advocate N O V E M B E R | D E C E M B E R 2013
Health Care and the Private Sector
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advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013 WWW.GREATERKWCHAMBER.COM
features 13
FEATURE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
Changes and Challenges on Health Care Horizon Bring Role of Private Sector into Sharper Focus
Art Sinclair
Sue Reibel
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Heather Hutchings
FEATURE
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
The Role Less Travelled: Group Benefit Protection During a Significant Health Event
M&T Printing Group
Stuart Monteith
16 20
ADVERTISING AND SALES:
COVER STORY
Teresa Norris-Lue
David MacLellan – dmaclellan@greaterkwchamber.com Don Critelli – dcritelli@greaterkwchamber.com Lee Jakob-ljakob@greaterkwchamber.com
FEATURE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Good Health is Good Business
Kevin Fergin, Mary Sue Fitzpatrick, Malcolm Maxwell, Ian McLean, Stuart Monteith, Teresa Norris-Lue, Sue Reibel, Art Sinclair, Sandra Stone, Chris Wright,
Employee Wellness – Proactive and Holistic
FEATURE
Grand River Hospital Preparing for the Future Malcolm Maxwell
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PHOTOGRAPHY:
Adamski Photography
Chris Wright
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EDITOR:
FEATURE
Waterloo Region Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic Announced for Kitchener
CONTRIBUTORS:
Teri Hetherington and Julie Tedesco ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINES: November 15, 2013 for January/February 2014 January 24, 2014 for March/April 2014 March 21, 2014 for May/June 2014 July 14, 2014 for September/October 2014 September 19, 2014 for November/December 2014 SUBSCRIPTION AND BACK ISSUE INQUIRIES:
Darlene Jones djones@greaterkwchamber.com
departments 4 5
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Looking Forward & Focused on Your Business
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Sandra Stone
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Health Care Remains a Priority for Local Business Ian McLean
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SUBMISSION POLICY:
ADVOCACY
The Advantages of Canadian Health Care
18 26
PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH CARE
Family Medicine Resident Night
Autumn Networking NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
August 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013 EVENTS
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ADVOCATE - PUBLICATIONS OFFICE 80 QUEEN STREETE NORTH, PO BOX 2367 KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2H 6L4 The Advocate is a bi-monthly membership benefit publication of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Advertising content and the views expressed herein are those of the contributors and do not constitute endorsement by the Chamber. The Advocate follows the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards (1990), copies are available through the Publisher. The Chamber cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur and has the right to edit material submitted. The Chamber will not accept advertising with competitor comparison claims and has the right to refuse advertising that is deemed to be false, misleading, or inappropriate.
advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013
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message from the chair
Looking Forward & Focused on Your Business BY SANDRA STONE It is with great pleasure that I have accepted the position of Board Chair for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce for the upcoming year. As an active Member of the Chamber for many years I know first-hand the exceptional work we do and am honoured to assume this leadership role. As General Manager of Conestoga Mall for over 15 years and a resident of Waterloo Region since 1975 I have been privileged to be part of our Region’s exceptional growth and economic development. I have watched as our Chamber has grown in strength through increased membership and by reputation at local, provincial and national levels, and I am pleased to have been chosen to be part of the team that represents the needs of your businesses. We want to acknowledge the great work of many returning Board Members and announce the appointment of three new Members Ted McKechnie, Kelly McManus, and Renata Rusiniak. Each Board Member brings with them a unique set of experiences and exceptional abilities across many business sectors. Alongside Chamber President & CEO Ian McLean, and staff, we are committed to working together by looking forward to identify key issues and by continuing to be the voice of local business. We encourage you to contact us and let us know what’s important to you and how we can help your business succeed.
The formalization of the Chamber Health Care Recruitment Council (CHCRC) in 2006 was also instrumental in giving this issue the dedicated support required to maintain a heightened level of awareness. With your strong corporate support we are also able to continue to work hard to fill this ongoing need for physicians. The investment into the long-term health of our community is also a business strategy that Conestoga Mall has embraced, as an integral part of supporting the Region. If your business is interested in becoming involved in physician recruitment activities we encourage you to contact the Chamber. As a member-focused organization, the Chamber is also committed to continuing to provide you with an exceptional lineup of networking and educational opportunities. I encourage you to participate and connect with other businesses or join us as we present a variety of industry experts who speak on the issues that are most important to you and your business. Over the next year as Board Chair, I look forward to meeting and speaking with you at our business events, through committee work and in the community. I believe strongly that the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role as the voice of business and I am proud to be part of a team that is able to adeptly change and grow to represent local business needs.
Physician Recruitment remains a key priority heading into 2014. We estimate there are 20,000 individuals currently without a physician in our community, which translates into the need for 17 or 18 new family practitioners. Since our community continues to experience exceptional growth, and approximately 25% of our current physicians are nearing retirement age, we remain focused on providing businesses with this essential health care service needed to help attract and retain talent. November 1-3, 2013 marks the fifteenth Physician Recruitment Weekend the Chamber has hosted since 1998. This weekend is an opportunity for us to show the strength of our community and the lifestyle advantages of living here. Tours of our leading-edge medical facilities, and presentations by business and community leaders offer a glimpse into the region’s diversity and strong innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. This is also a chance for spouses and partners to explore potential employment opportunities and discover why Waterloo Region is the place to live, work and raise a family.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandra Stone CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sandra is General Manager of Conestoga Mall (Ivanhoe Cambridge Inc.). As a Board Member and advocate for local business Ms. Stone provides a unified voice for the 130 retail stores and services at Conestoga Mall, a premier shopping destination in Waterloo Region.
message from the president
Health Care Remains a Priority for Local Business BY IAN MCLEAN The success of any membership-driven organization is largely based on its ability to respond to member needs. Fifteen years ago, our Chamber membership realized that primary health care and attracting family physicians was a community and business sector imperative. Those in human resources noted that the local supply of doctors and related primary health care services were major factors for attracting potential employees considering new job opportunities in Waterloo Region. We realized that recruiting and retaining talent is critical for economic productivity, which can be impacted by a lack of doctors and extended waiting times at hospitals for medical care. This was a significant public policy issue that our membership and broader community wanted addressed. In the late 1990s, our Chamber initiated the Family Physician Recruitment Task Force, a volunteer program which was followed in 2006 by the Chamber Health Care Resources Council. The Council eventually incorporated staff resources and major funding commitments from local businesses to ensure we secure the human and financial resources for attracting and retaining the medical talent to meet the demands of our growing community. Our community efforts have produced results, as over 151 doctors have been recruited to Kitchener Waterloo since 1998. Over this time period, the number of local residents without a family physician has been cut in half from 40,000 to 20,000. While these numbers are impressive, our work is obviously not complete. The combination of current physicians approaching retirement with a Waterloo Region population projected at 730,000 residents in just under two decades ensures the competition for doctors will continue in the short and long terms. After long and aggressive advocacy campaigns, in 2010 our Chamber successfully convinced the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to change their program on financial incentives for doctors relocating to areas which are chronically underserviced. The changes implemented over three years ago have placed our community on a level playing field with other municipalities across southern Ontario and will ensure improved primary care access.
