CLHIA Member Centre

Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs Pensions and Retirement > Employee benefit plans Drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information

CLHIA expresses serious concerns with federal pharmacare plan

Published on 29/02/2024

Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs > Employee benefit plans Pharmacare

New Brunswick Budget Submission

Published on 29/02/2024

Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs Pensions and Retirement > Employee benefit plans Drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information

Got questions about critical illness insurance? CLHIA’s latest consumer guide has answers to help you

Published on 22/02/2024

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

Federal 2024 Budget Submission

Published on 09/02/2024

Disability Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs > Long term disability Employee benefit plans Pharmacare

Manager, Policy and Government Relations, Québec

Published on 07/02/2024

Ontario Budget Submission

Published on 31/01/2024

Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs Pensions and Retirement > Employee benefit plans Drug pricing Employer pension plans

Nova Scotia Budget Submission

Published on 26/01/2024

Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs Pensions and Retirement > Employee benefit plans Drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information

Letter to Ontario Ministry of Finance Re: Considerations for Ontario’s Tax and Revenue Collection System Review

Published on 25/01/2024

Taxation > Provincial and Territorial Taxation

Alberta Budget Submission

Published on 19/01/2024

Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs Pensions and Retirement > Employee benefit plans Provincial & territorial drug program information Employer pension plans

Standard best practice on referrals and prescriptions from physicians

Published on 16/01/2024

Group Insurance > Paramedical benefits Employee benefit plans

Newfoundland and Labrador Budget Submission

Published on 22/12/2023

Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs Pensions and Retirement > Employee benefit plans Provincial & territorial drug program information Employer pension plans

Prince Edward Island Budget Submission

Published on 22/12/2023

Group Insurance Pensions and Retirement Prescription Drug Costs > Employee benefit plans Employer pension plans Provincial & territorial drug program information

Submission to the Government of Canada on the Canada Disability Benefit

Published on 21/12/2023

Disability

Submission to the Patented Medicines Pricing Review Board Re: Scoping paper for the consultations of the Board's Guidelines

Published on 20/12/2023

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing

Submission to the government of Newfoundland and Labrador Re: Climate Change Action Plans

Published on 13/12/2023

Sustainability and Climate Change

Public advisory: Hospital capacity may affect the ability of ill or injured travelers to return to hospitals in Canada

Published on 04/12/2023

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

Insurers support Ontario's efforts to modernize submission requirements for "well established" brand and generic prescription drugs

Published on 01/12/2023

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information

Letter to the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta on their updated Standards of Practice

Published on 15/11/2023

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

Wealth and Retirement Conference
November 5, 2024 | Toronto, Ontario

Published on 09/11/2023

Events

Letter to Office of the Legislative Council of Nova Scotia Re: Bill No. 323 - Regulated Health Professions Act

Published on 17/10/2023

Group Insurance > Regulated professions

CLHIA responds to Parliamentary Budget Office’s cost estimate of a single-payer universal drug plan

Published on 12/10/2023

Prescription Drug Costs > Pharmacare

Life and health insurers paid out a record $114 billion, helping make life more affordable in 2022

Published on 26/09/2023

Pensions and Retirement Capital and Assets Group Insurance Taxation > Annuities Employer pension plans Long-term investments Employee benefit plans Federal Taxation Provincial and Territorial Taxation Tax Deferred Products (RRSP, RESP, TFSA, RDSP, RRIF)

Government Relations Advisor

Published on 20/09/2023

Careers

Registered for the Tax Officers Conference happening in Kelowna? Download the CLHIA Event App

Published on 20/09/2023

Events

Statement: Health insurers take measures to continue coverage for those displaced by the McDougall Creek wildfire in British Columbia

Published on 18/08/2023

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

Statement: Health insurers take measures to continue coverage for those displaced by wildfires in the Northwest Territories

Published on 17/08/2023

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

Submission to the Patented Medicines Pricing Review Board - Amendments to the interim guidance Re: New medicines

Published on 17/08/2023

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing

Submission to the Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance: PCPA Temporary Access Process

Published on 17/08/2023

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing

Submission to the Department of Finance Re: Consultation on Strengthening Canada's Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime

Published on 01/08/2023

Compliance > Anti-money laundering/anti-terrorist financing

Submission to the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario on Standard of Practice - Virtual Care

Published on 11/08/2023

Group Insurance > Dental insurance Employee benefit plans

Federal 2024 Pre-Budget Consultation

Published on 08/08/2023

Disability Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs > Long term disability Employee benefit plans Pharmacare

Legal Section Annual Meeting

Published on 27/06/2023

Events

2024 British Columbia Pre-Budget Submission

Published on 26/06/2023

Group Insurance Pensions and Retirement > Employee benefit plans Employer pension plans

Tax Officers Conference

Published on 22/06/2023

Events

Statement: Health insurers take measures to continue coverage for those displaced by Quebec wildfires

Published on 13/06/2023

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

Statement: Health insurers take measures to continue coverage for those displaced by Nova Scotia wildfires

Published on 01/06/2023

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

Denis Ricard elected CLHIA Chair

Published on 30/05/2023

CLHIA Governance > Board of Directors

The members of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association have elected Denis Ricard Chair of our Board of Directors.

Mr. Ricard has been President and Chief Executive Officer of iA Financial Group since September 2018. He is an engaged leader who values employee development in a learning, socially responsible organization.

Mr. Ricard began his career at iA Financial Group in 1985, after completing his actuarial studies at Université Laval. Over the years, he has assumed positions of increasing responsibility in sectors ranging from actuarial to business development to corporate management. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (FCIA) and of the Society of Actuaries (FSA).

Statement on possible WestJet pilots strike and trip cancellation insurance

Published on 16/05/2023

Group Insurance > Travel insurance

Statement: Health insurers take measures to continue coverage for those displaced by Alberta wildfires

Published on 12/05/2023

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

Submission to Health Canada - Agile Licensing for Drugs

Published on 26/04/2023

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing

Health Canada has closed their consultation on new agile licensing regulations for prescription drugs. These regulations will allow Health Canada to provide approval for a drug where all the required evidence has yet to be submitted. Health Canada will be able to place terms and conditions on a new drug, establish rolling reviews where additional clinical information is needed, and require a risk mitigation plan to be put in place. These new regulations will be applied to a specific set of drugs, most commonly emerging drugs for rare diseases, as well as gene and cell therapy. The regulations recognize that these drugs are developed for a small patient population for which standard randomized control trials may not be available and where pharmaceutical companies still need to collect real world evidence for licensing by Health Canada.

CLHIA’s submission makes the critical point that, since the insurance industry has been left out of the federal government’s rare disease framework and funding, these changes will increase the risk of private payers funding drugs that may ultimately prove to be not effective, whereas public payers will have federal government money to lessen their risk.

CLHIA welcomes announcement of cost reporting disclosure changes for investment funds and segregated funds

Published on 20/04/2023

Media

Letter on National Adaptation Strategy

Published on 31/03/2023

Sustainability and Climate Change

On March 31, the CLHIA sent a letter to Minister Guilbeault, the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, applauding the government on its release of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy. We took this opportunity to offer support to the federal government in achieving its goals in two key areas: (1) ensuring greater collaboration between governments, health care providers, and health insurance companies to ensure the health and well-being of Canadians where climate change has impacts; and (2) leveraging the industry’s capacity to invest in infrastructure projects, particularly sustainable assets.

Life and health insurers to tackle benefits fraud through joint investigations

Published on 01/03/2023

Compliance > Fraud risk management

On March 1, CLHIA announced that Canada’s life and health insurers are now working together to conduct joint investigations into suspected of fraudulent activities by health service providers. Building on last year’s launch of a CLHIA-supported industry data pooling program, these initiatives are part of an industry strategy to leverage the knowledge, expertise, and resources of life and health insurers to reduce the time it takes to act on those who are exploiting workplace health benefit plans.

The industry’s anti-fraud work continues to focus on on education as well. CLHIA recently launched a new microsite at protectyourbenefits.ca that includes educational resources on the insurance landscape, and the proper and improper use of incentives in insurance. This resource will be leveraged by insurers to educate plan sponsors and plan members about benefits fraud.

New Brunswick 2023 Budget Submission

Published on 24/02/2023

Group Insurance Pensions and Retirement Sustainability and Climate Change Taxation > Employee benefit plans Employer pension plans Government Monitoring Provincial and Territorial Taxation

Manitoba 2023 Budget Submission

Published on 10/02/2023

Group Insurance Pensions and Retirement > Employee benefit plans Employer pension plans

In the lead up to their respective budgets, the CLHIA provided the following comments to Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Each province should:

· Support workplace benefit plans in light of a new federal program for dental care;
· Support virtual care services through public health care and private health benefit plans;
· Enable automatic features in workplace pension plans and introduce ALDAs and VPLAs as new retirement income options;
· Expand and accelerate long-term infrastructure projects by structuring projects to attract long-term investors; and
· Reduce, and eventually eliminate, tax on life and health insurance premiums.

Federal 2023 Budget Submission

Published on 10/02/2023

Prescription Drug Costs Group Insurance > Provincial & territorial drug program information Pharmacare Dental insurance

On February 10, the CLHIA provided comments to the federal government on key issues in advance of the 2023 budget. The CLHIA recommended the government:

· Support workplace benefit plans in the context of a new dental care program and a rare disease strategy;
· Ensure that the expected Pharmacare Act builds on what is already working today by targeting supports to those without coverage;
· Modernize and update the Premium Reduction Program (PRP) as part of Employment Insurance reform;
· Expeditiously move forward with Bill C-27, which would modernize existing federal private sector privacy legislation to reflect new technologies and innovations. We are asking that the Bill move forward after making some technical refinements;
· Expand and accelerate long-term infrastructure projects by structuring projects to attract long-term investors;
· Broaden the scope of VPLAs including permitting standalone VPLAs;
· Reissue Real Return Bonds (RRBs); and,
· Repeal the sector specific additional tax on our industry.

