The Latest
Submission to the Canadian Transportation Agency in response to the Public Consultation on the Development of New Airline Refund Requirements
Published on 01/03/2021
Insurance > Federal LegislationOn March 1, the CLHIA responded to a Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) consultation on proposed changes to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations as a result of the experience with trip cancellations and interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the proposed changes will not be retroactive, the CLHIA pointed out the dissatisfaction many Canadians have expressed with having received a voucher. Any government funding paid to the airlines should come with a stipulation that airlines must reimburse consumers so-affected. In Canada, the CTA has allowed airlines to issue vouchers for credit instead of full refunds. In other jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Europe and the US, tighter regulations have required refunds and stipulate the turnaround time, as well as other requirements.
CLHIA opens Western Canada government affairs office
Published on 23/02/2021
CLHIA Governance > StaffCLHIA Budget 2021 Submission to the Department of Finance
Published on 22/02/2021
Capital and Assets Health Care Policy Pensions and Retirement Prescription Drug Costs Trade & Commerce > Long-term investments Retirement Income System Reviews Drug pricing Pharmacare PrivacyOn February 21, the CLHIA made its submission to the federal government in advance of budget 2021, including seven recommendations. In addition to long-standing recommendations such as supporting workplace and individual drug plans and eliminating the capital tax on Canadian financial institutions, this year the CLHIA also recommended the establishment of a 20-year federal debt instrument in order to aid in economic recovery. The submission also urges the government move ahead expeditiously with Bill C-11 to ensure a modernized and coherent regulatory framework across Canada.
Submission to the Canadian Government on a Possible Economic Partnership Agreement with Indonesia
Published on 22/02/2021
International > International TradeOn February 22, the CLHIA provided its views to the government of Canada on a possible comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Indonesia. Given the international operations of the industry and its presence in Indonesia, the industry is supportive of entering into such an agreement with the country. The submission highlighted key issues that need to be considered as part of the economic partnership agreement, including further opening the Indonesia market to foreign investment and the free flow of data across borders. The full submission can be found here.
Manitoba 2021 Pre-Budget Submission
Published on 18/02/2021
Government Relations > Government MonitoringOn February 18, the CLHIA made its submission to the Manitoba 2021 pre-budget consultation. The document makes five recommendations including those geared towards protecting workplace and individual health benefits and removing tax disincentives on insurance.
Ontario 2021 Pre-Budget Submission
Published on 11/02/2021
Insurance > Provincial & Territorial LegislationOn February 11, the CLHIA submitted its recommendations to the government of Ontario in advance of its 2021 budget. The submission made seven recommendations including supporting access to affordable prescription drugs, protecting vulnerable Ontario seniors from financial exploitation and reducing and eventually eliminating the retail sales and premium taxes on life and health insurance.
New Brunswick 2021-22 Pre-Budget Consultation
Published on 11/02/2021
Insurance > Provincial & Territorial LegislationOn February 11, the CLHIA made its submission to the government of New Brunswick in advance of its 2021 budget. The submission made seven recommendations including supporting access to affordable prescription drugs, modernizing the agent licensing regime and prohibiting self-insured employer long-term disability benefits.
Letter to Ontario MPPs Re: Bill 219, Life Settlements and Loans Act
Published on 25/01/2021
Insurance > Provincial & Territorial LegislationPrince Edward Island 2021 Pre-Budget Submission
Published on 22/01/2021
Government Relations Insurance > Government Monitoring Provincial & Territorial LegislationOn January 22, the CLHIA submitted its comments to the Prince Edward Island government in advance of its 2021 budget. The submission made five recommendations including supporting access to affordable prescription drugs, pension innovation to provide more secure retirement income options and removing tax disincentives on insurance.
GFIA highlights insurance industry cyber-awareness initiatives
Published on 21/01/2021
International > Network of Insurance AssociationsCLHIA's submission to the Ontario Low-Carbon Hydrogen Strategy Consultation
Published on 18/01/2021
Sustainability and Climate Change > Government MonitoringOn January 18, the CLHIA submitted its comments to the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks in response to its consultation on the development of a low-carbon hydrogen strategy. The submission highlighted the industry’s support for the government creating new opportunities for investment in sustainable, long-term infrastructure assets.
Submission to the Department of Finance on Federally Regulated Private Pension Plans
Published on 18/01/2021
Pensions and Retirement > Employer pension plans Retirement Income System ReviewsOn January 14th, the CLHIA made its submission to a Finance Canada consultation on “Strengthening Canadians’ Retirement Security – Proposals to Support the Sustainability of and Strengthen the Framework for Federally Regulated Private Pension Plans.” The submission commended the department for initiating this consultation on the security and governance of Canada’s pension plans. However, it also proposed some enhancements to the proposal to ensure that they are workable and provide necessary retirement income security so that Canadians may retire with confidence:
CLHIA submission to Nova Scotia in response to the 2021-22 Pre-Budget Consultation
Published on 18/12/2020
Taxation Pensions and Retirement Prescription Drug Costs Group Insurance > Provincial and Territorial Taxation Policyholder Tax Annuities Employer pension plans Drug pricing Generic drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information Employee benefit plansOn December 18, the CLHIA submitted its recommendations to the Government of Nova Scotia in advance of its 2021 budget. The submission focuses on supporting access to affordable prescription drugs, pension innovation, removing tax disincentives on insurance, enhancing infrastructure investment opportunities and impacts of climate change on the industry.