Queen’s Park and Ottawa. This past February, our Chamber hosted the presidents of Waterloo Region’s three hospitals for a panel discussion at the Waterloo Inn. The message delivered was that Ontario hospitals, despite escalating demands and financial pressures, should not expect increases in provincial transfers beyond one percent annually for the next five years. Realistically, annual increases could be frozen as the Wynne administration moves towards a balanced budget estimated in 2018. However, there are numerous positive developments within Waterloo Region health care. The long-awaited expansion of Cambridge Memorial Hospital is moving ahead, which is an important project for all of Waterloo Region and not Cambridge alone. As indicated by our Chamber panel discussion with the presidents in February, the three local hospitals are providing exemplary work on institutional collaboration and cooperation, which ensures Region residents receive optimal value for limited financial resources. Cambridge Memorial Hospital president Patrick Gaskin stated that in the future, hospitals need to work as a system and collaborate not only with each other but with physicians and the Local Health Integration Network. Our community has established a significant national and global brand for collaboration and cooperation to advance local priorities and imperatives. The relationship that has evolved between business and our post-secondary institutions is a prominent example. Recent developments are strong indicators that we are moving in the same direction on Waterloo Region health care, which is now a necessity and not a choice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ian McLean Ian is President and CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
Providing services to a growing population base is increasingly challenging against the current climate of fiscal restraint at
advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013
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advocacy
The Advantages of Canadian Health Care BY ART SINCLAIR One of the more interesting and informative presentations at a local business event over the last number of years was delivered by Ray Tanguay, Chair of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, at the Waterloo Region Manufacturing Innovation Network Summit in May of 2013. Mr. Tanguay is a recognized leader and innovator across the domestic sector, having served in senior positions at Toyota’s highly successful Canadian operations since 1991. The first slide in his presentation last May outlined a list of four competitive advantages that Canadian manufacturers possess over their international competitors. One of those advantages is universal health care. As we are all aware, Canadian Medicare is a massive system operating within shared provincial and federal legislative authority. The Canada Health Act establishes criteria to which all provincial and territorial governments must be in compliance to receive federal funding under the Canada Health Transfer (CHT). The primary objective of the Act is to facilitate “reasonable” access to health services without financial or other barriers. What actually constitutes “reasonable” delivery has and will continue to dominate the national debate on the evolution of the system. However, the message from Mr. Tanguay was that despite chronic issues and challenges in Canadian health care it can attract and sustain investment, particularly across the vital manufacturing sector. A recent (September 24, 2013) article in the National Post by Rebecca Walberg confirms this position. She noted that while the nation is chronically consumed in debates regarding the effectiveness of the overall system, many in the corporate world have long agreed that Canadian health care is in fact good for business. Medicare has historically been a major investment attraction particularly for multinationals in search of a reliable workforce. Most importantly, from a corporate perspective, when the pubic health care system is perceived as delivering good value for money, emphasizing prevention as well as treatment, and providing services efficiently, it is a highly effective selling point. However, Ms. Walberg’s article notes that as the gap widens between what the system can deliver and services required by Canadians, pressure is mounting on businesses to meet these needs for their employees. As the burden falls increasingly on the private
sector as opposed to the public, employers will be compelled to provide coverage for keeping the workforce healthy and ultimately productive. The possible answer for narrowing the gap between capacity and demands is efficiencies within the system. In a recent (September 23, 2013) Ottawa Citizen article, Denise Deveau notes that aging populations and the prospect of lower tax revenues, years of escalating costs that far exceed GDP growth, and outdated funding and management models are responsible for pressures across Canada. The critical question for many analysts is not the total money directed into the system but rather the value delivered. Achieving reasonable measurements is a continual challenge as Louis Theriault, director of research for the Canadian Alliance for Sustainable Healthcare at the Conference Board of Canada, notes that current productivity indicators are designed for a type of medicine that does not exist. Monumental changes in chronic disease management, communications and diagnostic tools are transforming the way health care is being delivered, where productivity should be measured and paid for based on outcomes rather than inputs. Mr. Theriault adds that more analysis is required related to maximizing value for money spent, and the current approach of simply allocating more money does not necessarily buy better outcomes. In the increasingly complex global environment where Waterloo Region businesses operate, achieving and maintaining competitive advantages are critical. Despite inherent challenges, the national health care system can and should remain on the list Ray Tanguay provided to us six months ago.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Art Sinclair Art is Vice President Policy and Advocacy for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013
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Thank You!
RECRUITER BY THE HOUR INC.
Individual and Small Business Contributors
BME Consulting Karen Mason Ian McLean Jeff MacIntyre Tim Sothern
for helping the Chamber continue its goal of eliminating the doctor shortage in Waterloo Region Since 1998 the Chamber and a team of dedicated volunteers have cut the number of residents without a family doctor in half. However the battle is not over. Our Recruitment efforts can only happen through the financial dedication of our Corporate Community through which it is funded
perspective on health care
Family Medicine Resident Night BY MARY SUE FITZPATRICK The Chamber Health Care Resources Council joined family physician recruiters from across Waterloo-Wellington in hosting thirty K-W family medicine residents at a Networking & Recruitment Dinner this past September at the Waterloo Inn. The evening was organized by Chief Residents Dr. Rose Noble and Dr. Melissa Mills and Glenda O’Brien, their resident program Manager of Education & Research. These young physicians in training had the opportunity to meet with local health care professionals to discuss the many community and hospital based practice opportunities in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Centre & North Wellington and North Perth. Many of the residents expressed interest in K-W practice opportunities. They spoke to local physicians about the Andrew Street Family Health Centre and the new Boardwalk Medical Centre which opens in January 2014. They also learned more about hospital based practice at Grand River and St. Mary’s, in specialties such as emergency medicine, palliative care, care of the elderly and the hospitalist program. University of Waterloo Health Services provided information on full scope of practice in their new medical centre which will now serve students and their extended families.