2023 Ontario Pre-Budget Submission

Published on 10/02/2023

Disability Distribution Group Insurance Health Care Policy Prescription Drug Costs > Long term disability Market conduct Employee benefit plans Long-term Care Provincial & territorial drug program information

On February 10, the CLHIA provided comments to Ontario on key issues in advance of the 2023 budget. The CLHIA recommended the government:

· Enable automatic features in workplace pension plans and introduce ALDAs and VPLAs as new retirement income options;
· Support workplace benefit plans in light of a new federal program for dental care, as well as a provincial portable benefits strategy;
· Support virtual care services through public health care and private health benefit plans;
· Expand and accelerate long-term infrastructure projects by structuring projects to attract long-term investors; and
· Reduce, and eventually eliminate, tax on life and health insurance premiums.

Newfoundland and Labrador 2023 Budget Submission

Published on 10/02/2023

Group Insurance Pensions and Retirement Taxation > Employee benefit plans Employer pension plans Provincial and Territorial Taxation

Nova Scotia 2023 Budget Submission

Published on 03/02/2023

Group Insurance Pensions and Retirement > Employee benefit plans Employer pension plans

On February 3, the CLHIA provided comments to Nova Scotia on key issues in advance of the 2023 provincial budget. The CLHIA recommended the government:

· Support workplace benefit plans in light of a new federal program for dental care;
· Enable automatic features in workplace pension plans and introduce ALDAs and VPLAs as new retirement income options;
· Expand and accelerate long-term infrastructure projects by structuring projects to attract long-term investors; and
· Reduce, and eventually eliminate, tax on life and health insurance premiums.

Prince Edward Island 2023 Provincial Budget Submission

Published on 23/01/2023

Group Insurance Pensions and Retirement > Employee benefit plans Employer pension plans

On January 10, the CLHIA provided its comments to the government of Prince Edward Island on key issues in advance of the 2023-24 operating budget. The CLHIA recommended the government:

Support workplace benefit plans in light of a new federal program for dental care and planned funding for rare disease drugs;

Enable payroll deduction for pension plan contributions as part of its Employment Standards Act review;

Expand and accelerate long-term infrastructure projects by structuring projects to attract long-term investors;

Reduce, and eventually eliminate, tax on life and health insurance premiums; and

Modernize its Insurance Act to update and harmonize with other provincial insurance legislation.

Alberta 2023 Provincial Budget Submission

Published on 20/01/2023

Group Insurance Pensions and Retirement > Employee benefit plans Employer pension plans

On January 12, the CLHIA provided comments to the government of Alberta on key issues in advance of the 2023 budget. The CLHIA recommended the government:

Support workplace benefit plans in light of a new federal program for dental care and planned funding for rare disease drugs;

Enable automatic features in workplace pension plans and introduce ALDAs and VPLAs as new retirement income options;

Expand and accelerate long-term infrastructure projects by structuring projects to attract long-term investors; and

Reduce, and eventually eliminate, tax on life and health insurance premiums.

CLHIA encourages Alberta to move forward with regulating mental health professionals

Published on 17/01/2023

Health Care Policy > Mental health

With the support of previous governments, the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta was created to establish a regulatory body for mental health professionals who are not currently regulated. In the past 12 months however, government momentum to proclaim the regulatory college has stalled. The CLHIA recently submitted a letter of support for proceeding with proclamation of the college, which is fully developed and ready to be enacted. Regulation supports consistency and patient safety by establishing practice scope and educational requirements, as well as providing an avenue for patient complaints. It also serves to expand mental health resources. As many benefit plans reimburse for the services of regulated professionals only, expanding the field of practice decreases wait times and ensures plan members can find the best practitioner for their unique situation.

Mémoire de l'ACCAP consultations prébudgétaires Budget du Québec 2023-2024

Published on 12/01/2023

Health Care Policy Prescription Drug Costs Pensions and Retirement > Generic drug pricing Mental health Employer pension plans

The CLHIA will meet with staff in the Minister of Finance’s office on February 7, to present recommendations for the 2023-2024 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 and to continue to support access to mental health care. We also explained the need for the government to introduce a new financial omnibus that will guarantee a more competitive insurance market and an offer adapted to consumer needs. Lastly, we addressed the need for government to implement more flexible and innovative retirement tools.

Advisory: Current hospital capacity issues are affecting the ability of some travelers to return to Canada

Published on 09/01/2023

Group Insurance > Travel insurance

Submission to the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health -- Real-world evidence for reporting guidance

Published on 06/01/2023

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing

On January 6, the CLHIA responded to a consultation on real-world evidence (RWE) from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH). The guidance addresses topics as data access, linkage and cleaning methods, data sources, participants and their characteristics, outcomes as well as variables. It has been developed by reviewing RWE international guidance with an aim to aligning these initiatives while considering the Canadian context. The CLHIA supports this direction and the opportunity to comment as the provision of RWE is implemented for the review of drugs in Canada.

Real-world evidence may need to be collected for Health Canada-approved prescription drugs that have not gone through full randomized control trials. In many cases, this would be for drugs for rare diseases where there are not enough patients for full randomized control trials. CADTH has developed draft guidance for the provision and collection of RWE after a drug starts being used. The evidence will provide information on whether the drug is successful and should continue to be funded, or unsuccessful and should stop being funded.

CLHIA disappointed by delay of federal drug price review guidelines

Published on 20/12/2022

Media

Submission to the Patented Medicines Pricing Review Board - Draft Guidelines

Published on 05/12/2022

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing

The PMPRB has been consulting with stakeholders for a number of years on implementing a re-designed regime to assess the maximum price ceiling for each new drug coming to Canada. Measures considered included taking into account economic and value factors; revising the list of comparator countries; reviewing prices annually; and other measures.

On July 1, the PMPRB’s new regulations around comparator countries came into effect, but without any other measures. The list of comparator countries was increased from seven to 11, and very high-cost comparators such as the US, were dropped from the list. However, reviews for new drugs coming to market were paused until the guidelines, which really define the criteria for the review of prices, were drafted and stakeholders had an opportunity to comment on them. Final comments were submitted December 5. The PMPRB intends to finalize the guideline by end of year in order to resume reviews of new drugs as soon as possible.

Our industry was given a presentation on the draft and specific areas where PMPRB sought our input. Our industry supports the change to comparator countries and the revised processes indicated in the guidelines. According to the PMPRB’s analysis, altogether these changes for currently approved products will have the effect of a three per cent reduction to list prices. This represents a $3.4 billion impact in present value over 10 years. Roughly 30 per cent of drugs currently on the market will be required to reduce their pricing. For new products to market the impact will be a price reduction of 10 per cent, a $1.6 billion impact.

Submission to BC Financial Service Authority Re: market code of conduct follow-up

Published on 15/11/2022

Distribution > Market conduct

On November 15, the CLHIA responded to two follow-up questions from the British Columbia Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) on its Insurer Code of Market Conduct. These questions followed a formal consultation on the code, which closed in August. The CLHIA also proposed two solutions to promote harmonization:

· Work with the Insurance Council of British Columbia to adopt Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR)/Canadian Insurance Services Regulatory Organization (CISRO) Fair Treatment of Customers (FTC) Guidance; or
· Remove the Supplemental Guideline and permit insurers to use either the FTC Guidance or the BCFSA Code.

Response to CCIR’s consultation on upfront commissions in sales of segregated funds

Published on 07/11/2022

Distribution Insurance > Market conduct Segregated Funds (IVICs)

On November 7, the CLHIA submitted its response to the CCIR/CISRO consultation on upfront commissions in sales of segregated funds. Our submission argues that segregated funds and mutual funds are complementary within an investor's portfolio (not substitutes); providing advice to the mass market will be uneconomical; advice is more important for segregated funds due to their unique features; and the risk of conflict is low since fund switches without incurring chargebacks are allowed to optimize holdings. Finally, we highlight that segregated funds have a long average hold time of nearly eight years. The submission also includes the results of market research conducted by Abacus Data for the industry which show strong satisfaction among buyers of segregated fund products and insurance brokers.

The CLHIA is engaging with regulators on our submission and to discuss next steps.

Submission to AMF on Students Group Insurance

Published on 17/10/2022

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

On October 17, the CLHIA responded to the AMF’s consultation on group insurance offered to student associations in Quebec. The CLHIA commented that students group insurance plans, as designed today with automatic enrollment with an opt-out option, meet a need expressed by student associations and their members, and ensure that all students continue to benefit from coverage available at an affordable cost. Therefore, the CLHIA recommended the AMF should maintain the current regulatory framework allowing for such a plan design. We indicated that not doing so will disadvantage students, including those with low incomes who would not otherwise be able to obtain insurance. Our response provided recommendations for a continued dialogue to optimize communications and coordination by all stakeholders involved in the design and administration of students group insurance plans. The CLHIA will continue to keep the industry updated when the AMF issues its report and makes recommendations to Quebec’s Finance Minister.

Submission to BC regarding implementation of the Financial Institutions Amendment Act, 2019 (Bill 37): Consultation Regarding Restricted Insurance Licenses

Published on 03/10/2022

Distribution > Market conduct

On October 3, the CLHIA responded to the Government of British Columbia’s consultation regarding restricted insurance licences. The CLHIA commended the government’s efforts to promote consistency, simplicity, and harmonization amongst the provinces that have, or will soon have restricted insurance agent licences.

The CLHIA commented on the prospective classes of applicants and insurance as well as on repealing exemptions in BC’s insurance licensing exemptions regulation. Our response also provided detailed comments against limits to commissions, value limits on insurance sold by restricted licence holders, and deferred sales charges models. Finally, the CLHIA addressed transitional considerations, businesses outside of British Columbia being eligible for restricted licences, and strongly discouraged the government from using the term “post-claim underwriting.”

The CLHIA will continue to keep the industry updated when British Columbia’s next steps for this initiative become clearer.