CLHIA becomes supporter of United Nations initiative on sustainable insurance
Published on 15/12/2020
International > International MonitoringPrince Edward Island becomes fifth province to update insurance act
Published on 11/12/2020
Insurance > Provincial & Territorial LegislationAdvancing the sustainable agenda: Perspectives on insurers’ capacity as sustainable investors
Published on 09/12/2020
International > Network of Insurance AssociationsThe global insurance industry is committed to contributing to collective efforts to make the global economy more sustainable. Aside from their efforts to enhance adaptation and the mitigation of climate risks, insurers also contribute through their role as investors in sustainable assets. In December, the Global Federation of Insurance Associations (GFIA) published a paper, Advancing the sustainable agenda: Perspectives on insurers’ capacity as sustainable investors. The CLHIA participated in the GFIA Climate Change Working Group responsible for drafting the paper.
CLHIA submission to Alberta re: 2021 pre-budget consultations
Published on 01/12/2020
Government Relations > Government MonitoringOn December 1, the CLHIA submitted its recommendations to the Government of Alberta in advance of its 2021 budget. The submission focuses on supporting access to affordable prescription drugs, pension innovation, removing tax disincentives on insurance and enhancing infrastructure investment opportunities.
Advisory: Understanding your medical insurance options for travel outside Canada
Published on 25/11/2020
Group Insurance > Travel insuranceStatement: CLHIA comments on the 2020 Ontario Budget
Published on 05/11/2020
Government Relations > Government MonitoringCLHIA welcomes final guidelines to keep prescription medications affordable
Published on 23/10/2020
Prescription Drug Costs > Catastrophic drug coverage Drug pricing Generic drug pricing2020 Ontario Fall Budget Submission
Published on 16/10/2020
Distribution Prescription Drug Costs > Advisor regulatory requirements Market conduct Sales practices Drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information PharmacareOn October 16, the CLHIA submitted its recommendations to Ontario’s Minister of Finance in advance of the Ontario’s 2020 budget. The submission focused on protecting group health benefits plans, increasing access to prescription medications, pension innovation, reducing premium taxes and financial titling. The submission generated interest from several media outlets including Benefits Canada.
Submission to the Competition Bureau of Canada regarding Digital Transformation of the Health Care Sector
Published on 09/10/2020
Health Care Policy > Business continuation / pandemic planningThe Competition Bureau of Canada consulted with stakeholders and Canadians regarding the barriers encountered when seeking health care virtually. Initially when the pandemic and states of emergency were declared back in March 2020, most non-emergency health care stopped. Soon after health care providers moved to offering virtual care wherever possible and insurers worked to understand what care could be provided effectively through virtual means. Among the areas impacted were health claims adjudication, including dental and prescription drugs; prior-authorizations and disability assessments where prescribers no longer provide “observed” criteria but rather “patient-reported” outcomes from a virtual consultation; and virtual rehabilitation programs for those on disability. The CLHIA’s submission makes a number of recommendations in the area of virtual care. First, regulatory colleges must move quickly to put regulations in place regarding virtual care scope of practice with consistency amongst jurisdictions being a prime goal. There needs to be documentation and reporting standards developed to ensure transparency regarding the services provided virtually. Other barriers to consider include privacy concerns, security of technology, linguistic challenges along with other more structural barriers.
Submission to the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services regarding Private Sector Privacy Reform
Published on 30/09/2020
Trade & Commerce > PrivacyOn September 30, the CLHIA submitted its comments in response to the government’s discussion paper “Ontario’s Private Sector Privacy Reform: Improving private sector privacy for Ontarians in a digital age.” The CLHIA recommended that Ontario wait until the federal government introduces its updates to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) before implementing any private sector privacy reforms.
CLHIA Submission on Bill 64: An Act to modernize legislative provisions as regards the protection of personal information
Published on 25/09/2020
Trade & Commerce > PrivacyOn September 25, the CLHIA submitted its views to the Government of Quebec regarding Bill 64, An Act to modernize legislative provisions as regards the protection of personal information. CLHIA’s submission outlines the industry’s concerns with how the provisions of the bill differ significantly from other existing privacy legislation in Canada as well as concerns with how the bill will impede on the free flow of data across borders. Further technical comments on the legislation are also provided.
Statement: Prescription drug benefits have remained resilient during COVID-19
Published on 16/09/2020
Prescription Drug Costs Group Insurance > Provincial & territorial drug program information Employee benefit plansLife and health insurers made a record $103 billion in benefits payments in 2019
Published on 15/09/2020
Group Insurance Health Care Policy Prescription Drug Costs Taxation Capital and Assets > Coordination of benefits Dental insurance Employee benefit plans Travel insurance Generic drug pricing Drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information Provincial and Territorial Taxation Policyholder Tax Long-term investmentsGlobal Federation of Insurance Associations (GFIA) releases new position paper on climate adaptation and mitigation
Published on 03/09/2020
International > International Monitoring Network of Insurance AssociationsOn September 3, GFIA released a position paper outlining the role insurers around the world can play in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The position paper was drafted in consultation with GFIA’s Climate Change Working Group, which the CLHIA participates in.