DR. ELA BEDNARSKA & DR. REBECCA LUBITZ (R) SPEAK TO RESIDENTS ABOUT ANDREW STREET FAMILY HEALTH CENTRE
PRACTICE OPPORTUNITIES AT
Special thanks to the Charcoal Group, Drayton Entertainment, the Kitchener Rangers, Bingemans and Boston Pizza for their generous donations of wonderful door prizes and gifts. The Health Council’s next major recruitment event will be K-W’s 15th annual Family Medicine Resident Weekend in November when we will be hosting family medicine residents and their partners from across Ontario.
CYNTHIA VOISIN OF VOISIN DEVELOPMENTS & DR. JOHN SEHL SPEAK TO RESIDENTS THE BOARDWALK MEDICAL CENTRE
ABOUT
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary Sue Fitzpatrick Mary Sue is Vice President Family Physician Resources and Health Advocacy. CHIEF RESIDENTS DR. ROSE NOBLE & DR. MELISSA MILLS, EVENT ORGANIZERS
advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013
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networking
Autumn Networking
PAST BOARD CHAIR & BOARD MEMBERS, MURRAY COSTELLO, BRIAN BENNETT, DAVE JAWORSKY AND MARTIN VAN NIEROP
WESTMOUNT SIGNS VICTORIA LOCKE WITH SNAP KW’S DAWNE & SEAN
CAROLYN EMBRO-PANTELONY, NORA WHITTINGTON AND LEE JAKOB
FORE!
CHERRY BUS LINES BOOTH
CROWD AT THE HOME HARDWARE BA5 KICK OFF AT KING PIN BOWLOUNGE
NETWORKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
2013-2014 GREATER KW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Photography by Adamski Photography
Call us today! (519) 743-4461 1510 V Victoria ictoria St. N, Kitchener www.pioneercraftsmen.com www.pioneercraftsmen.com
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BBB ®
networking
Autumn Networking
JENNIFER HALCROW, CHRIS TOAL, DIANE MORGAN AND LISA MCDONALD
BOARD MEMBERS AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
DON WALES, DAVE GASCHO, MERV SCHWANTZ AND BRUCE KINGSBURY
CHRISTINE JONKER, JENNIFER EBY, CARRIE MULROONEY ERIN MARTIN
AND
ROBERT GOMBOC, PAUL EICHINGER, MURRAY COSTELLO DAN FLANNIGAN
AND
SCHMUCK TRUCK SERVING THOSE DELICIOUS RISOTTO BALLS!!
THE YUMMY SPREAD!
PAST CHAIR MURRAY COSTELLO & INCOMING CHAIR SANDRA STONE
BOWLING!
Photography by Adamski Photography
FEBRUARY 8 & 9, 2014
10:00AM - 5:00PM
BINGEMANS CONFERENCE CENTRE 425 BINGEMANS CENTRE DR. KITCHENER
www.totalwomanshow.com @GrandRiverShows #TWShow
SHOW FEATURES MORE THAN 150 EXCITING EXHIBITORS SPEAKERS & WORKSHOPS DAILY FASHION SHOWS HEALTH & WELLNESS DANCE LESSONS & DEMOS NEW WINE TASTING AREA GOODIE BAGS & PRIZES
TOTA L WOMAN SHOW
TICKETS $8 PER DAY
$10 WEEKEND PASS
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new members
August 1, 2013 - September 30, 2013 Bendt Kitchens & Millwork Woodworking Aimee Wyman, Office Manager 500 Bingemans Centre Drive, Unit 7 Kitchener, ON N2B 3X9 Email: aimee@bendt.ca Phone: (519) 743-7418 Fax: (519) 743-9037
Catherine Fife MPP Government Carly Greco, Constituency Assistant 22 King Street South, Unit 401 Waterloo, ON N2J 1N8 Email: cfife-co@ndp.on.ca Web: http://www.catherinefife.com Phone: (519) 725-3477 Fax: (519) 725-3667
Comp-A-counting Inc. Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Jean Cloutier, President 148 Margaret Avenue Kitchener, ON N2H 4H9 Email: compacounting@bellnet.ca Web: http://www.compacounting.ca Phone: (519) 578-6813
Compendium Nancial Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Abbas Hyder, President 51 Breithaupt Street, Unit 100 Kitchener, ON N2H 5G5 Email: info@comnancial.com Web: http://www.comnancial.com Phone: (519) 721-2009
Crabby Joe's Tap & Grill Restaurants Menosh Hakim, Owner 296 Fairway Road South Kitchener, ON N2C 1W9 Email: kitchener@crabbyjoes.com Web: http://www.crabbyjoes.com Phone: (519) 896-0090
Custom Contracting Group Inc. Construction Vicki Smith, Office Admin 633 Colby Drive, Unit 3 Waterloo, ON N2K 1B4 vicki@customcontractinggroup.ca www.customcontractinggroup.ca Phone: (519) 623-6400 Fax: (519) 623-6400
Deafblind Ontario Services Charitable & Community Organizations Shari Chantler, Manager of Regional Operations 17665 Leslie Street, Unit 15 Newmarket, ON L3Y 3E3 mrotricities@deafblindontario.com http://www.deafblindontario.com Phone: (226) 808-0882 Fax: (519) 896-6897
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DeafBlind Ontario Services (Kitchener)
Huron Technologies International Inc.
SPM Construction Management Inc.
Charitable & Community Organizations Shari Chantler, Manager of Regional Operations 154 Old Chicopee Drive Kitchener, ON N2A 3M9 mrotricities@deafblindontario.com www.deafblindontario.com Phone: (226) 808-0882
Imaging Solutions Kelly Miller, Executive Assistant 550 Parkside Drive - Unit B6 Waterloo, ON N2L 5V4 Email: info@huron-technologies.com www.huron-technologies.com Phone: (519) 886-9013 Fax: (519) 886-5300
Construction Ryan Coupal, Senior Property Manager 41 Columbia Street West Waterloo, ON N2L 3K4 Email: ryan@schembripm.com Web: http://www.schembripm.com Phone: (519) 578-2734
Links Security Services
Synergistics Group Inc.