Submission on Modernizing Corporate Governance for Federally Regulated Financial Institutions

Published on 23/09/2022

Government Relations > Government Monitoring

On September 23, the CLHIA provided its comments to the federal government’s consultation on modernizing the governance framework for federally regulated financial institutions (FRFIs). The consultation is considering adapting and applying the Canada Business Corporations Act diversity disclosure requirements to FRFIs. Our submission notes the importance of balancing qualifications with efforts to encourage diversity on boards of directors. The consultation also considers expanding electronic communications, such as electronic distribution of materials and virtual stakeholder meetings. The CLHIA submission expressed support for these measures.

Canadians received a record $113 billion in life and health insurance benefits, 2021 data shows

Published on 15/09/2022

Consumers > CLHIA Consumer Publications

In mid-September, the CLHIA released the 2022 edition of Canadian Life and Health Insurance Facts. This year’s edition shows the important role insurers are playing in the recovery, helping employers and their employees get back on their feet with workplace benefits that help attract and retain talent and contribute to the health of millions.

Among the key facts are that in 2021, Canada’s life and health insurers:

Paid-out a historic $113 billion in benefits last year – up 17 per cent from 2020 and nearly $10 billion above pre-pandemic levels

Provided coverage for over 29 million Canadians – or 76 per cent of the population

Paid a record $40.8 billion in total health claims, including prescription drugs and dental – up 11 per cent from 2020

Processed nearly $600 million in claims related to mental health – up 75 per cent since 2019

Paid out $58 billion in annuities to retirees - up 26 per cent from the previous year

Employed 166,000 Canadians – up more than 5,000 from 2020

Provided insurance products to nearly 100 million people worldwide

Canadian Life and Health Insurance Facts is published annually by CLHIA relying on industry and publicly available data. Download it and related resources at https://www.clhia.ca/facts.

CLHIA submission on the development of a model Canadian digital trade agreement

Published on 13/09/2022

Trade & Commerce > Privacy

The federal government has started work to develop a model Canadian digital trade agreement. On July 15, Global Affairs Canada launched a consultation inviting views on the potential scope and content of the agreement. On September 13, the CLHIA shared its views highlighting two key issues for consideration: that the agreement should prohibit data localization requirements; and that it should minimize the differences in digital regulation across jurisdictions.

Submission to the Employment and Social Development Canada - Premium Reduction Program

Published on 29/07/2022

Disability Group Insurance > Long term disability Employee benefit plans

On July 29, the CLHIA responded to an Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) consultation on revamping the current Premium Reduction Program. CLHIA’s recommendations intend to make the program flexible and simple, modernize and digitize processes, and develop initiatives to create awareness of the program among employers. For background, employers who offer a short-term disability program comparable to or better than Employment Insurance sickness benefits, pay reduced EI premiums. As the EI sickness program will be changing from 15 weeks to 26 weeks sometime later this year, it is important that the PRP be revamped in conjunction with this change.

Specifically, the CLHIA asked that all disability income-replacement programs (including sick days and LTD) be “counted” towards employer eligibility for the program. The many steps an employer takes to become recognized as eligible need to be reduced or eliminated. A simple employer attestation be put in place instead of the submission and review of insurance contracts by Service Canada. And that business process improvements to automate eligibility review and confirmation be made to free up resources for both employers and Service Canada.

ESDC has committed to continue to work with the CLHIA, employers and the insurance industry as they finalize the changes to the Premium Reduction Program.

Submission to Environment & Climate Change Canada on the National Adaptation Strategy Consultation

Published on 15/07/2022

Risk Management Sustainability and Climate Change > Operational Risk Government Monitoring

On July 15, the CLHIA provided its comments to the federal government on its National Adaptation Strategy. The submission focused on the infrastructure, health and wellbeing, and economy streams of the strategy. Specifically, the CLHIA recommended the federal government:

pass the delayed regulations from budget 2018 that are critical to allowing greater private sector investment in sustainable and resiliency-building infrastructure;

develop a publicly available pipeline of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure projects being built by all levels of government; and

structure projects to attract long-term investors.

The CLHIA also recommended the development of data sharing mechanisms with the private sector concerning the impacts of climate change on public health.

Submission to the International Sustainability Standards Board on its proposed disclosure standards

Published on 29/07/2022

Sustainability and Climate Change Financial Reporting International > Government Monitoring International Financial Reporting Standards International Monitoring

On July 29, the CLHIA provided its comments to the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in response to its consultations on disclosure of sustainability-related financial information (IFRS S1) and climate-related disclosures (IFRS S2). The high-level letter reiterated key positions taken in the Global Federation of Insurance Associations (GFIA) submission, which the CLHIA contributed to, including:

sustainability reporting expectations must respect the principles of confidentiality, proportionality, and materiality;

collaboration and coordination between the ISSB and jurisdictional standard setters is critical to promote consistency and to reduce overlapping and duplicative reporting requirements; and

the ISSB should clarify the difference between “material” and “significant” in the exposure drafts.

Submission to the Securities and Exchange Commission on the Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures

Published on 28/06/2022

Risk Management Sustainability and Climate Change International > Operational Risk Government Monitoring International Monitoring

On June 17, the CLHIA provided its comments to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in response to its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on the enhancement and standardization of climate-related disclosures for investors. CLHIA members support the SEC’s efforts to encourage disclosure of consistent and comparable climate-related information. The CLHIA members also agree with its current proposal not to amend Form 40-F for Canadian issuers under the multijurisdictional disclosure system (MJDS). This would recognize the significant work underway in Canada to develop and implement climate-related disclosures for Canadian issuers.

British Columbia 2023 Pre-Budget Consultation

Published on 24/06/2022

Group Insurance Pensions and Retirement > Employee benefit plans Employer pension plans

On June 18, the CLHIA provided recommendations to the British Columbia Legislature’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services in advance of the province’s 2023 budget. The industry’s recommendations focused on four key areas:

1. Supporting workplace benefits plans which provide millions of British Columbians with comprehensive access to prescription medicines, dental care and mental health services;
2. Pension innovation to increase retirement savings and decumulation options for British Columbians;
3. Increasing private sector investment in sustainable and resiliency-building infrastructure to support the transition to a low-carbon economy and support the health and well-being of British Columbians; and
4. Supporting an innovative business environment by reducing the tax on health and disability insurance premiums.

CLHIA welcomes introduction of federal privacy legislation

Published on 20/06/2022

Trade & Commerce > Privacy

Bernard Lord elected CLHIA Chair

Published on 09/06/2022

CLHIA Governance > Board of Directors

The members of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association have elected Bernard Lord, Chief Executive Officer of Medavie as Chair of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Lord became CEO of Medavie in September 2016 to provide strategic leadership and further the company’s mission to improve the wellbeing of Canadians. Prior to this, he served eight years on its board of directors. Mr. Lord was Premier of New Brunswick from 1999 to 2006.

He is currently the Chair of the International Federation of Health Plans, and the incoming President of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans. He is a Queen’s Counsel and a member of the New Brunswick Law Society and Canadian Bar Association.

Submission to Alberta College of Pharmacy on draft Practice Standards for Virtual Care

Published on 24/05/2022

Group Insurance Prescription Drug Costs > Coordination of benefits Employee benefit plans Drug pricing

The Alberta College of Pharmacy has developed draft standards of practice for when virtual care can be delivered. Of particular note, section 5 of the draft states that “A determination by an employer, third-party payer or an insurer that compels or provides incentive for virtual care is not a unique circumstance for the purpose of section 3.” In our May 24 submission, the CLHIA recommended the removal of section 5 and that this restriction not be imposed on the provision of virtual care. If left to stand, it would effectively eliminate the provision of virtual care where any incentive might be involved. Incentives are not defined but could be reasonably assumed to include a reduced dispensing fee, the addition of extra services such as those provided by patient support programs, or any other “incentives” offered through preferred provider networks. While incentives are offered by a variety of community pharmacies, this practice standard seems to target virtual pharmacies and to be offside with the current preferences of Albertans to have options for how they obtain pharmacy services.

Recordings and presentations are now available for the May 4-5 Compliance and Consumer Complaints Virtual Annual Conference

Published on 10/05/2022

Compliance Consumers > Culture of compliance Fair treatment of customers (FTC) Compliance trends and developments Complaint Handling

Exposés et enregistrements de la réunion de printemps de la Section juridique (Québec) de l’ACCAP maintenant affichés

Published on 27/04/2022

Insurance > Federal Legislation Provincial & Territorial Legislation

Submission on Expanding the scope of the VPLAs to enable more Canadians to access retirement income security

Published on 03/05/2022

Pensions and Retirement Taxation > Retirement Income System Reviews Wealth & Retirement Federal Taxation

On May 3, the CLHIA made a submission to the federal Department of Finance calling a broader scope for Variable Payment Life Annuities (VPLAs) that were brought into the Income Tax Act & Regulations (ITA) effective January 1, 2020. The submission argues that a standalone VPLA that can pool funds and longevity risks across members of smaller DC plans, RRSPs, RRIFs, etc., could provide an innovative decumulation solution that would benefit the over 500,000 Canadians retiring each year.

Saskatchewan Public Engagement on Virtual Care

Published on 30/04/2022

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

On April 30, the CLHIA wrote to the government of Saskatchewan to support the continued expansion of virtual care across the province with all health care practitioners, where appropriate. The government should assist disadvantaged and rural populations to access virtual care. The CLHIA submission also shared key insights that the private payer industry has gained through experience during the pandemic.

Virtual care is an important issue for the insurance industry as we provide access to this type of care through employer sponsored benefit plans. Canadians have access to virtual health care providers including doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses, enabling them to discuss symptoms, obtain prescriptions, and get referrals to other providers.

Statement on the implementation of reforms to Patented Medicine Prices Review Board regulations

Published on 14/04/2022

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing

In mid-April, Health Canada announced that changes to patent medicines pricing regulations, already postponed several times, would come into force on July 1, 2022. The changes will allow the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board to use a new list of comparator countries when evaluating drug prices. The CLHIA and the industry have strongly supported this measure that will remove jurisdictions considered high price outliers globally.