Letter to Alberta Health re: "Proposals to Amend the Health Professions Act to Improve Regulatory Effectiveness and Efficiency"
Published on 18/08/2020
Group Insurance > Regulated professionsOn August 18, the CLHIA responded to a consultation on the proposed modernization of Alberta’s Health Professions Act, which governs 28 regulated professions within 25 regulatory colleges. The CLHIA commented on six of the proposals, largely supporting the recommendations, while offering suggestions about a central registry and the complaints and discipline process. The objectives of modernization include enhancing governance and discipline in the professions, increasing transparency to Albertans and enhancing provisions for engagement and collaboration, amongst others. Some of the ways that the government proposes to achieve their objectives include separating all associations from their corresponding college, establishing separate government or oversight bodies for registries of providers as well as for the complaint process, and reducing the numbers of colleges. This means combining regulatory colleges, such as a college for oral health professionals that would govern dental hygienists, denturists, dentists and dental assistants. Combining colleges is expected to make regulation easier and reduce duplication of resource requirements.
Letter to BC PIPA regarding the review of the Personal Information Protection Act
Published on 10/08/2020
Trade & Commerce > PrivacyOn August 10, the CLHIA submitted a letter to the BC Legislature’s Special Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) which highlighted the life and health insurance industry’s views on several key issues with the current legislation. The letter covers disclosure of personal information without consent in the context of fraud, privacy breach notification, access rights involving medical information, access rights used for litigation purposes, and cross-border data flows. It also reinforced the importance of PIPA remaining substantially similar to the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Document Act (PIPEDA) and to maintain adequacy status in relation to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
2021 Pre-Budget Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance
Published on 06/08/2020
Capital and Assets Group Insurance Health Care Policy Prescription Drug Costs > Long-term investments Coordination of benefits Employee benefit plans PharmacareOn August 6, the CLHIA provided the life and health insurance industry’s recommendations for the 2021 Federal Budget to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. The CLHIA highlighted the need to implement changes to the Patented Medicine Regulations as planned on January 1, 2021, the industry’s wish to work with the government as it updates its privacy legislation to ensure a balanced approach between an individual’s right to control their personal information, and the need to maintain a vibrant and sustainable insurance market, among other recommendations.
Submission to the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board on the proposed draft guidelines
Published on 05/08/2020
Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing PharmacarePMPRB Consultation On August 5, the CLHIA responded to the June 20 Patented Medicines Pricing Review Board (PMPRB) consultation on its revised draft guidelines. The Guidelines will support the government’s implementation of the amended Patented Medicines Regulations planned for January 1, 2021. The CLHIA continued to provide the industry’s support for the planned reforms. We indicated that in our view, the proposed changes strike the right balance between reducing the high cost of prescription drugs in Canada, while also continuing to ensure Canadians have access to affordable and necessary medications. We also reinforced the importance of moving forward as planned on January 1, 2021 without further delays. CLHIA will continue to monitor for any updates. The final guidelines are expected to be available in the next few months in preparation for the January 1 implementation.
Advisory: Planning out-of-country travel? Make talking with your insurer part of your plans
Published on 07/07/2020
Group Insurance > Travel insuranceGiven the federal government’s global "avoid all non-essential travel" advisory, individual insurance for non-essential travel purposes is not being sold. The closure of the US border remains in effect until at least September 21. Despite these measures, some international destinations such as the European Union have reduced or eliminated travel restrictions for Canadians. Canadian businesses involved in the travel industry, such as airlines, are putting tremendous pressure on the Canadian government to lift travel restrictions.
Given this situation and the fact that travelling Canadians may not be aware of the questions that they should ask before making arrangements, the CLHIA and its members have put together a consumer advisory with questions and considerations for Canadians to think about or reach out to their insurer with. There is a communication plan for social media to distribute to other stakeholders such as CCIR, and to circulate to media. This advisory will remain evergreen as the situation with respect to travel continues to evolve.
Submission to OSC re 52-112 Non-GAAP and other Financial Measures Disclosure
Published on 29/06/2020
Capital and Assets Financial Reporting > Securities Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)On June 29, the CLHIA responded to a consultation issued by the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) on the proposed National Instrument 52-112 Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosures that lays out guidance for reporting issuers to follow when disclosing non-GAAP and other financial measures in published documents. While we support the overall goal of the proposed instrument to provide high quality financial information to the users of published financial reports, the CLHIA provided some specific recommendations to enhance the clarity of the final standard and lower the compliance burden on our members that will be impacted by the proposed instrument.
2021 British Columbia Pre-Budget Submission
Published on 24/06/2020
Capital and Assets Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs Taxation > Long-term investments Employee benefit plans Drug pricing PharmacareOn June 25, the CLHIA shared the life and health insurance industry’s recommendations for the 2021 British Columbia budget with the province’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. Recommendations notably included: supporting workplace and individual drug plans that currently provide millions of B.C. residents with comprehensive access to prescription drugs; leveraging the industry’s investment capacity to accelerate long-term infrastructure projects; creating more opportunities for insurers to invest in assets that meet sustainability goals; and reducing and eventually eliminating the premium tax on life and health insurance premiums.