DSB Industries Health & Wellness Brian Bazely, President/Owner 102 Westforest Trail, Kitchener, ON N2N 3B2 Email: brian@bazely.com Web: http://www.fitwipes.ca Phone: (855) 348-9473
Security Guard & Patrol Services Kamran Farooq, President & CEO 31 Keller Crescent Kitchener, ON N2N 3M7 Email: kamran@linkssecurity.ca Web: http://www.linkssecurity.ca Phone: (519) 573-0948 Fax: (226) 647-4116
Consultants Melanie Roberts, President 695 Munich Circle, Waterloo, ON N2V 2L6 mroberts@synergisticsgroup.com www.synergisticsgroup.com Phone: (519) 880-0209
Eco-Coffee Corporation
New York Pita Co
The Productive Leadership Institute
Coffee Wholesalers Ramin Hayratiyan, 300 Mill Street, Unit 1 Kitchener, ON N2M 5G8 Email: ramin@eco-coffee.ca Web: http://www.eco-coffee.ca Phone: (519) 743-7548
Restaurants Aaron Paloscia, Director of Operations 82 King Street West, Kitchener, ON N2G 1A6 Email: aaron.paloscia@gmail.com Web: http://www.newyorkpita.com Phone: (519) 743-5500
Management Training & Development Helen Turner, Associate 130 Mount Hope Street, Unit 802 Kitchener, ON N2G 4M6 Email: turner.helenj@gmail.com www.lmicanada.ca/Members/RobertSeguin.aspx Phone: (519) 998-4575
Fritsch & Laitar Chartered Professional Accountants Accountants - Chartered Ivana Karac, Senior Manager 155 Frobisher Drive Suite 204, J Wing Waterloo, ON N2V 2E1 Email: IvanaK@Fritsch-Laitar.com Phone: (519) 746-7220 Fax: (519) 746-7223
HappySpace Arts & Entertainment Inc.
Pulse by DNK
Trade-Mark Industrial Inc
Business Consultants Donna Hill, CEO & Managing Director 30 Wagon Street Kitchener, ON N2P 2T5 Email: donna@pulsebydnk.com Web: http://www.pulsebydnk.com Phone: (519) 590-0042 Fax: (519) 219-0716
Contractors - General Craig Dubecki, Business Development 1197 Union Street Kitchener, ON N2H 6N6 Email: cdubecki@trade-markind.com Web: http://www.trade-markind.com Phone: (519) 570-1511 Fax: (519) 578-4393
Roberto Fernando Villamar
Food & Beverage Consultants Ted McKechnie, President 305 Margaret Avenue, Apt 707 Kitchener, ON N2H 6S4 Email: tedmckechnie@rogers.com Phone: (519) 569-1818
Event Planning Bryan Katz, Marketing Manager 115 Sandford Fleming Drive Waterloo, ON N2T 1E1 Email: happyspace@rogers.com Web: http://www.happyspace.ca Phone: (519) 885-1850
Business Consultants Roberto Villamar, 402 Robert Ferrie Drive Kitchener, ON N2P 2Y3 Email: rf.villamar@gmail.com Phone: (519) 896-1249
Highmount Foods Inc.
Schembri Property Management Corp.
Restaurants Peter Waurechen, President 311 Bushview Crescent, Waterloo, ON N2V 2A6 Email: highmountfoodsinc@bell.net Phone: (519) 884-5449
Property Management Ryan Coupal, Senior Property Manager 41 Columbia Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3K4 Email: ryan@schembripm.com Web: http://www.schembripm.com Phone: (519) 578-2734
William Davies Consulting
YNC LLP Accountants - Chartered Sarah Cabral, Condo Practice Leader 447 Frederick Street - Suite 300 Kitchener, ON N2H 2P4 Email: sarah@yncllp.ca Web: http://www.yncllp.ca Phone: (519) 772-0125 Fax: (519) 772-0428
Zen Digital Marketing Marketing Consultants Glenn Pattison, Owner 645 Albert Street- Unit 2A Waterloo, ON N2L 3V5 glenn@zendigitalmarketing.com www.zendigitalmarketing.com Phone: (226) 750-3540 Fax: (519) 884-6681
feature
Changes and Challenges on Health Care Horizon Bring Role of Private Sector into Sharper Focus BY SUE REIBEL Most Canadians agree the access to central, basic health care services provided through Canada’s publicly-funded health care system is one of our nation’s defining features. The Canada Health Act continues to provide all Canadians with access to options ranging from common immunizations, to pre-natal visits and scans, to hospitalization and critical care.
comprehensive options including wellness programs and employee assistance support help employees manage health risks and other issues in an effort to keep employees well and keep them working. The hard-dollar investment employers make in benefits is often recouped in reduced rates of absence and disability that can be costly.
While public programs support essential components, the gap between what public health care can deliver and the care that Canadians require is widening. Growing pressure from an aging population, economic challenges and stretched budgets, plus governments’ need to address competing priorities makes the role played by the private sector and suppliers increasingly important.
Along with the record-keeping and administrative services, insurers offer expertise to help employers identify and address costly trends. Education programs help covered employees make informed choices to contribute to keeping coverage affordable over the long-term. Pharmacy benefit management strategies look for ways to containing costs without reducing coverage as employers design plans.