The government opted not to move forward with other measures related to the new price regulatory factors, and requirements to file information net of all price adjustments. The CLHIA issued a statement saying the announcement “represents good news for all Canadians who are currently paying some of the highest drug prices in the world.”

(Update) Recordings and presentations are available for the April 6 Legal Section Mid-term Meeting virtual event

Published on 05/04/2022

Insurance > Federal Legislation Provincial & Territorial Legislation

The CLHIA Legal Section’s mid-term meeting was held virtually again this year and was well attended by 125 attendees and speakers. The program featured a presentation from FSRA on its priorities for the life and health industry. The agenda also included presentations on federal and provincial regulatory matters, recent insurance and pension cases, and a panel discussion among government relations experts on industry regulation in Canada. A professionalism session focusing on implicit bias was very well received. The Legal Section’s Annual Meeting will be held in-person in The Blue Mountains, Ontario at the Westin Trillium House from Wednesday, September 21 to Friday, September 23.

Advisory: What you need to know about mandatory destination-provided travel health insurance

Published on 01/04/2022

Group Insurance > Travel insurance

New Brunswick 2022 Pre-Budget Consultation

Published on 28/02/2022

Group Insurance Pensions and Retirement Prescription Drug Costs Taxation > Employee benefit plans Annuities Employer pension plans Drug pricing Generic drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information Policyholder Tax

On February 28, the CLHIA provided its comments to New Brunswick in advance of its 2022 budget. The CLHIA recommended the government:

provide access to affordable prescription drugs and mental health supports through workplace and individual health benefits plans that include reduced costs of and enhanced access to high-cost and rare disease medicines;

amend the Pension Benefits Act to enable payroll deduction for pension plan contributions where the pension plan provides for automatic plan enrollment and annual contribution escalation;

monitor and parallel federal measures to introduce ALDAs and VPLAs as new retirement income options;

amend the provincial Insurance Act in order to modernize the licensing regime and improve consumer protection;

leverage the industry’s investment capacity in order to expand and accelerate long-term infrastructure projects by structuring projects to attract long-term investors; and

develop a tangible plan to reduce, and eventually eliminate, tax on life and health insurance premiums.

2022 Federal Pre-Budget Submission

Published on 25/02/2022

On February 25, the CLHIA provided its comments to the Department of Finance in advance of the 2022 federal budget. Key recommendations include supporting workplace benefits plans (including a discussion of Employment Insurance reforms and their impacts), enhancing privacy protections, making retirement income more secure, releasing a full set of tax legislative changes to address IFRS 17, and increasing sustainable investing opportunities - including by bringing forward regulations to encourage private investment in infrastructure.

Submission to the CADTH on Building Toward a Potential pan-Canadian Formulary

Published on 25/02/2022

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information

As part of their work to recommend a national minimum drug formulary for the federal government, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) has engaged an advisory panel to review and propose processes for creating a list of drugs and related products, as well as best practices for managing a formulary.

During the consultation period, which ended February 25, CADTH engaged with the insurance industry to understand our unique environment with respect to formulary management. Insurers recommended the formulary working group consider the views of employer-sponsored plans in the development of a national formulary and to draw on the expertise of insurers on it. It was emphasized that private plans cover the costs of a large number of prescription drugs, and that their contributions to workplace productivity and disability management need to be considered in the development of any formulary.

CADTH will prepare and submit their report with recommendations for consideration by the Canadian Drug Agency later in 2022.

Submission on the New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan

Published on 24/02/2022

Sustainability and Climate Change > Government Monitoring

On February 24, the CLHIA provided its comments to New Brunswick on its proposed climate change action plan. The submission focused on the industry’s role as a source of stable capital for infrastructure projects that both mitigate GHG emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. It also addressed economic opportunities from transitioning to a resilient, lower carbon economy.

Newfoundland and Labrador 2022 Pre-Budget Consultation

Published on 17/02/2022

On February 17, the CLHIA provided its comments to Newfoundland and Labrador in advance of its 2022 budget. The CLHIA recommended the government:

amend the Pension Benefits Act and the Labour Standards Act to enable payroll deduction for pension plan contributions where the pension plan provides for automatic plan enrollment and annual contribution escalation;

monitor and parallel federal measures to introduce ALDAs and VPLAs as new retirement income options and encourage the federal government to permit standalone VPLAs;

introduce legislation to provide clarity that the Insurance Act should be applied to all life insurance contracts and to reinforce that insurance premiums must relate to insurance coverage;

leverage the industry’s investment capacity in order to expand and accelerate long-term infrastructure projects by structuring projects to attract long-term investors;

collaborate with the industry on the issue of lack of supply of sustainable assets for investment; and

develop a tangible plan to reduce and align tax on life and health insurance premiums with other provinces and territories.

Submission to the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada on the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct

Published on 17/02/2022

Government Relations > Lobbyist Registration

On February 17, the CLHIA submitted its comments on the proposed changes by the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada (OCL) to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct. In the submission, the industry raised four key issues with the proposed changes, including:

Making it clear that lobbying is a legitimate part of our democratic process;

Requesting that the existing language on gifting be maintained as the new language is problematic;

Altering the language in reference to co-workers in the definition of “close relationships”; and

Removing the limits on registerable activities from the proposed language.

The comments in the CLHIA submission are consistent with those in the joint submission from the Government Relations Institute of Canada and the Public Affairs Association of Canada.

Submission to the Canadian Securities Administrators on Climate-Related Matters

Published on 16/02/2022

Sustainability and Climate Change > Government Monitoring

On February 16, the CLHIA responded to the Canadian Securities Administrators’ consultation on proposed National Instrument 51-107—Disclosure of Climate-related Matters. Canadian life and health insurers support the development of disclosure standards for climate-related risks and opportunities that are aligned with global disclosure standards. Given that standards are coalescing around the Task Force for Climate-related Financial Disclosure’s (TCFD) framework, the industry is pleased that the CSA is taking a similar approach. The industry supports mandatory disclosure of Scope 1 and 2 emissions with Scope 3 emissions on a comply-or-explain basis. At this time we support the deferral of scenario analysis as a reporting requirement until the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions has developed standardized scenario analysis exercises. The submission is also available on the Ontario Securities Commission’s website.

Life and health insurers to use advanced artificial intelligence to reduce benefits fraud

Published on 14/02/2022

Compliance Group Insurance > Fraud risk management Employee benefit plans

For several years data pooling has been successfully used in P&C insurance and banking with positive outcomes in detecting fraud. On February 14, the CLHIA announced an initiative to enhance the detection and investigation of benefits fraud using data pooling and advanced artificial intelligence.

Led by the CLHIA and its technology partner Shift Technology, the project uses advanced AI to analyze anonymized claim records from group health insurers. The program will identify patterns across millions of records to enhance the effectiveness of benefits fraud investigations across the industry. This will complement the work insurers are doing to identify and investigate fraud across their own book of business.

The CLHIA intends for this project to be rolled out and further expanded over the next three years.

Statement on CCIR and CISRO announcement on deferred sales charges

Published on 10/02/2022

Distribution > Market conduct

Ontario 2022 Pre-Budget Consultation

Published on 10/02/2022

Pensions and Retirement > Employer pension plans

On February 11, the CLHIA provided its comments to the government of Ontario in advance of its 2022 budget. Key recommendations focused on protecting workplace health benefits, pension innovation (including automatic enrolment and contribution escalation), sustainable investing opportunities and reducing and eventually eliminating the tax on life and health insurance premiums.

Nova Scotia 2022 Pre-Budget Consultation

Published on 03/02/2022

On February 4, the CLHIA provided its recommendations to Nova Scotia in advance of its 2022 budget. The CLHIA recommended the government:

amend the Pension Benefits Act to enable payroll deduction for pension plan contributions where the pension plan provides for automatic plan enrollment and annual contribution escalation;

monitor and parallel federal measures to introduce ALDAs and VPLAs as new retirement income options;

leverage the industry’s investment capacity in order to expand and accelerate long-term infrastructure projects by structuring projects to attract long-term investors; and

develop a tangible plan to reduce, and eventually eliminate, tax on life and health insurance premiums.

Manitoba 2022 Pre-Budget Consultation

Published on 31/01/2022

Submission on the pending proposal of the Federation of Associations of Counselling Therapists - Manitoba to become a regulated profession

Published on 31/01/2022

Government Relations Health Care Policy > Mental health

Prince Edward Island 2022 Pre-Budget Consultation

Published on 24/01/2022

On January 24, the CLHIA provided its comments to PEI on key issues in advance of the 2022 budget. The CLHIA recommended the government:

provide access to affordable prescription drugs, including high-cost and rare disease medicines, and mental health supports through workplace and individual health benefits plans;

enable payroll deduction for pension plan contributions;

introduce ALDAs and VPLAs as new retirement income options;

expand and accelerate long-term infrastructure projects by structuring projects to attract long-term investors; reduce, and eventually eliminate, tax on life and health insurance premiums; and

modernize its Insurance Act to update and harmonize with other provincial insurance legislation.

Alberta 2022 Pre-Budget Consultation

Published on 21/01/2022

Government Relations Pensions and Retirement Prescription Drug Costs Taxation > Annuities Employer pension plans Drug pricing Generic drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information Provincial and Territorial Taxation Policyholder Tax

On January 21, the CLHIA provided comments to Alberta on key issues in advance of the 2022 budget. The CLHIA recommended the government:

provide access to affordable prescription drugs, including high-cost and rare disease medicines, and mental health supports through workplace and individual health benefits plans;

introduce ALDAs and VPLAs as new retirement income options;

expand and accelerate long-term infrastructure projects by structuring projects to attract long-term investors; and

reduce, and eventually eliminate, tax on life and health insurance premiums.

Advisory: How does the federal travel advisory affect your travel insurance?

