for developing and executing key strategic initiatives to support company growth while continuing to provide advisors, clients and plan members with a better benefits experience.

Pharmacogenomics – A Personalized Approach to Claims Management

On the Connect Stage

An overview of Pharmacogenomics, its positive impact on mental health drug related treatment options and on claims occurrence and duration

Jim English has over 30 year experience in the insurance industry. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1991, Jim spent two years selling individual life insurance with London Life. He started his Group Benefits journey as a Technical Assistant with a small insurance brokerage in Whitby. He joined Manulife a year later holding multiple roles in both Underwriting, Sales and Management over a 19 year career. In 2013, Jim joined RBC Insurance as a Sales Consultant in London, Ontario to help launch a new Health and Dental solution. He is currently Regional Vice President of Group Sales for North & Southwestern Ontario. Jim’s team of six sales consultants manage an inforce block of business in excess of $125 million. Consistently delivering annual sales in excess of $18 million, Jim’s region has been recognized as the top sales region in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Jim’s background in underwriting and sales allows him to engage internal partners to find solutions that meet, and often exceed his advisor’s expectations. He has a proven track record of delivering on promises and building relationships, benefiting his advisor partners. Jim holds a life license and CEBS GBA designation.

Matthew, started his career as an air traffic controller working in Canada’s busiest airspace.  Thriving in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and driven by a passion for sales and connecting with people led him to the group insurance industry.  With more than 15 years of experience in this field, he has spent the last 6 years working at RBC Insurance. Currently as Regional Vice President of the GTA team, Matthew leads a team of 8 sales consultants at one of the fastest growing carriers in Canada.  Matthew’s unique background and extensive industry experience enable him to effectively guide his team and deliver exceptional growth and retention results for their advisor and their clients.