According to 2012 figures available from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), government programs account for only 70% of health care spending. More than 23 million Canadians count on the extended health care coverage sponsored by employers to meet their broader health care needs. Coverage for dental care, prescriptions, glasses, and paramedical specialties – supported by workplace benefits coverage – makes a substantial difference to Canadian quality of life – and quality of health. In 2012, a total of $62.7 billion in health care expenditures were paid by employer-sponsored plans or individuals paying out of pocket (CIHI). Coverage supported by private payers (employers and individuals) plays a substantial role in keeping Canadian workers healthy. For business owners of all sizes, getting good value in a benefits program – and making sure coverage costs are manageable for the business on an ongoing basis – is a principal consideration. Many view their ability to offer benefits as an advantage for hiring and retaining staff in a competitive market, so securing the right type of coverage that will prove affordable over the long term is vital. Insurers – including Manulife Financial – understand the key role plan sponsors play in the health care continuum. With many services sharing costs with group benefits plans – or shifting costs entirely – the coverage offered by employers grows increasingly important. Insurers have worked to develop flexible plan designs to meet diverse needs of businesses. Programs tailored to smaller enterprises let employers provide basic health and dental coverage then add other components as the business evolves. More
Smart services offered by carriers contain costs and resources to protect customers’ investments in care. Effective use of electronic options – to receive and process claims, to deliver statements, and provide coverage details to plan members – is convenient as well as cost effective. As a one of Canada’s top three providers of group benefits plans, Manulife currently delivers programs for 19,500 employers who cover more than 5,000,000 Canadians. The collective investment of employers who sponsor group benefits programs with Manulife and its peers attests to the significant contribution private sector organizations make to health care. Working in concert with options delivered under the Canada Health Act, the health care coverage and services funded by private sector employers play an increasingly important role in the effort to keep Canadians healthy and productive.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sue Reibel Sue is Senior Vice President, Business Development Group Benefits and Retirement Solutions, Manulife Financial
advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013
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The Role Less Travelled: Group Benefit Protection During a Significant Health Event BY STUART MONTEITH Think for a moment about the group benefits coverage you may have – either through your own organization or a spouse’s. What role do these benefits play in your life day-to-day? Chances are, a fairly significant one – reimbursing expenses related to dental work, prescription medications, eyeglasses, and trips to the chiropractor. These are the day-to-day, predictable expense coverages that are often seen as the core of a group benefits plan. But there’s a deeper core to these plans that can provide even greater value – and that’s the coverage that kicks in if the unpredictable happens, and you or a loved one experience a serious illness or accident. Serious health events – unforeseen but not uncommon Serious, unpredictable health events – from serious accidents to illnesses such as heart attack, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and mental disorders – can have a profound impact on an individual and their family. According to the 2013 Sun Life Canadian Health Index™ – a nation-wide survey that measures the attitudes of Canadians towards healthy lifestyles – 39% of Canadians who have experienced such an event say that it triggered a significant lifestyle change, from increased reliance on others for support, to job loss, to relationship breakdowns. And these events are not rare. According to our study, 28% of Canadians said they have experienced a serious health event or an accident in their lifetime. For mental health issues alone, 500,000 employed Canadians are unable to work in any given week – and these mental health issues now represent the number one cause of disability in Canada. Group benefits – financial protection and more More than one-half (56%) of Canadians who have suffered such a serious health event say that it impacted their personal finances. And it’s hitting those in the prime of life the hardest. Our study revealed that more than half (53 per cent) of 45 to 54 year olds are struggling to make ends meet after a major health incident. The issue is that many expenses – ranging from out-of-hospital prescription drug costs to lost employment income – are not covered by provincial health insurance plans. That’s where group benefits can play a role. Disability insurance can replace a portion of lost income – and disability management
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programs can help employees get healthy and back to work sooner. Prescription drug coverage can cover catastrophic drug expenses in managing long-term chronic illnesses such as cancer. And plans often cover the cost of medical supplies, such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment and prosthetic devices. The difficult news is that many people remain uncovered or unprepared for these potential expenses. According to our study, a fifth of Canadians (20 per cent) have no group insurance, personal insurance or health expense savings to help absorb the financial shock that a major health event can bring. Thinking of a plan? Get professional advice For individuals thinking of purchasing coverage – or organizations considering the implementation or redesign of a benefits plan – professional benefits plan advisors play a critical role in customizing a plan. And there are plans available for every type of business – large or small. There are a number of design elements that can help mitigate the impact of significant health events: • Wellness programs that promote good health – and encourage the early detection of chronic illness • Long-term disability benefits that provide income replacement during a work absence • Extended health benefits – such as critical illness insurance and out-of-country travel medical insurance – that fill important coverage gaps. Benefit plans can also offer services to both help and educate employees on health matters, from assistance in navigating the public and private healthcare system, to online health education resources, to employee assistance programs that address potential problems before they escalate.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stuart Monteith Stuart is the Senior Vice-President of Group Benefits at Sun Life Financial
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Employee Wellness – Proactive and Holistic BY TERESA NORRIS-LUE For many individuals and organizations the importance of a strong focus on proactive and holistic approaches to healthy environments is not well understood. A recent HR Reporter article included some interesting statistics from a Conference Board of Canada study, related to the cost of employee absenteeism. • The average Canadian worker was absent the equivalent of almost two full work weeks in 2011. • The direct annual cost of absenteeism averages 2.4% of gross annual payroll. • These absences cost the Canadian economy an estimated $16.6 billion in 2012. • Only 15 per cent of organizations measured the direct cost of absenteeism. Although absenteeism is generally tracked and handled by Human Resources, it is something all levels of an organization should pay attention to. The rates of absenteeism and the impacts on organizations will likely continue to increase based on the aging workforce. Organizations can try to address these issues by tracking absences but, since close to 75 per cent of employee absences are due to employee illness or disability, a more effective strategy is to proactively address employee health and wellness.
organization’s profile as a socially responsible employer of choice, improving its ability to attract new talent and retain existing talent. For example, surveys have shown that the Generation Y employees (currently in their twenties) are the fastest growing segment of the employee population. They aspire to live healthy and active lifestyles, yet report the highest level of uncomfortable stress in their lives. Generation Y employees have a strong need for programs that fit with who they are and what they value. This includes wellness-related benefits, such as subsidized gym memberships, worksite fitness facilities, healthy food programs, and reimbursement towards the cost of education or selfdevelopment courses. Some organizations struggle with where to start when considering wellness programs. The key is analyzing information from a variety of sources that are readily available and specific to your employees and then using this information to roll-out relevant and impactful programs. • Reviewing data – health risk assessments can be one way of collecting data about health issues. Most group benefit providers make these assessments available to employees on-line and will provide aggregate level data back to the organization. It is also important to consider data and analytics from your group benefits, retirement, employee assistance and disability programs, as well as workers compensation reporting.
Integrated data can be used to Between 2010 and 2011, the costs point to strategic wellness of group benefit programs Physical fitness is not only one of the most important decisions about preventable health escalated by an average of 6.2%, keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and conditions where risk is present in more than twice the rate of a population, to promote health inflation. Contributing to this creative intellectual activity. and healthy behaviours, and to figure are the increasing health – John F. Kennedy engage multiple generations in a risks among Canadians. Studies workplace. Utilizing statistics show that 63% of us demonstrate specific to your employees will help you target programs that are three or more unhealthy behaviour patterns (e.g. physical relevant and impactful for your team. inactivity, tobacco use). Dealing with employees’ health is an organization’s competitive advantage as the payoff is significant: greater productivity, lower absenteeism and presenteeism, and reduced healthcare costs. Workplace health and wellness initiatives provide value to organizations by keeping employees healthy and engaged. A successful workplace wellness program can also help build an
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• Survey employees – just sending out the survey can be a morale booster as it shows the employees you value their input, however, there must be a willingness to use the information gathered so employees believe you are listening to their feedback. • Establish a Wellness Committee – the committee does the research, puts together a strategy, and talks to their colleagues
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about it. It is important to have a good cross-representation of your employee group on your committee. You may also want to consider including outside service providers or consultants who may bring added perspective to the discussions. Committees are a way to co-create wellness programs, as well as a strategy to boost participation, and to hear valuable feedback about the program.
1. Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. – World Health Organization • Have a communication strategy - to effectively engage employees around wellness, it’s essential to communicate wellness program initiatives, program goals and incentives available for employees who participate. Create messaging that is clear, consistent and widely circulated. Management-driven communication around wellness is also invaluable - employees are more likely to participate if they can see that the organization’s commitment to wellness starts at the top. • Measure the return on your investment – the costs saved in terms of employee health resulting from effective wellness programs are often greater than the cost of the programs themselves, meaning that wellness initiatives can pay for themselves within the first few years of implementation. Knowing the return on your investment allows an organization
to determine the financial benefits of the investments and can help sustain health and wellness programs in the face of competing organizational priorities. An effective wellness strategy links all existing internal and external health resources, maximizing the program’s potential and outcomes, and incorporating the existing benefits program into the approach. Having a holistic approach to your program can improve the overall health and wellness of your employees, including their physical, mental and financial well-being. The movement toward a more holistic view of wellness echoes a similar movement we’ve seen in human capital management…that of total compensation. Helping employees see offerings or the benefits of offerings as a total picture also ensures employees have a grasp on both what’s available to them and the value in what’s provided.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Teresa Norris-Lue Teresa is Vice President, Group Benefits & Retirement and Individual Life & Wealth with Cowan Insurance Group. She has over 25 years of experience in the group insurance industry both on the consulting side and with a major Canadian life insurance company
advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013
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events
Mark Your Calendar November 12, 2013
November 18, 2013
Manulife Chamber Academy - Modern Selling: How to Develop and Deliver the Right Message
Business Expo powered by your local Chambers of Commerce
8:00-9:30am at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Waterloo-St. Jacobs Members: $20 includes HST General Admission: $25 includes HST
4:00–7:00pm at Bingemans Members & General Admission: Complimentary Admission
Powerful 90 minute workshop designed to help move individuals and organizations forward Title Sponsor:
The Cambridge, Guelph and Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chambers of Commerce are excited to host this large-scale exhibitor event featuring educational sessions about Business Programs, Grants, Financing and Incentives that are available to help your business grow. As well local restaurants and caterers will be on hand to provide samples of their delicious specialties.
November 13, 2013
November 20, 2013
Second Foundation Chamber Young Professionals Networking Event
Heffner Women’s Leadership Luncheon with Jacqui Murphy
5:30-7:30pm at Entertaining Elements Member Advantage: $5 includes HST General Admission: $10 includes HST
11:30am-1:30pm at Janet Lynn’s Bistro Members: $40 includes HST General Admission: $50 includes HST Check the Chamber website for more details
You are invited to join us to develop key relationships, build your business network and connect with other young professionals and business leaders at this casual networking event. Title Sponsor:
Title Sponsor:
November 25, 2013 Point of View with Tom Deans: Every Family’s Business 11:30am-1:30pm at Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel Members: $40 includes HST Table of 6: $225 includes HST General Admission: $50 includes HST Having successfully run his father’s business and helped sell it at the peak of its market value before the market crash in early 2007, Tom has emerged as a leading global expert on family business dynamics. As one of the most in-demand family business speaker
Insurance is the last thing business owners think of when times are good. But, when there’s a claim it’s their first call. You should have the best coverage possible. Get an expert opinion on your commercial insurance needs.
insure@erb-erb.com 1.800.265.2634 www.erb-erb.com
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events
in North America, Tom is constantly meeting business owners and families who lament not hearing his message years earlier. Each attendee will also receive a copy of his book. Title Sponsor:
December 5, 2013 Chamber Holiday Open House 4:30-6:30pm at the Chamber of Commerce Members: Complimentary Celebrate the season with fellow Chamber members and staff! We will be accepting donations of non-perishable items or an unwrapped toy.
November 26, 2013 Manulife Chamber Academy - Facebook 101 for Business: How to Gain Brand Awareness
December 10, 2013
8:00-9:30am at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Waterloo-St. Jacobs Members: $20 includes HST General Admission: $25 includes HST Powerful 90 minute workshop designed to help move individuals and organizations forward Title Sponsor:
Manulife Chamber Academy - Employee Optimization: Communicating for Results 8:00-9:30am at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Waterloo-St. Jacobs Members: $20 includes HST General Admission: $25 includes HST Powerful 90 minute workshop designed to help move individuals and organizations forward Title Sponsor:
November 28, 2013
December 10, 2013
Stantec Networking Breakfast Series presents John Baker, Desire2Learn
Home Hardware Business After 5
7:15-9:00am at The Tannery Members: $28 includes HST General Admission: $35 includes HST
5:00-7:00pm at Walper Hotel Members: Complimentary General Admission: $10 includes HST Exhibit Booth: $50+HST
In 1999, John Baker founded a tech company called Desire2Learn. Since then, as President & CEO, John has molded a once small start-up into one of the hottest tech companies not only in Canada, but around the world. Title Sponsor:
Come out to this casual B2B networking event with friendly faces and easy conversation. Title Sponsor: Media Sponsor:
Annual Corporate Christmas Party NOVEMBER 23 OR NOVEMBER 29 OR DECEMBER 13
RUSHES Restaurant offers individual companies a gala Christmas party, perfect for small businesses who want a BIG party! The evening includes a fabulous Christmas smorgasbord, live piano stylings, DJ music & dancing. Purchase individual tickets or tables of 4 or more! $49 per person, plus applicable tax & gratuity. RUSHES Restaurant
475 King St. N., Waterloo www.waterlooinn.com
(519) 884-0220
advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013
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feature
Good Health is Good Business BY CHRIS WRIGHT In any business, big or small, we’re only as good as our people allow us to be. For this reason, Kitchener-Waterloo businesses must discover ways to attract and retain the best and brightest, often in the form of competitive compensation. However, as research indicates, cultivating and encouraging a positive and engaging workplace will be more beneficial to satisfaction, productivity and retention than any financial incentive we could provide to our employees, and at a fraction of the cost. Healthy Employees are Engaged Employees Investing in our employees’ mental health and well-being not only attracts engaged employees, who are productive at work and help us meet and exceed our organizational goals, but it also reduces absenteeism. Given that the average Canadian full-time employee misses 9.3 days of work per year , it’s not surprising to discover that the annual cost of disengaged employees for a 100-person company is $180,000 . Every day our employees face a range of challenges that impact their ability to attend – and effectively perform at – work. In 2013, a typical 250-person company may have: • 50 people suffering from a mental health issue • 20 people living with diabetes • 70 people caring for elderly dependents (of whom 40 are caring for children and elderly dependents) • 25 people suffering from depression or addiction Although absence drivers are difficult to track, it is clear that employees who feel the pressure of family responsibilities at work become distracted and their performance and productivity drops. Consequently, Canadian businesses lose more than $30 billion per year because of sick days, disability payments and staff replacements . The impact of employees’ mental, social and physical health on our bottom line is staggering. Fortunately, there are several tools and resources available to help us best support our employees and manage mental health issues within the workplace. Protecting Our Employees: A Win-Win Investment Released in January 2013 , the new National Standard for Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace can be used as a helpful framework to improve our mental health strategy.