Advisory: Health Protection Standards for Paramedical Lab Testing for Insurance During COVID-19
Published on 09/06/2020
Risk Management > UnderwritingIn response to provinces that are beginning to resume non-emergency health services, the CLHIA issued an advisory on June 9 to raise awareness of paramedical lab testing for insurance. Life and health insurers are urging governments and providers to ensure appropriate health protection standards are met to protect the health and safety of our clients and the broader community.
CLHIA Submission on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program
Published on 04/06/2020
Government Relations > Government MonitoringOn June 4, the CLHIA shared the life and health insurance industry’s views on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program with the federal government. The CLHIA supports the CEWS and believes it is crucial to help sustain the employer-employee linkage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CLHIA highlighted that there continues to be uncertainty over the eligibility criteria among some of our members and that more clarity and useful FAQs would be helpful.
Jean-François Chalifoux elected as CLHIA Chair
Published on 08/06/2020
CLHIA Governance > Board of DirectorsThe members of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association have elected Jean-François Chalifoux, Chief Executive Officer of SSQ Insurance as Chair.
Founded in 1944, SSQ Insurance is now one of the largest insurance companies in Canada, with $13 billion in assets under management.
Jean-François holds a bachelor's degree in actuarial sciences from Laval University, is a Fellow of both the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society, and is a graduate of the Queen’s Executive Development Program. Prior to joining SSQ Insurance in 2015, he held several executive roles with major Canadian insurance companies.
Letters to BC Government Re: Medical lab tests for insurance applications
Published on 29/05/2020
Risk Management > UnderwritingThe CLHIA sent letters to the Minister of Health and the Minister of Finance in British Columbia with respect to paramedical lab testing for insurance applications. The letters were in response to concerns raised publicly by an advisor in that province criticizing the industry for our approach to accepting test results during COVID-19. The CLHIA advised the Ministers of some temporary changes that have been immplemented since COVID-19 with respect to insurance applications and steps taken by member companies to ensure Canadians continue to receive insurance coverage.
Statement: Update on Canada’s life and health insurers’ response to COVID-19
Published on 01/05/2020
Group Insurance > Employee benefit plansBeneficial Ownership Transparency Consultations: Canada and British Columbia - input from CLHIA
Published on 30/04/2020
Compliance > Anti-money laundering/anti-terrorist financingOn April 30, the CLHIA responded to federal and British Columbia consultations, expressing support for the creation of a registry of beneficial owners of corporations. A registry could improve transparency and streamline interactions between insurers and their clients by enabling insurers to collect ownership information directly from the registry.
The submission highlights the importance that information contained in the registry be reliable, accurate, complete and current, since there would be an expectation that financial institutions would consult the registry. The database should also be sufficiently flexible to accommodate new forms of digital identification.
Governments should use tools at their disposal, such as auto-populating with licensing and tax information, to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the registry.
CLHIA welcomes New Brunswick’s announcement on prescription limits for drugs with strong supplies
Published on 24/04/2020
Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program informationAdvisory: Insurers are asking clients to use on-line portals to check the status of the travel claims
Published on 16/04/2020
Group Insurance > Travel insuranceRequest to the Canada Revenue Agency to suspend minimum employer contributions to DC pensions
Published on 13/04/2020
Pensions and Retirement > Employer pension plansMultiple employers who sponsor defined contribution pension plans have expressed concern to CLHIA members about their inability to make required pension contributions given reduced cash flow due to COVID-19. Partly in response to a CLHIA request, the CRA has announced that, for the remainder of 2020, it will waive the 1 per cent “minimum contribution requirement” set out in Registered Plans Directorate Newsletter 91-4R. Note that this is not automatic and is subject to filing of a plan amendment with the CRA. A parallel amendment may also be required with the relevant regulator under pension benefits legislation.
Statement from the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
Published on 08/04/2020
Government Relations > Government MonitoringAdvisory: Travel cancellation insurance and airline vouchers or credits
Published on 01/04/2020
Group Insurance > Travel insuranceLetter to Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (CAPSA) re: Quarterly Meeting COVID-19 Responses
Published on 27/03/2020
Pensions and Retirement > Public pensions (OAS/CPP/QPP/GIS) Pooled registered pension plans/PRPPs (and provincial variations) Registered Products (RRSP, LIRA, RRIF)Each Spring, the CLHIA meets with the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (CAPSA) to recommend issues for consideration in their 3-year strategic plan. This year, the CLHIA made two separate submissions as part of this process, separating COVID-19 priorities and longer-term objectives. Near-term deferral of reporting, pension contribution relief and enhanced withdrawal options to address financial hardship usurped much of CAPSA's longer-term planning agenda. At present, there does not appear to be a coordinated response by pension regulators to COVID-19, although some contribution suspension appears to be forthcoming based on follow-up discussions with individual regulators. While federally regulated pension plans have had limits imposed on de-risking when significantly under-funded, other regulators have not adopted such restrictions; these measures should have limited negative impact on annuity purchases.