Published on 20/01/2022

Group Insurance > Travel insurance

Submission to the Net-Zero Advisory Body on the Government of Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction plan

Published on 22/12/2021

Sustainability and Climate Change > Government Monitoring

The CLHIA submission to the Net-Zero Advisory Body (NZAB) outlined why the life and health insurance industry values long-term, sustainable infrastructure projects as investments. The NZAB is a permanent advisory group to the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change created in 2021. Remarking on the advisory body’s lens of “finance and capital mobilization,” our submission noted that life and health insurance industry’s capacity to invest is not matched by available investment opportunities, particularly for infrastructure projects that reduce emissions and promotes resilience.

Submission to FSRA on its Consultation on an Innovation Framework

Published on 29/11/2021

Compliance Distribution > Advisor regulatory requirements Market conduct

In late October, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) launched a consultation on an innovation framework for a more innovative financial services sector in Ontario. It sought views from the industry on guiding principles to provide “test and learn” environments to encourage the development of new technologies. While the focus of the regulator at this point is on the auto insurance sector, the framework will also be used to support innovation in all sectors. In the industry’s response, the CLHIA stresses the importance of ensuring there is a level playing field between new entrants and existing regulated entities. It is important that new entrants are held to the same regulatory standards. The CLHIA also stressed the importance of ensuring any regulatory framework does not slow down innovation. The industry’s response to specific questions in the consultation can be found here.

Session recordings and select presentations for CLHIA's 2021 Wealth and Retirement Annual Conference are now available

Published on 18/11/2021

Pensions and Retirement > Wealth & Retirement

The CLHIA's virtual Wealth and Retirement Conference was a success. The program which ran on November 17 and 18 featured updates and panel discussions on the economy, product and business trends, and regulatory issues. Over 100 participants from the industry and regulators came together virtually to network and learn. Those who attended can access presentations and session recordings by returning to the virtual event space.

This successful event, the fourteenth virtual conference hosted by the CLHIA since the pandemic began, is expected to be the last in this series of on-line events. The CLHIA is planning to return to in-person events in 2022. For more information, visit clhia.ca/events.

CLHIA welcomes Supreme Court decision on Saskatchewan Court of Appeal ruling on life insurers

Published on 04/11/2021

Media

Select presentations and on demand videos for CLHIA's 2021 Legal Section Annual Meeting are now available

Published on 20/10/2021

Insurance Trade & Commerce > Federal Legislation Provincial & Territorial Legislation Cyber Security Intellectual Property Privacy

Submission to Employment and Social Development Canada on Reforming Canada’s Employment Insurance Program

Published on 13/10/2021

Disability Government Relations > Long term disability Government Monitoring

The CLHIA responded to a federal consultation on “Reforming Canada’s Employment Insurance Program.” The consultation proposed expanding the EI benefits (including EI Sickness) from 15 weeks to 26 weeks, and updating the Premium Reduction Program, in which employers and employees participate when a comparable private short-term disability program is provided. With increasing benefits to 26 weeks, EI Sickness must mitigate the possibility of inadvertently prolonging claims by requiring intermittent medical documentation and providing return-to-work supports. The PRP requires significant reform to encourage employers to participate, including reducing bureaucratic oversight, increasing benefits for participants and encouraging transparency of requirements.

Submission to Employment and Social Development Canada on the Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Published on 05/10/2021

Disability Insurance > Long term disability Federal Legislation

The federal government is planning a multi-faceted approach to modernizing their approach to disability as well as Employment Insurance, EI sickness benefits and the Premium Reduction Program. This consultation, issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), looks at Canadians living with disabilities in the context of four pillars: financial security, employment, disability-inclusive spaces and modernization. The CLHIA’s submission focused on three strategic considerations: 1) the need for a clear and consistent definition of disability in federal/provincial programs, 2) placing the lens of mental health on all initiatives and 3) looking at additional disability supports within the context of all available programs, including private disability income payments and other health supports.

British Columbia 2022 Pre-Budget Submission

Published on 01/10/2021

Prescription Drug Costs Insurance Government Relations > Pharmacare Provincial & Territorial Legislation Government Monitoring

On September 30, the CLHIA provided its comments to the British Columbia Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as part of their consultation on Budget 2022. Among CLHIA’s five recommendations are that the province support workplace and individual drug plans that currently provide millions of residents with comprehensive access to medicine and other health services, and that the province extend automatic features to all capital accumulation plans (voluntary workplace pension and savings plans) where an employer matches contributions.

Submission to the Canadian Transportation Agency re: Airline Passenger Rights

Published on 29/09/2021

Group Insurance > Travel insurance

On September 29, the CLHIA responded to a Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) consultation on regulatory changes drawing on lessons learned from the pandemic, including the practice of Canadian airlines issuing travel vouchers for cancelled flights. The proposed regulations will require that refunds be provided in the form requested by the traveller (e.g. refund, voucher, points, etc.) and that there be strict timeframes and accountability. As with most APPRs globally, the new legislation will apply to all passenger flights arriving to and departing from Canada, regardless of the country of origin. The CLHIA recommended that there be consideration given to expanding Passenger Protection Regulations to other forms of transportation such as cruise ships and passenger trains. In addition, the CTA should look into coordinating approaches and aligning legislation with provincially regulated travel funds to allow consumers easier access to compensation.

Life and health insurers paid $100 billion to support Canadians through the pandemic, 2020 data shows

Published on 14/09/2021

Capital and Assets Group Insurance Pensions and Retirement Prescription Drug Costs Taxation > Long-term investments Coordination of benefits Dental insurance Employee benefit plans Travel insurance Annuities Public pensions (OAS/CPP/QPP/GIS) Employer pension plans Wealth & Retirement Drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information Policyholder Tax

On September 14, the CLHIA released our 2021 Canadian Life and Health Insurance Facts.

Using 2020 industry data, this year’s edition shows the remarkable resilience of life and health insurers’ products through the first nine months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the key facts in this edition are that life and health insurers paid out:

over $12 billion in claims for prescriptions drugs;

$950 million in travel insurance claims – largely for trip cancellations;

$420 million in psychology-related claims to support mental health – up nearly a quarter from 2019; and

$154 million in life insurance claims from deaths related to COVID-19.

In addition, 26 million Canadians had access to health benefits at the end of 2020 – the same as before the pandemic.

Read this year’s edition online or download it at clhia.ca/facts

Submission to the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services on Modernizing Privacy in Ontario

Published on 07/09/2021

Government Relations Trade & Commerce > Government Monitoring Privacy

On September 7, the CLHIA provided its comments to the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services on its white paper Modernizing Privacy in Ontario: Empowering Ontarians and Enabling the Digital Economy. In our submission, we stressed the need for private sector privacy legislation to be harmonized across Canada. The industry believes a new privacy framework in Ontario is not needed. The submission urged that modernization be coordinated with the federal government’s privacy framework. However, we recommended that if the province chooses to introduce its own privacy legislation, it focus on those areas not captured by the federal regime.

Statement on federal election taxation announcement

Published on 25/08/2021

Taxation > Provincial and Territorial Taxation

Advisory: Potential changes to eye exam coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) effective September 2021

Published on 12/08/2021

Group Insurance Health Care Policy Insurance Consumers > Employee benefit plans CLHIA Health Care Policy Papers Provincial & Territorial Legislation

Submission to the Department of Finance Consultation on Tax Implications of International Accounting rules for Insurance Contracts (IFRS 17)

Published on 12/08/2021

Financial Reporting > International Financial Reporting Standards

On July 30, the CLHIA responded to Finance Canada’s public consultation on the tax implications of moving to IFRS 17. While the CLHIA is pleased that IFRS 17 will be the starting point for tax reporting, we strongly opposed the proposal to disallow the deduction of Contractual Service Margin (CSM) at transition and on new business. The CLHIA stressed that the proposal will have a material impact on our members and is not consistent with the core tax principle of taxing profits when they are earned. The fundamental argument in the CLHIA’s submission is that CSM represents unearned profit and so should be deductible for tax purposes. This is aligned with the IASB’s recognition criteria.

The CLHIA has had number of meetings with Finance Canada officials to discuss the proposed tax policy and we have established bi-weekly meetings with Finance through the fall on this matter.

The CLHIA also separately submitted technical considerations to Finance as they look to develop legislation.

Statement on federal support for public drug plans in Prince Edward Island

Published on 11/08/2021

Prescription Drug Costs > Pharmacare

CLHIA Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance 2022 Pre-Budget Consultation

Published on 06/08/2021

Capital and Assets Group Insurance Health Care Policy Prescription Drug Costs Pensions and Retirement > Long-term investments Minimum Continuing Capital and Surplus Requirements Employee benefit plans Drug pricing Pharmacare Employer pension plans

On August 6, the CLHIA made its submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance in response to its 2022 pre-budget consultation. The CLHIA made six recommendations, notably calling on the federal government to: work collaboratively with provincial and territorial governments and private insurers to support workplace and individual drug plans that currently provide millions of Canadians with comprehensive access to medicines; expeditiously move ahead with Bill C-11; and develop policies and bring forward regulations to encourage private sector investment in infrastructure.

Submission to the BC Special Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act

Published on 05/08/2021

Trade & Commerce > Privacy

On July 30, the CLHIA provided its written comments to the British Columbia Special Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). The submission highlighted that protecting the confidentiality of personal information is crucial to maintaining public confidence in our industry. We noted that the CLHIA and its members are keen to work with the government to put in place a robust, coherent regulatory framework that will protect consumers while promoting innovation and a dynamic insurance market in British Columbia and across Canada. The CLHIA also provided an oral statement to the Special Committee on July 6.

Response to British Columbia’s Consultation on its Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy

Published on 05/08/2021

Sustainability and Climate Change > Government Monitoring

On August 12, the CLHIA responded to the Government of British Columbia’s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy, Draft Strategy and Phase 1 Actions for 2021-22. The draft strategy made the explicit connection between the climate and the physical, social, economic and mental health and well-being of Canadians. The CLHIA commended the government’s decision to establish a new BC Climate Action Secretariat to increase understanding of climate risks through improved data, monitoring and forecasting. The CLHIA also highlighted the industry’s role as a source of stable capital for sustainable infrastructure projects.