Letter to the Secretariat of the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (CAPSA) re: Quarterly Meeting 3 year planning priorities
Published on 27/03/2020
Pensions and Retirement > Public pensions (OAS/CPP/QPP/GIS) Pooled registered pension plans/PRPPs (and provincial variations) Employer pension plans Registered Products (RRSP, LIRA, RRIF)Travel insurers confirm individual health insurance coverage for commercial truckers
Published on 25/03/2020
Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans Travel insuranceUrgent notice for Canadians currently in the USA and abroad
Published on 20/03/2020
Government Relations Group Insurance > Government Monitoring Travel insuranceInsurers confirm continued out-of-country health insurance coverage for commercial trucking industry
Published on 19/03/2020
Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans Travel insuranceAdvisory: Travel insurers prioritizing calls of those abroad needing immediate assistance
Published on 17/03/2020
Group Insurance > Travel insuranceCOVID-19: Statement from the life and health insurance industry
Published on 13/03/2020
Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans Travel insuranceInsurers welcome Insurance Act changes to protect vulnerable seniors
Published on 11/03/2020
Insurance > Provincial & Territorial LegislationLetter to the Prime Minister in support of the amendments to Patented Medicines Regulations
Published on 03/03/2020
Prescription Drug Costs > Pharmacare2020 Ontario Budget Submission
Published on 02/03/2020
Capital and Assets Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs Taxation > Long-term investments Employee benefit plans Drug pricing Pharmacare Premium taxLetter to Chairman Hoogervost re: Ensuring a common global adoption date for IFRS 17
Published on 02/03/2020
Financial Reporting > International Financial Reporting StandardsConsistent with the CLHIA’s recommendations to the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) in its letter dated March 2, the IASB voted on March 17 in favour of both:
In its deliberations, the IASB reiterated some of the key considerations emphasized by the CLHIA, in particular, the importance of a common global adoption date and the potentially adverse effects for insurers in Canada and certain other regions if they were forced to implement IFRS 17 before Europe. The IASB has concluded its deliberations on the amendments to IFRS 17 and aims to publish the final standard in the second quarter of this year. The CLHIA would like to thank members for their support throughout the IASB’s consultation period in working toward an improved standard. We will continue to collaborate with members on the IFRS 17 Working Group to assess the impacts of the amended standard and ensure a robust implementation in Canada.
Letter to the Canadian Accounting Standards Board re: Ensuring a common global adoption date for IFRS 17
Published on 27/02/2020
Financial Reporting > International Financial Reporting Standards2020 New Brunswick Pre-Budget Submission
Published on 25/02/2020
Capital and Assets Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs Taxation > Long-term investments Employee benefit plans Drug pricing Pharmacare Premium tax2020 Prince Edward Island Pre-Budget Submission
Published on 25/02/2020
Capital and Assets Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs Taxation > Long-term investments Employee benefit plans Drug pricing Pharmacare Provincial and Territorial Taxation Premium taxCLHIA letter to the Standing Committee on International Trade on the Implementation of CUSMA
Published on 19/02/2020
International > International TradeOn February 19, the CLHIA submitted a letter to the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade calling on the federal government to pass Bill C-4, an act to implement the agreement between Canada, the United States of America, and the United Mexican States (CUSMA) as soon as possible. The letter reiterated the industry's support for the free trade agreement and encouraged the government to maintain the NAFTA Financial Services Committee, which provided a mechanism for regulators in the three countries to share information and discuss areas of concern in the financial services sector.
Patented Medicine Prices Review Board Regulations (PMPRB) Consultation on Draft Guidelines Submission
Published on 14/02/2020
Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricingOn February 14, the CLHIA responded to the Patented Medicines Review Board’s (PMPRB) consultation on draft guidelines to support implementation of the amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations that come into effect July 1, 2020. Our submission was supportive of the proposed changes and we conclude that the proposed changes strike the right balance between reducing the high cost of prescription drugs in Canada, while continuing to ensure Canadians have access to affordable and necessary medications. The industry noted that we will continue to look for ways to support these efforts as the PMPRB moves towards implementation.
2020 Alberta Pre-Budget Submission
Published on 12/02/2020
Capital and Assets Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs Taxation > Long-term investments Employee benefit plans Drug pricing Pharmacare Provincial and Territorial Taxation Premium taxCLHIA Letter to the Canadian Institute of Actuaries regarding national pharmacare
Published on 11/02/2020
Prescription Drug Costs > PharmacareOn February 11, the CLHIA responded to a call for input to inform the creation of a level-2 Canadian Institute of Actuaries public statement on national pharmacare. The submission recommended that any reform of the prescription drug system embody three elements: protecting and enhancing existing benefits plans, providing drug coverage for everyone, and ensuring affordability for consumers and taxpayers, including addressing high cost drugs.
Consultation on ‘Third Party Reports’ and ‘Medical Expert: Reports and Testimony’ Policies
Published on 09/02/2020
Disability > Long term disability2020 Federal Pre-Budget Submission
Published on 04/02/2020
Pensions and Retirement Prescription Drug Costs Taxation Trade & Commerce International > Annuities Registered Products (RRSP, LIRA, RRIF) Drug pricing Pharmacare Federal Taxation Corporate Tax Interprovincial TradeThe CLHIA has submitted the industry’s views to the federal government’s 2020 pre-budget consultation. The submission focused on key policy areas including pharmacare, pensions, the capital tax on financial institutions, climate change, privacy of consumer information and infrastructure investment.