Response to the Nova Scotia Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth: Discussion Paper

Published on 30/07/2021

Sustainability and Climate Change > Government Monitoring

On July 30, the CLHIA responded to the Government of Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth: Discussion Paper. The submission highlighted the industry’s ability to provide a stable source of capital for sustainable infrastructure projects.

Submission to Canada’s First Public Engagement on a National Infrastructure Assessment

Published on 30/07/2021

Capital and Assets > Long-term investments

On July 30, the CLHIA responded to Infrastructure Canada’s discussion paper Building the Canada we Want in 2050: Engagement Paper on the National Infrastructure Assessment. CLHIA’s submission highlighted the industry’s role as a source of stable, long-term capital for infrastructure, including projects which support Canada’s transition to a lower carbon economy. It recommended that regulators examine infrastructure as an investment category and, where appropriate, adjust prudential standards to reflect the lower risk of investments in high-quality infrastructure. It also recommended that the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions carefully review the Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test (LICAT) for any undue barriers that may be built into the framework.

Submission to the Ontario Ministry of Finance and FSRA regarding the Fraud and Abuse Strategy for the Auto Insurance Sector

Published on 19/07/2021

Compliance Insurance > Fraud risk management Federal Legislation

On July 19, the CLHIA responded to a Ministry of Finance and Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) consultation on a fraud and abuse strategy for the auto insurance sector. While this consultation was focused on auto insurance, development of such a strategy is of importance to life and health insurers. Many of the clinics and providers that may engage in fraudulent auto claims also provide care to Ontarians with private health insurance coverage and so our industry is also exposed. The industry believes it is critical that any new anti-fraud regime cover the entire insurance industry. Focusing on auto insurance and excluding life and health from any new regime will result in fraudsters targeting life and health insurance claims and may not result in a reduction in overall fraud.

Submission regarding PMPRB's Guideline Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Published on 07/07/2021

Group Insurance Insurance Prescription Drug Costs

CLHIA Comments on FSRA financial professionals title protection rule and guidance

Published on 21/06/2021

Distribution > Advisor regulatory requirements Market conduct

On June 21, the CLHIA made a submission supporting the overall objective of FSRA’s title protection rule and guidance. The submission raised concerns and sought clarification in certain areas, specifically that the rule clearly allow the term “advisor” in the context of life and health insurance distribution. Additionally, we followed up with FSRA’s response to our first submission that noted that the LLQP training, and being subsequently life licenced, would not exempt advisors from having to acquire an additional credential to use the Financial Advisor (FA) title. Our submission sought to better understand what the training gaps are, and what paths (e.g., top-up courses) may be required to address them. Further, we noted that the policy objectives of creating a credentialing framework overlap with the current licensing regime, particularly, those that relate to training and oversight. Additionally, we indicated our concern about fees, and the costs to new entrants. The CLHIA will continue to engage with FSRA on this initiative, including a third consultation that will focus on fees, which is expected over the summer.

Submission to the Government of Saskatchewan on the Consultation on a Review of the Pension Funding Framework for Single Employer Defined Benefit Plans in the Private Sector and Other Complementary Reform Measures Applicable to all Defined Benefit Plans

Published on 16/06/2021

Pensions and Retirement > Employer pension plans

On June 11, the CLHIA responded to the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan’s “Review of the Pension Funding Framework for Single Employer Defined Benefit Plans in the Private Sector and Other Complementary Reform Measures Applicable to All Defined Benefit Plan,” released on March 23. The CLHIA commended the Government of Saskatchewan for its actions in examining issues related to solvency funding, restrictions on contribution holidays, and annuity discharge provisions.

Advisory: Refunds from travel providers will affect travel cancelation insurance claims and payouts

Published on 11/06/2021

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

As Canadian airlines have begun to refund customers for cancelled trips, the CLHIA issued a public advisory helping consumers understand the steps they should take if they have already received reimbursement from a travel insurer for the same expense.

CLHIA Federal Submission on Targeted Infrastructure Investment

Published on 26/05/2021

Capital and Assets > Long-term investments

Recently, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities held hearings on the topic of targeting infrastructure investment to achieve social, economic and environmental outcomes. The CLHIA made a submission to the committee highlighting the industry’s ability to make significant, long-term investments in infrastructure and sustainable assets.

Submission to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) on the Proposed Guidance: Administration of Pension Benefits Upon Marriage Breakdown

Published on 04/05/2021

Pensions and Retirement > Employer pension plans

On May 3, the CLHIA made a submission to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) on the proposed “Interpretation and Approach Guidance regarding the processes for the valuation and division of pensions upon marriage breakdown,” released March 18. The CLHIA commended FSRA’s role in providing the industry with a comprehensive and current guide on the processes for the valuation and division of pensions on marriage breakdown.

Submission to the Government of Canada on Possible Accession to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement

Published on 03/05/2021

Insurance International > Federal Legislation International Trade

The CLHIA provided its views to the federal government on Canada’s possible accession to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). The agreement’s current signatories include Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore. Given the importance of the digital economy to the international operations and the economic success of some insurers, we note in our submission that the industry supports Canada’s accession to the DEPA. Further, we encouraged the government to consider expanding the provisions in the DEPA to include financial services. The full submission can be found here.

Submission to the New Brunswick Health Council on its healthcare system review

Published on 30/04/2021

Health Care Policy > Business continuation / pandemic planning Long-term Care

On April 30, the CLHIA responded to a New Brunswick government consultation on its healthcare system review, which included a discussion paper detailing the challenges that the public system currently faces. This includes an aging population, hospitals providing care to individuals better served outside of hospital and a lack of family physicians. Over the month of April the government engaged New Brunswickers and other stakeholders in the review. The CLHIA provided suggestions around three areas of mutual interest, including New Brunswickers who are under-insured or not insured for prescription drug coverage, expanding access to virtual healthcare and, lastly, providing appropriate access to mental healthcare.

Consultation on The Professional Supervision of Osteopaths

Published on 30/04/2021

Group Insurance > Regulated professions

On April 30, the CLHIA responded to a consultation by the Office des professions du Québec on the professional supervision of osteopaths in Quebec. The consultation’s primary aim was to identify osteopaths’ scope of practice and reserved acts, the reservation of a professional title and the creation of a separated order. The CLHIA’s response did not address the proper scope of practice per se, since other associations and health care providers can be expected to deal with this in their own submissions. Rather, our comments focused on considerations for creating and implementing an osteopath order, including public awareness; a code of conduct; ethics and accountability; training and ongoing education; a registry and memberships; and pricing and billing guidelines. We also advocated for a clear cut-off date by which members must be registered and comply with the regulatory body in order to legally be allowed to perform osteopathy in Quebec.

Submission to the Government of Saskatchewan on the Consultation on Financial Hardship Unlocking from a Locked-in Retirement Account

Published on 30/04/2021

Pensions and Retirement > Registered Products (RRSP, LIRA, RRIF)

On April 6, the CLHIA made a submission to the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan on amendments to the Pensions Benefits Act, 1992 released on March 11, 2021 regarding the unlocking of locked-in pension benefits. The submission, while recognizing the importance of considering an array of policy levers to assist Canadians experiencing financial pressures, stated the priority should be to preserve funds in pension plans in order to provide secure, adequate, post-retirement income. A main recommendation was to limit withdrawals from locked-in pension funds to a set of specified purposes with required supporting documentation. Further, the CLHIA urged the province to consider harmonizing legislation for unlocking with other provinces that have introduced similar provisions, such as Alberta.

Newfoundland and Labrador 2021 Pre-Budget Submission

Published on 30/04/2021

Health Care Policy Capital and Assets Pensions and Retirement > Generic drug pricing Long-term investments Pooled registered pension plans/PRPPs (and provincial variations)

On April 30, the CLHIA made recommendations to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in advance of its 2021 budget. The submission highlighted the need to support workplace and individual drug plans that currently provide hundreds of thousands of residents with comprehensive access to medicines; encourage private sector investment in sustainable assets and long-term infrastructure projects; and support a dynamic and innovative business climate by reducing and eventually eliminating the five per cent tax on life, health and disability premiums, which is the highest in Canada.

Submission to the Government of Canada on future trade with the United Kingdom

Published on 28/04/2021

International > International Trade

The CLHIA provided its views to the Government of Canada on an anticipated free trade agreement with the United Kingdom and its possible accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Canadian insurers have significant operations within the UK and sell a wide range of life and health insurance products within the nation. Our submission notes that the industry supports entering into a free trade agreement with the UK and its accession to the CPTPP to strengthen the long-standing trade relationship with the UK. The full submission can be found here.

The OECD Roadmap for the Good Design of Defined Contribution Retirement Savings Plans

Published on 14/04/2021

Pensions and Retirement > Employer pension plans

On April 14, the CLHIA responded to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s revised Roadmap on “Good Design of Defined Contribution Retirement Savings Plan,” released on March 4. The CLHIA commended the OECD for initiating the review and consultation with interested stakeholders to maintain and improve defined contribution plans for flexible design, education, and communication. Ensuring retirement income adequacy through the accumulation and decumulation phases with innovative plan design that considers age and socioeconomic considerations is essential to retirement income security.

Submission to the Government of Canada on its Consultation on a National Strategy for High-Cost Drugs for Rare Diseases

Published on 29/03/2021

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing

On March 29, the CLHIA submitted its views to the Government of Canada on its consultation on a national strategy for high-cost drugs for rare diseases. The submission provides comments on how to address key issues in the government’s discussion paper, including improving patient access, evidence-based decision making and sustainability for an effective rare disease strategy. It also presents risk and cost sharing approaches that include private payers. These approaches will minimize impacts to patients and ensure the sustainability of the program over time.