Submission to Ontario Ministry of Finance Re: Individual Pension Plans and Designated Plans
Published on 23/01/2020
Pensions and Retirement > Employer pension plansOn January 23, the CLHIA submitted comments on the Ontario Ministry of Finance’s consultation on the removal of Individual Pension Plans (IPPs) from the broad scope of pension law, as several other provinces have already done. The submission expressed support for this streamlining and cost reduction measure, while cautioning that this could limit protection for spouses and other plan beneficiaries and exemptions from seizure by the member's creditors. The CLHIA recommended further consideration before proceeding with removing IPPs from the ambit of Ontario's Pension Benefits Act.
CLHIA Submission on New Brunswick Restricted Insurance Licensing Regime
Published on 31/01/2020
Distribution > Market conductOn January 31, the CLHIA submitted comments to New Brunswick's consultation on its proposed restricted insurance licensing regime. Overall, the submission was supportive of New Brunswick's efforts to harmonize with the restricted licensing regimes in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In some cases, where the approaches differ between Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the submission recommends a particular approach based on the industry's practical experience.
Submission presented as part of the consultations on the 2020-2021 Quebec budget
Published on 30/01/2020
Taxation > Provincial and Territorial TaxationThe CLHIA met with opposition parties’ political advisors and staff from the Minister of Finance’s office to present recommendations for the 2020-21 Quebec budget. In its submission, the CLHIA stressed the importance of continuing to work with the government to implement measures to better control drug costs. We also explained the need for amendments to the financial sector legislation and for cooperation to find a solution to the problem of trafficking in life insurance policies. Lastly, we addressed the issue of abolishing the compensation tax, as well as the need for continuing efforts to mitigate climate change.
2020 Newfoundland and Labrador Budget Submission
Published on 30/01/2020
Taxation > Provincial and Territorial TaxationCLHIA Comments on FSRA Guidance Framework 2020
Published on 24/01/2020
Compliance > Fair treatment of customers (FTC)On January 24, the CLHIA responded to FSRA's consultation on its new guidance framework, which will standardize the guidance it issues across regulated sectors. FSRA will use four distinct types of guidance to support requirements set out in legislation, regulations and rules: interpretations, information, approaches, and decisions. Every three to five years, FSRA will review the interpretations, information, and approaches. There is no defined review timeline for decisions. The regulator’s approach will be based on the principles of accountability, effectiveness, efficiency, adaptability, collaboration, and transparency. The CLHIA’s submission is supportive of FSRA's approach, notably the principles-based framework, and indicates the CLHIA’s appreciation for FSRA's collaborative approach and its focus on reducing regulatory burden.
Submission to the Yukon Workers Compensation Health and Safety Board Re: Modernization of the Workers’ Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act
Published on 16/01/2020
Disability > Long term disabilityCLHIA Process on Electronic Declarations
Published on 24/12/2019
Trade & Commerce > Electronic CommerceLetter to the Attorney General of Ontario Re: Bill 161, Smarter and Stronger Justice Act, 2019
Published on 23/12/2019
Insurance > Provincial & Territorial LegislationEnhancing retirement income options for Canadians
Published on 29/11/2019
Pensions and Retirement > CLHIA Pensions and Retirement Policy Paper Public pensions (OAS/CPP/QPP/GIS) Pooled registered pension plans/PRPPs (and provincial variations) Employer pension plansLetter to Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction re: British Columbia Framework for Accessibility Legislation
Published on 29/11/2019
Insurance > Provincial & Territorial LegislationComments on proposals to amend the Health Professions Act in British Columbia re: BC Reg 276/2008 and BC Reg 415/2008
Published on 29/11/2019
Group Insurance > Dental insuranceOn November 29, the CLHIA sent a letter of support to the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia regarding proposed changes to align the Dentists Regulation better to the Health Professions Act. The proposals are considered ‘housekeeping’ changes, given the shared scope of practice statements and restricted activities, including changes to standardized terms to align to the other oral health colleges’ regulations.
Comments on O. Reg. 201/96, Ontario Drug Benefit Act 'Improving Value of Pharmacy Payments'
Published on 27/11/2019
Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program informationOn November 27, the CLHIA wrote to the Ontario Ministry of Health with comments on proposed regulatory changes made in October that affect public drug programs and payments to pharmacists. The government is looking to replace the tiered mark-up and Meds Check budget proposals with a time-limited (until March 31, 2023) reconciliation adjustment process, resulting in an overall reduction in payments. While the proposed changes do not appear to impact private drug plans, the industry is concerned about the unintended consequences of reducing payments to pharmacists to such a degree, and have encouraged the government to involve CLHIA as a stakeholder to implementation.
Comments on O. Reg. 201/96, Regulation 935 'Reducing Administrative Burden to Drug Manufacturers and Pharmacies'
Published on 27/11/2019
Prescription Drug Costs > Provincial & territorial drug program informationComments on Newfoundland's Dementia Care Action Plan Consultations
Published on 25/11/2019
Health Care Policy > Long-term CareCLHIA comments on Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA)'s proposed priorities
Published on 18/11/2019
Distribution > Market conductOn November 18, the CLHIA responded to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario’s (FSRA) public consultation on its draft 2020-21 priorities and budget. Priority areas for the industry include “improving licensing effectiveness and efficiency” and “enhanced market conduct oversight to protect consumers”. The CLHIA indicated support for FSRA’s proposed priorities, noting that a reduction in regulatory burden and improvement to regulatory effectiveness would protect Ontarians and support the industry. It also commented on such proposed priorities as a review of inherited guidance, title protection, sector expertise, the creation of a code of conduct, a new agent conduct team, advisor oversight expectations and MGA oversight. With respect to the budget, there is a proposed payroll increase of $4.9 million for life insurance agent conduct regulation, about which the CLHIA indicated an interest in understanding more.
Submission to Health Workforce Regulatory Oversight Branch re: RNs prescribing medications
Published on 17/11/2019
Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs > Employee benefit plans Provincial & territorial drug program information PharmacareInsurers and healthcare groups collaborate to help providers and patients better understand health insurance benefits
Published on 13/11/2019
Group Insurance > Employee benefit plansSubmission to the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development re: PIPEDA Modernization Proposals
Published on 04/11/2019
Trade & Commerce > Intellectual Property PrivacyThe CLHIA recently responded to a May discussion paper published by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) aimed at modernizing PIPEDA, the private sector privacy legislation that applies to industry members everywhere in Canada except in Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec. In our submission, the CLHIA emphasized the importance of allowing for alternatives or exceptions to consent to facilitate use of personal information by business under specific circumstances including common uses of personal information for reasonable business activities. It also suggested amendments to the legislation to facilitate members’ efforts to fight fraud and confirmed the CLHIA’s interest in recognized voluntary codes of practices and certification schemes. In addition, the CLHIA reiterated its support for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) Ombudsman model while commenting on the possible impact of giving the OPC additional powers.
Submission to the Department of Finance Proposal to Improve the Tax System
Published on 10/10/2019
Taxation Pensions and Retirement > Federal Taxation Tax Deferred Products (RRSP, RESP, TFSA, RDSP, RRIF) AnnuitiesOn October 7, the CLHIA wrote to Finance Canada with recommendations to further expand the decumulation options for Canadians beyond what was promised in the 2019 federal budget. In particular, we advocate that insurers should be allowed to pool Variable Payment Life Annuities (VPLAs) across plans rather than requiring pooling to happen within each plan only. This would allow member to offer stand-alone "aggregator" VPLAs to increase scale and cost effectiveness for consumers. As well, we advocate that Canadians should be able to use savings in their TFSAs to purchase deferred annuities. Technical refinements to the VPLA and Advanced Life Deferred Annuity proposals have also been provided to Finance Canada.
Life and health insurers paid out nearly $100 billion to support Canadians' health and financial security
Published on 05/09/2019
Consumers Disability Distribution Group Insurance Health Care Policy Prescription Drug Costs Taxation > Complaint Handling Long term disability Market conduct Paramedical benefits Dental insurance Employee benefit plans Travel insurance Drug pricing Pharmacare Provincial and Territorial Taxation Policyholder Tax Long-term investmentsEarlier this month, the CLHIA released the annual “Fact book”, which is the most up-to-date collection of data on the life and health insurance industry and the products and services it provides to tens of millions of Canadians.
Data in this year’s edition show that the industry:
The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Facts is produced annually and is a go-to resource for policy makers, journalists, academics, and industry insiders.
CLHIA welcomes amendments to the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board Regulations
Published on 09/08/2019
Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing PharmacareResponse to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada re: Reframed Consultation on Transborder Dataflows
Published on 02/08/2019
Trade & Commerce > PrivacySubmission to Health Canada Re: Draft Guidance (Accelerated Review of Human Drug Submissions)
Published on 22/07/2019
Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program informationOn July 27, the CLHIA responded to Health Canada’s accelerated drug review pathway draft guidance, suggesting revisions in the areas of substantial evidence and promising evidence, as well as transparency in bridging indications from an established indication to a new indication. The CLHIA also suggested that there be more clarity and coordination among the national organizations assessing rare drugs, including Health Canada, pCPA, CADTH and INESSS. The draft guidance is meant to provide assistance to industry regarding the criteria to access an accelerated review, what a Notice of Compliance with conditions (NOCc) means to the manufacturer, the collection of real world evidence for rare diseases as well as other information important to manufacturers and insurers.
Consultation on Comprehensive Review of Yukon Health & Social Services
Published on 28/06/2019
Prescription Drug Costs > Catastrophic drug coverage Drug pricing PharmacareOn June 28, the CLHIA responded to a recently established independent expert panel in Yukon that is reviewing six key areas within the delivery of healthcare and social services. The CLHIA provided comments into two areas of focus. Under Coordination of Care, within and out of territory, we cited areas of private healthcare funding for treatment/services that are being delivered remotely, including cognitive behavioral therapy and some elements of physical therapy programs. A second area of review was Pharmacare and Pharmaceutical Benefits. We agreed with the expert panel’s position that drug prices are too high and must be lowered for all Yukoners, including those with private benefit plans. The CLHIA also agreed on the need to identify those Yukoners lacking coverage or with limited coverage who could benefit from an established list of common medicines and to a coordinated private-public approach to rare diseases.