CLHIA welcomes favourable ruling from Saskatchewan Court of Appeal for life insurers

Published on 10/03/2021

Insurance > Provincial & Territorial Legislation

On March 10, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal ruled on litigation initiated by Atwater Investment LP, Ituna Investments LP and Mosten Investment LP that targeted several life insurance companies. These investment companies had sought to deposit unlimited amounts into universal life insurance policies they had acquired. The Court of Appeal held that a 2018 Saskatchewan government regulation which said life insurers are not permitted to accept deposits unrelated to insurance coverage prevents them from accepting amounts beyond that which may be required for insurance purposes. The CLHIA welcomed the decision as supporting a regulatory framework that protects consumer interests.

STATEMENT
Know the facts: Getting the vaccine will not affect your insurance coverage

Published on 08/03/2021

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

Consultation on Optometrists Profession Regulation

Published on 01/03/2021

Group Insurance Insurance > Provincial & Territorial Legislation

On March 1, the CLHIA responded to an Alberta Health Services (AHS) consultation on a proposal from the Alberta College of Optometrists to expand the scope of practice to include some procedures currently allowed within the ophthalmology scope only. The CLHIA emphasized that allowing optometrists to deliver certain surgical, laser and other procedures that can be delivered in the office of the optometrist would result in these services being defunded from the AHS, as optometrists’ are not covered by the public plan. The CLHIA advised the AHS that private plans would be unlikely to cover these types of services under the vision care benefit, as this is typically reserved for lenses and frames. Therefore, these services would need to be paid by Albertans themselves.

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 Legislation

On 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 > Staff

CLHIA 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 Privacy

On 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 Trade

On 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 Monitoring

On 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 Legislation

On 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 Legislation

On 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 Legislation

Prince Edward Island 2021 Pre-Budget Submission

Published on 22/01/2021

Government Relations Insurance > Government Monitoring Provincial & Territorial Legislation

On 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 Associations

CLHIA's submission to the Ontario Low-Carbon Hydrogen Strategy Consultation

Published on 18/01/2021

Sustainability and Climate Change > Government Monitoring

On 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 Reviews

On 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:

Broadening the scope of VPLAs to enable viable risk solutions to be manufactured and managed effectively and competitively

Supporting the department’s temporary solvency funding relief to plan sponsors to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on businesses while balancing retirees’ interests

Harmonization of governance policies and best practices across Canada help ease administration burden.

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 plans

On 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 Monitoring

Prince Edward Island becomes fifth province to update insurance act

Published on 11/12/2020

Insurance > Provincial & Territorial Legislation

Advancing the sustainable agenda: Perspectives on insurers’ capacity as sustainable investors

Published on 09/12/2020

International > Network of Insurance Associations

The 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 Monitoring

On 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 insurance

Statement: CLHIA comments on the 2020 Ontario Budget

Published on 05/11/2020

Government Relations > Government Monitoring

CLHIA welcomes final guidelines to keep prescription medications affordable

Published on 23/10/2020

Prescription Drug Costs > Catastrophic drug coverage Drug pricing Generic drug pricing

2020 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 Pharmacare

On 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 planning

The 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 > Privacy

On 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 > Privacy

On 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 plans

Life 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 investments

Global 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 Associations

On 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 professions

On 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 > Privacy

On 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 Pharmacare

On 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 Pharmacare

PMPRB 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 insurance

Given 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 Pharmacare

On 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 > Underwriting

In 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 Monitoring

On 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 Directors

The 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 > Underwriting

The 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 plans

Beneficial Ownership Transparency Consultations: Canada and British Columbia - input from CLHIA

Published on 30/04/2020

Compliance > Anti-money laundering/anti-terrorist financing

On 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 information

Advisory: 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 insurance

Request to the Canada Revenue Agency to suspend minimum employer contributions to DC pensions

Published on 13/04/2020

Pensions and Retirement > Employer pension plans

Multiple 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 Monitoring

Advisory: Travel cancellation insurance and airline vouchers or credits

Published on 01/04/2020

Group Insurance > Travel insurance

Letter 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 insurance

Urgent notice for Canadians currently in the USA and abroad

Published on 20/03/2020

Government Relations Group Insurance > Government Monitoring Travel insurance

Insurers confirm continued out-of-country health insurance coverage for commercial trucking industry

Published on 19/03/2020

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans Travel insurance

Advisory: Travel insurers prioritizing calls of those abroad needing immediate assistance

Published on 17/03/2020

Group Insurance > Travel insurance

COVID-19: Statement from the life and health insurance industry

Published on 13/03/2020

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans Travel insurance

Insurers welcome Insurance Act changes to protect vulnerable seniors

Published on 11/03/2020

Insurance > Provincial & Territorial Legislation

Letter to the Prime Minister in support of the amendments to Patented Medicines Regulations

Published on 03/03/2020

Prescription Drug Costs > Pharmacare

2020 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 tax

Letter to Chairman Hoogervost re: Ensuring a common global adoption date for IFRS 17

Published on 02/03/2020

Financial Reporting > International Financial Reporting Standards

Consistent 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:

deferring the effective date of IFRS 17 to 2023, and

extending the fixed expiry date of the temporary exemption from applying IFRS 9 to 2023.

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 Standards

2020 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 tax

2020 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 tax

CLHIA letter to the Standing Committee on International Trade on the Implementation of CUSMA

Published on 19/02/2020

International > International Trade

On 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 pricing

On 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 tax

CLHIA Letter to the Canadian Institute of Actuaries regarding national pharmacare

Published on 11/02/2020

Prescription Drug Costs > Pharmacare

On 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 disability

2020 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 Trade

The 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 plans

On 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 conduct

On 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 Taxation

The 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 Taxation

CLHIA 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 disability

CLHIA Process on Electronic Declarations

Published on 24/12/2019

Trade & Commerce > Electronic Commerce

Letter to the Attorney General of Ontario Re: Bill 161, Smarter and Stronger Justice Act, 2019

Published on 23/12/2019

Insurance > Provincial & Territorial Legislation

Enhancing 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 plans

Letter to Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction re: British Columbia Framework for Accessibility Legislation

Published on 29/11/2019

Insurance > Provincial & Territorial Legislation

Comments 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 insurance

On 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 information

On 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 information

Comments on Newfoundland's Dementia Care Action Plan Consultations

Published on 25/11/2019

Health Care Policy > Long-term Care

CLHIA comments on Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA)'s proposed priorities

Published on 18/11/2019

Distribution > Market conduct

On 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 Pharmacare

Insurers and healthcare groups collaborate to help providers and patients better understand health insurance benefits

Published on 13/11/2019

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

Submission to the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development re: PIPEDA Modernization Proposals

Published on 04/11/2019

Trade & Commerce > Intellectual Property Privacy

The 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) Annuities

On 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 investments

Earlier 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:

Paid out $98 billion in benefits to Canadians last year, including $36 billion in health benefits for prescription drugs and for extended health providers like dentists and physiotherapists;

Worked hard to meet the promise of client satisfaction, with only one in 100,000 claims resulting in a complaint;

Provided over 156,000 domestic jobs and made $780 billion in long-term investments that contribute to Canada’s economic growth;

Maintains capital reserves 39 per cent higher than regulators’ targets, making insurers among the most stable and secure financial institutions in Canada; and

Offered financial protection services to 60 million people in 20 countries - exporting the strength of Canada’s insurers to the world.

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 Pharmacare

Response to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada re: Reframed Consultation on Transborder Dataflows

Published on 02/08/2019

Trade & Commerce > Privacy

Submission 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 information

On 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 Pharmacare

On 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 professions

The 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 Directors

BC Submission re: Cayton Report PIPA and Privacy

Published on 14/06/2019

Insurance Trade & Commerce Group Insurance > Provincial & Territorial Legislation Privacy Dental insurance

CLHIA responds to final report of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare

Published on 05/06/2019

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing Pharmacare

On 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 pricing

On 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 conduct

CLHIA marks its 125th year of promoting the financial security of Canadians

Published on 03/05/2019

CLHIA Governance

Proposed Changes to OHIP Out of Country coverage October 2019

Published on 30/04/2019

Group Insurance > Coordination of benefits Travel insurance

On 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 & Retirement

Budget measures offer sensible steps to achieve pharmacare for all who need it

Published on 19/03/2019

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing Pharmacare

CLHIA welcomes Saskatchewan court ruling in Ituna, Mosten and Atwater litigation

Published on 18/03/2019

Insurance > Provincial & Territorial Legislation

On 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.

CLHIA welcomes interim report of Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare

Published on 06/03/2019

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing Generic drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information Pharmacare

Following six months of consultations with stakeholders, including our industry, the federal panel studying national pharmacare issued its interim report on March 6. The report identified six core principles that it believes should underpin a future program, as well as three initial “building blocks” that it recommends be acted upon immediately.

Flanked by the federal ministers of finance and health, advisory council chair and former Ontario Health and Long-Term Care Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins said the future program must improve access to prescription drugs for all Canadians, ensure portable access across Canada, provide for a comprehensive formulary, be designed with input from patients, be a partnership of all orders of government, including indigenous peoples, and include a “a robust pharmaceutical management system.”

The report called for immediate action on a national drug agency, a comprehensive, evidence-based national formulary and improved drug data and information technology systems.

Not missed by observers including CLHIA, is the report’s silence on the important question of how a national pharmacare would be delivered. On that, CLHIA’s response emphasized that a future program must ensure that all Canadians can access affordable prescription medicines no matter where they live and work in Canada. A balanced solution will ensure that the system is sustainable into the future and protects the health benefit plans that Canadians value.

The advisory council’s final report is slated for release in June, four months before the federal election.

Benefits fraud is a real crime with real consequences

Published on 04/03/2019

Compliance > Fraud risk management

March is national Fraud Prevention Month and CLHIA is using the month to educate consumers of the signs, risks and real consequences of benefits fraud.

Our efforts have continued to promote the Fraud = Fraud website and campaign launched late last year to raise awareness of benefits fraud and how to recognize, refuse and report it. As part of this, CLHIA issued a national news release, and have promoted Fraud = Fraud assets in our social media channels. To help member companies, we also prepared updated banners and a Fraud Prevention Month toolkit located on our Member Centre that includes social media content and messaging.

Fraud Prevention Month is an annual campaign supported by the federal government and industry that seeks to help Canadians to recognize, reject and report fraud.

Sponsored by CLHIA with the support of our member companies, the Fraud = Fraud website has attracted 99,000 unique visitors, generated national media attention and has close to 400,000 views of the video and 7,000 social media hits.

CLHIA Comments on the Ontario Auto Insurance Consultation

Published on 15/02/2019

Disability Group Insurance Insurance > Long term disability Paramedical benefits Employee benefit plans Provincial & Territorial Legislation

Comments on 2019-20 FSRA Priorities and Budget

Published on 08/02/2019

Compliance Insurance > Fair treatment of customers (FTC) Conduct of business (Commercial practices) Provincial & Territorial Legislation

Earlier this month, the CLHIA made a submission to the FSRA’s public consultation on its 2019-20 priorities and budget. Our submission emphasized our support for FSRA’s proposed core priorities in the areas of reducing regulatory burden and improving regulatory effectiveness. The CLHIA recommended that the new agency find opportunities for policy review with the aim of eliminating overlap and duplication, consider establishing a dedicated life and health insurance industry advisory committee, and harmonize the fair treatment of consumers guidance with existing CCIR-CISRO Guidance.

The CLHIA looks forward to continuing to collaborate with Ontario’s new financial sector regulator in the months ahead.

Proposed Amendments to Ontario Regulation 201/96 made under the Ontario Drug Benefit Act

Published on 31/01/2019

Prescription Drug Costs > Provincial & territorial drug program information

On January 31, the CLHIA responded to draft regulations on proposed changes to OHIP+ that were issued on January 2. The CLHIA recommended moving forward with Trillium Drug Program (TDP) automation as well as regulatory changes to ensure that employers do not eliminate drug coverage for youth under 25.

The Fall Economic Statement noted that the planned changes to OHIP+ would occur in March 2019. Any child/youth with coverage through a private insurance plan must submit prescription drug claims to their existing private coverage. Children/youth without coverage through a private insurance plan will be eligible to submit any excess out-of-pocket costs to the TDP. TDP is available to all Ontarians and is means-tested so that the deductible required to be paid out-of-pocket increases with household income.

Critical Illness (CI) Benchmark Definitions

Published on 03/12/2018

Disability > Critical illness

Globe and Mail supplement: Fraud Prevention Month, March 2018

Published on 08/03/2018

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

Understanding Claims for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Devices

Published on 03/01/2018

Group Insurance > CLHIA Group Insurance guidelines and reference documents Paramedical benefits Employee benefit plans

Improving drug access and affordability : Can public and private payers do more, together?

Published on 01/12/2017

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing Pharmacare

Karen Voin, CLHIA's Vice President, Group Benefits and Anti-Fraud, presents the association's efforts on bridging the public-private divide.

CLHIA Opening Remarks to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health - Appearance on Pharmacare

Published on 19/10/2017

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing Generic drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information Pharmacare

Canada’s life and health insurers believe all Canadians should be able to access affordable prescription drugs. Today, prescription drugs costs are too high and we know there are gaps in coverage. However, meaningful reductions in prices and improving access for all Canadians can be achieved today working within our current system. Canada’s insurers are keen to help and believe we have much to offer.

CLHIA Views on the Ontario Private Member’s Bill 162

Published on 18/10/2017

Insurance > Provincial & Territorial Legislation

Bill 162, an Act to amend the Insurance Act to Authorize Life Settlements, seeks to amend section 115 of the Ontario Insurance Act to provide for an exception to the current rule which prohibits any person, other than an insurer or its duly authorized agent, from trafficking or trading in life insurance policies. The Bill seeks to provide an exception to this prohibition for a life insurance policy if the purchase is from the original policyholder and the policy has been held for at least 36 months. The Bill also provides for a 10-day cooling-off period, during which time the agreement for the sale of a life insurance policy may be cancelled.

Empowering employees to make healthy choices - Workplace wellness programs

Published on 12/09/2017

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

Published in the National Post's "Health Literacy" supplement

A Canadian Success Story: PROMOTING TRADE IN LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE

Published on 16/05/2017

International > International Trade CLHIA International Trade Policy Paper

This position paper briefly describes the benefit of trade in financial services to Canada, the participation of our insurance companies in foreign markets, and the policy directions the Canadian government should take to promote and facilitate trade, particularly for financial services.

Health care dollars lost to fraud are everyone's concern

Published on 16/03/2017

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

The Globe and Mail's Fraud Prevention Report

Why would Ottawa even consider a tax that won’t increase revenue, but hurt middle-class Canadians?

Published on 03/01/2017

Group Insurance > Dental insurance Employee benefit plans

Op-ed submitted to National Post on Taxation of Benefit Plans

Retiring Soon?

Published on 02/09/2016

Retiring Soon?
Use this guide to get ready.

Comment préserver les acquis

Published on 29/07/2016

Insurance

La Presse

Retirement Income: Coalition appeals to finance ministers

Published on 27/06/2016

Pensions and Retirement > Public pensions (OAS/CPP/QPP/GIS) Retirement Income System Reviews

The Insurance & Investment Journal

CLHIA concerned about benefit plan impact of proposed change to chiropractor services

Published on 28/06/2016

Group Insurance > Paramedical benefits Regulated professions

Benefits Canada

Who will cover the cost of drugs for doctor-assisted death?

Published on 12/06/2016

Prescription Drug Costs > Provincial & territorial drug program information Pharmacare

Toronto Star/The Canadian Press

The financial downside of living too long

Published on 11/06/2016

Pensions and Retirement > Registered Products (RRSP, LIRA, RRIF) Wealth & Retirement

Winnipeg Free Press

CLHIA-Quebec opposed to selling insurance policies to third parties

Published on 02/06/2016

Insurance > Provincial & Territorial Legislation

Interview with CLHIA Quebec president Lyne Duhaime

Good-bye travel incentives!

Published on 26/04/2016

Distribution > Sales practices

The Insurance and Investment Journal

Big changes afoot for life agents?

Published on 22/04/2016

Distribution > Market conduct Sales practices

Investment Executive May 2016

Group benefits providers report: Insurers get a boost in the battle against fraud

Published on 15/04/2016

Trade & Commerce > Privacy Federal Legislation

Benefits Canada

Most Canadians think government programs will cover LTC

Published on 14/04/2016

Long-term Care

Investment Executive

Rest in peace: Weigh your needs when considering to buy life insurance

Published on 14/04/2016

Consumers > Financial Literacy Initiatives

Canadian Press

Insurance company drops 'discriminatory' policy on suicide attempts

Published on 30/03/2016

Group Insurance > Employee benefit plans

CBC News

CLHIA says sales practices could be improved

Published on 30/03/2016

Distribution > Sales practices

The Insurance & Investment Journal

Insurance companies reconsider 'dated' policies for suicide attempts, Frank Zinatelli on The National

Published on 29/02/2016

Compliance Group Insurance > Fair treatment of customers (FTC) Employee benefit plans

The National

The keys to protecting your business against fraud

Published on 16/02/2016

Compliance > Fraud risk management

Businesses and consumers urged to be more vigilant about fraud

What's New - Insurance Distribution in Canada: Promoting a customer-focused system

Published on 13/05/2016

What's New - Insurance Distribution in Canada: Promoting a customer-focused system

Average Alberta dental rates jump 56% over 10-year period

Published on 08/02/2016

Group Insurance > Dental insurance Regulated professions

The profession says higher salaries for dental hygenists are part of the problem

How should Alberta deal with rising dental fees?

Published on 24/02/2016

Group Insurance > Dental insurance Regulated professions

Global News

Time for creativity to finance Canada’s infrastructure, Frank Swedlove, President and CEO, CLHIA

Published on 25/02/2016

Capital and Assets > Long-term investments

Canada’s insurers are very able and more willing than ever to play a larger role in making sure Canada builds the infrastructure the country needs in a timely and affordable fashion.

CLHIA calls for one-year delay to ORPP

Published on 11/02/2016

Pensions and Retirement > Pooled registered pension plans/PRPPs (and provincial variations)

Benefits Canada

Life insurance price increases come under fire

Published on 05/02/2016

Distribution > Product disclosure

Life Health Professional

Should you buy long-term care insurance?

Published on 03/02/2016

Health Care Policy > Long-term Care

Special to The Globe and Mail

Ryerson dance student paralyzed after swimming accident in Cuba

Published on 18/01/2016

Group Insurance > Travel insurance

CTV Toronto

Mourir dans la dignité… et l’assurance

Published on 17/01/2016

Insurance > Provincial & Territorial Legislation

La Presse

Apparence de contradiction à l'AMF

Published on 15/01/2016

Distribution > Alternate distribution

Finance-investissement.com

Private insurers want in on national bulk-buying deal for drugs

Published on 20/01/2016

Prescription Drug Costs > Drug pricing Provincial & territorial drug program information

Benefits Canada

Globe and Mail supplement April 2016

Published on 27/04/2016

Information Updates

Globe and Mail supplement April 2016

Opposing views on the ORPP

Published on 27/02/2015

Pensions and Retirement > Pooled registered pension plans/PRPPs (and provincial variations)

Investment Executive

CLHIA releases its 2017 Factbook

Published on 27/10/2017

CLHIA releases its 2017 Factbook

Understanding Claims for Footwear and Orthotics

Published on 01/03/2018

Group Insurance > CLHIA Group Insurance guidelines and reference documents Paramedical benefits Employee benefit plans

Guaranteed Withdrawal Benefit (GWB) Illustrations

Published on 22/03/2011

Distribution Insurance > CLHIA Distribution guidelines and reference documents Product disclosure CLHIA Insurance guidelines and reference documents Segregated Funds (IVICs)

The purpose of this Guideline is to describe the information that should be included in illustrations of IVICs offering guaranteed withdrawal benefits. In particular, the Guideline identifies features that could be misunderstood by consumers or which are affected by consumer decisions and recommends practices to assist in explaining these.