Submission to Saskatchewan re The Massage Therapists Act
Published on 25/06/2019
Group Insurance > Regulated professionsThe province of Saskatchewan recently signaled its intention to regulate the practice of massage therapy by issuing the draft Massage Therapists Act for comment by stakeholders. In a submission to the Ministry of Health, the CLHIA expressed its support of regulation of massage therapy in Saskatchewan and other unregulated provinces. Regulation puts in place standards of practice, a formal complaints and disciplinary process and enhances the protection of the public in general. In addition, Saskatchewan residents would benefit from the Canadian Revenue Agency’s (CRA) tax-free treatment of services delivered by regulated healthcare providers, as this may increase access to care. Lastly, the CLHIA encouraged protection of titles such as 'Registered Massage Therapist' that are consistent across Canada.
Alka Gautam Elected CLHIA Chair
Published on 25/06/2019
CLHIA Governance > Board of DirectorsBC Submission re: Cayton Report PIPA and Privacy
Published on 14/06/2019
Insurance Trade & Commerce Group Insurance > Provincial & Territorial Legislation Privacy Dental insuranceCLHIA responds to final report of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare
Published on 05/06/2019
Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing PharmacareOn June 12, the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare released its final report. So far the Federal Government response has been muted. The Minister of Health thanked the Council for their report but has not made any commitments with respect to next steps and the Minister of Finance has not made any public statement. The CLHIA news release can be found here.
The highlights of the report include recommendations that:
· Canada should adopt a universal, single-payer public pharmacare program. The program should be phased in over eight years
· The federal government should establish a national standard formulary, and would require that out-of-pocket amounts for individuals be capped at $5 per prescription, with a co-pay of $2 per medicine up to an annual maximum of $100 per household
· The federal government should finance the incremental costs to the provinces of moving to this model via a new dedicated federal transfer to the provinces
· Provinces could opt-in to the program subject to agreeing to the requirements outlined above.
Submission to Health Canada Re: Proposed Generic Drug Regulations
Published on 07/06/2019
Prescription Drug Costs > Generic drug pricingOn June 7, the CLHIA wrote to Health Canada expressing support for its recent proposal to amend the definition of 'equivalence' when evaluating a new generic drug in comparison to the originator. The amended definition would allow a route to market for new generics that are not pharmaceutically equivalent to the reference product, but contain the same identical therapeutically active component, thereby improving choice and potentially resulting in lower costs for plan sponsors and members.
CLHIA announces withdrawal of Guideline G19
Published on 31/05/2019
Distribution > Product disclosure Market conductCLHIA marks its 125th year of promoting the financial security of Canadians
Published on 03/05/2019
CLHIA GovernanceProposed Changes to OHIP Out of Country coverage October 2019
Published on 30/04/2019
Group Insurance > Coordination of benefits Travel insuranceOn April 30, the CLHIA responded to an Ontario government proposal that would see the elimination of emergency health claim reimbursements incurred outside of Canada. The CLHIA’s submission asked for a clear communication plan for Ontarians regarding these changes. The CLHIA also requested the government’s assistance in ensuring that beds are available to Ontarians incurring medical emergencies at destination, and who are ready to return to an Ontario hospital for follow-up care.
CLHIA supports budget proposal to improve retirement options for Canadians
Published on 20/03/2019
Pensions and Retirement > Annuities Retirement Income System Reviews Wealth & RetirementBudget measures offer sensible steps to achieve pharmacare for all who need it
Published on 19/03/2019
Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing PharmacareCLHIA welcomes Saskatchewan court ruling in Ituna, Mosten and Atwater litigation
Published on 18/03/2019
Insurance > Provincial & Territorial LegislationOn March 15, in separate sets of reasons, Justice Brian Scherman of the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench ruled in favour of the three member insurers (Industrial Alliance, Manulife, and BMO Life), dismissing applications brought by three limited partnership policyholders (Ituna, Mosten, and Atwater). The applications were brought seeking a declaration that the policyholders were entitled to deposit unlimited sums of money into the side accounts of universal life policies they had acquired that were issued in the late 1990’s to early 2000’s when interest rates were much higher than today. The CLHIA intervened in the applications because the position taken by the policyholders was contrary to the nature and intended purpose of the product, fundamental insurance law concepts and Canada’s regulatory system. Justice Scherman ruled that the proper interpretation of the contracts was that deposits were limited to those amounts that could be used for the cost of insurance, premium taxes and policy administration fees during the expected life of the insured, as well as amounts used for investment or savings within the policy, up to the accrual tax-exempt limits set in the Income Tax Act. This finding is consistent with the insurers’ licensing, the nature of the product and the absence of any evidence of any other intent by the original purchaser. It provides a harmonious interpretation of premium to the whole policy and would be consistent with an ordinary insured's understanding. The Court found no ambiguity in the policy wording. The CLHIA's press release on the decisions can be found here. The complaints have filed appeals for all three decisions to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal.