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Although currently voluntary, it may become mandatory in the future. Providing mental health support as a non-cash benefit is very relevant to attraction, retention and cost management for us. We can also leverage Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAPs), which provide counselling and consultation resources for a wide range of issues. Traditionally targeted to address issues in the mental health realm, EFAPs now also support employees with their social and physical health. Why does this matter? Personal relationships are a leading cause of lack of focus, lower productivity, missed work days and poor health , while the estimated cost of obesity to Canadian employers is a staggering $1.3 billion per year. Clearly, employees' personal problems spill over into their work life, and negatively impact your bottom line. Now available online and on mobile devices , EFAPs have never been easier to access, for all age groups. They have the effect of reducing the number of hours that employees spend addressing non-work problems, which allows them to be more productive and engaged at work. Companies with an EFAP report 20% more revenue per employee, 16% higher market value, 57% higher shareholder returns and lower costs for short and long term disability payments. With an EFAP, you can position yourself as a caring employer, while improving attraction, recruitment and retention of talent for your business. Moreover, you can witness your employees’ performance improve when they’re supported through a wide range of mental, physical and social health challenges. I’m confident you’ll see the benefits of keeping your employees healthy, engaged and productive, both at work and in their personal lives. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chris Wright Chris is Director of Advisor Relations for Shepell·fgi, Morneau Shepell’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). As the pioneer and leader of EFAP in Canada, Shepell·fgi provides innovative programs that help organizations help their people.
Let it Snow.
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the food is so delightful. That’s the reason that so many families and businesses in the Waterloo Region choose Bingemans. We have been professional caterers for over 50 years, and we would be honoured to cater your next grand occasion. Our experienced event planners can fulfill all of your needs including: venue searches, innovative menu planning, staffing and beverage management.
Kingpin Bowling Parties
Christmas Day Buffet
BINGEMANSCATERING Phone (519) 744-1555
Toll Free: 1-800-667-0833
Web: bingemans.com
Specialized Christmas Office Catering
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We’re active members the communities TheofPower of Education we serve.
BY JOAN FISK
That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind. stantec.com
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Grand River Hospital Preparing for the Future BY MALCOLM MAXWELL We often hear about a “silver tsunami” as our population ages. People growing older will live with longer-term illnesses and conditions needing on-going care. As the region’s largest specialized hospital, GRH provides acute care while supporting patients with longer-term illnesses like diabetes, kidney disease and cancer. We’re also meeting our growing region’s need for emergency care and services for new families. GRH has three goals to meet our residents’ future health needs: • Having the people needed to provide excellent care; • Building a better connected health service with our partners; and, • Acquiring the technology and facilities to meet future needs. People GRH’s 3,500 employees and 550 medical staff members are the foundation of excellent care. Keeping the good people we already have is key when health professionals are in short supply. We’re doing so by better staff engagement, and acting on how care providers and patients advise us to improve access to and quality of care. Educating new health professionals in our own community supports future recruitment. GRH partners with the University of Waterloo in educating medical pharmacists and medical physicists, McMaster University in both undergraduate and residency training for physicians, and Conestoga College and McMaster in nursing. We are among few Canadian hospitals to offer an accredited postgraduate clinical nutrition program, which is key to supporting patients with chronic diseases. We also work closely with our medical staff to recruit specialists to meet patients’ needs throughout the hospital. These strategies help ensure GRH’s 15 programs and services have the specialized personnel to meet expected needs.
Through the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network, better health communication is coming into place. The Clinical Connect project allows multiple health care providers to securely access a patient record. The Health Links initiative led by the Centre for Family Medicine and shared between hospitals, family doctors and others will help us all do better for patients with complicated health problems. These are stepping stones toward a better health system focused on addressing all of a patient’s needs, not just a few of them. GRH also works closely with partners such as St. Mary’s General Hospital and the Waterloo Wellington Community Care Access Centre to support a broader system of health care. We’re doing this through sharing several services with St. Mary’s, and partnering for patients’ return to home through the CCAC. Technology and facilities Through community donors, generous support from the Region of Waterloo and funding from the province, GRH has completed a major upgrade of our hospital. We have added 30 new medical surgical beds, expanded three mental health units, renovated 10 operating rooms, and expanded our intensive care unit. New cancer treatment strategies, more genetic testing and personalized medicine and continuing advances in medical imaging all require continuing investment in top-notch equipment and facilities to support care. The continuing generosity of our community through the GRH Foundation helps us ensure your care at GRH will benefit from the best diagnostic and treatment tools available. To conclude… At GRH our vision is: we’re your hospital, bringing you exceptional care for your health, today and tomorrow. With great people working with health partners in our community and using the right technology, we will be well prepared for the continued growth of the Waterloo Region.
Connected partners Canada’s hospital and medical insurance systems were developed in the 1950s to meet the challenges of injury, catastrophic illness and rapidly-expanding technologies. A much older population needs a health system to deal with chronic diseases affecting people through years and decades. Locally, patients need their care coordinated better. We often hear of patients who have had to tell their history too many times, and without the connections any of us would want for a family member.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Malcolm Maxwell Malcolm is the President and CEO of Grand River Hospital. His career has included leadership roles within regional health systems, hospitals and health ministries in four Provinces.
advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013
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Sometimes being shut out is a g good ood thing. Between J anuary 1, 20 10 and December 31, 20 12, a total of 1,0 15 companies and January 2010 2012, 1,015 indi viduals were con victed under the Ontario Ministry of Labour ’s Employment individuals convicted Labour’s Standards Act, incur incurring ring big fines and public shaming on the ministry website. Of all indi viduals named in these cases, none w ere HRPA HRP PA members. memb individuals were HRP HRPA PA regulates the t professional practice of its member members s who agree to abide by its R ules of P rofessional Conduct. F or more information on how w HRP PA A-member Rules Professional For HRPA-member HR professionals can help you reduce your workplace leg al and compliance legal risks, please visit www .hrpa.ca/ESAAurora. www.hrpa.ca/ESAAurora. W We're e're S Social: ocial:
HR Information Service is a service of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA)—Canada’s HR thought leader with more than 20,000 members in 28 chapters across Ontario. HRPA connects its membership to an unmatched range of HR information resources, events, professional development and networking opportuni opportuni-ties and annually hosts Canada’s largest HR conference. In Ontario, HRPA issues the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, the national standard for excellence in human resources management and the Senior Human Resources Professional (SHRP) designation, reserved for high-impact HR leaders. www.hrpa.ca
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Waterloo Region Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic Announced for Kitchener The Board and Staff of the Waterloo Region Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic (WRNPLC) are excited to announce the opening of their Pioneer Park satellite clinic. Members of the community, agency partners, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care representatives and members of the Waterloo Region LHIN were invited to an open house in September to tour the new clinic. Guest speaker, Grand River Hospital CEO, Malcolm Maxwell spoke about solving primary health care challenges of chronic disease, hypertension, and depression among others. He said that our aging population means more complicated needs and that partnerships in the health care community will meet these needs. Organizations like the WRNPLC, said Maxwell, are fundamental to taking care of this group and there is much to be hopeful about. NP led clinics provide full spectrum primary health care to people of all ages, stages and health conditions in communities with an identified need for primary care services. Their team includes four Nurse Practitioners who bring expertise in primary health care, mental health and education to the Waterloo Region. They work alongside an RPN, Pharmacist, Dietician, Social Worker, Physician consultant and Administrative Support team. Consistent with their vision of Partnering for a Healthier Community, WRNPLC proudly collaborates with many other health related agencies in the region to ensure person centered, quality driven, integrated and accessible primary care for their clients. This clinic is one of 26 Nurse Practitioner led primary health care clinics across Ontario funded by the provincial government as nonprofit corporations and supported by a community based board of directors. Since opening the doors of the main site at 13 Water St. N. in Cambridge in February 2012, WRNPLC staff has
initiated primary care for over 1300 residents of the Waterloo region with a current target of 3200 clients. The Pioneer Park Satellite will ensure Kitchener-Waterloo clients have access to Nurse Practitioner led primary care services closer to home.
The Pioneer Park satellite, 101-123 Pioneer Drive in Kitchener, began seeing patients in October. Their hours of operation are Tuesday 9am-8pm and Wednesday 9am-5pm. If you are interested in becoming a patient of the Waterloo Region Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic or want more information, please go to their website at www.wrnplc.ca and complete a registration form or contact their office at 519-772-2322.
(L TO R) PEARL LAKATOS (ADMIN SUPPORT), SARAH BRUULSEMA (SW), AMY CLARKSON (RPN), LEANNE TERRY (ADMIN SUPPORT) AND MEGAN BAILEY (RD)
advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013
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sponsor profile
Stantec – Design with Community in Mind BY KEVIN FERGIN Stantec's story is the story of our relationships with our clients. It's the story of how we improve the quality of life in our local community in Waterloo Region and communities around the world. And it's the story of the people who have contributed their bold ideas, expertise, and skills to meet our clients' needs and make our projects successful. We take pride in a long history of being part of the communities we serve. We started in 1954 as a one-person firm. Today, the Stantec community unites more than 13,000 specialists working in over 200 locations across North America and internationally. Locally we're over 330 active members of the community we serve. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind. We collaborate across disciplines and industries to make buildings, infrastructure, and energy and resource projects happen. Our work—professional consulting in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics—begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Our local strength, knowledge, and relationships coupled with our world-class expertise have allowed us to meet our clients' needs in more creative and personalized ways. Our Evolution D. R. Stanley Associates was founded in 1954 in Edmonton by Dr. Don Stanley, a Harvard graduate in environmental engineering. In search of work, Dr. Stanley sent out 600 letters and drove 27,000 kilometers in 4 months, visiting small communities in western Canada. Our company’s first decade saw the transformation of a one-person firm—doing water and sewerage projects in small, rural municipalities—into a company with close to 30 employees. While continuing to focus on upgrading water systems in small communities, we extended our services to include transportation engineering. In 1958, the company was contracted to redesign the Peace River Bridge on the Alaska Highway, a project that, upon successful completion, significantly enhanced our team’s reputation for bridge engineering. In 1967, with close to 50 employees, the company obtained its first international project—a sewerage system for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Other international projects soon followed, including the installation and rehabilitation of water systems in Jamaica. In the 1970’s, Stanley Associates continued to diversify. Among other
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projects, the company was actively engaged in the expansion of municipal infrastructure of many Canadian western towns and cities, including Fort McMurray, Calgary and Edmonton. The company completed its first acquisition in 1976, adding community development to its growing list of service areas. When the economy took a downturn in early 1980’s, the company survived because of geographic and practice diversification. This was also a time of organizational transition. In 1983, Ron Triffo was appointed president, and Dr. Don Stanley became chairman and chief executive officer. The decade of 1984 to 1993 saw the continued diversification of our services and geographic locations. Pavement management, interior design, and structural engineering services to develop bridges and sports facilities were added, thereby creating work with new clients and offering an increased number of services to existing clients. By 1994, the company had over 800 employees and in 1994 was listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Tony Franceschini was appointed president and chief executive officer in 1998, and we introduced our single-brand identity: Stantec. In 1997, we made history with the completion of the Confederation Bridge connecting New Brunswick by road to PEI. It also marked a key local acquisition of Paragon Engineering in Kitchener that provided for a strong nucleus of professionals in multiple offices and a launching pad to lead the growth of the company in eastern Canada. By 2003, Stantec had almost 4,000 employees and a strong presence in 10 states, 6 provinces, and Barbados. Stantec had a milestone year in 2004: we celebrated our 50th anniversary and by the mid 2000’s, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and continued to grow our presence in the US East. In May 2009, Robert (Bob) Gomes became our fourth president and chief executive officer. Stantec reaffirmed its business objective to be a top 10 global design firm. We continued to grow through acquisition, adding new regions across Canada and the US, and expanded internationally to England, India, and the United Arab Emirates. We also added services, including becoming the largest professional architectural practice in Canada. In September, we launched our new brand—centered on its purpose of creating communities and promise to design with community in mind—to the world. Our new logo and visual identity was also introduced. I was particularly proud of our Stantec in the Community Day last month where 4,000 employees
sponsor profile
across all of our Stantec regions participated in many community outreach activities making an impact in their local communities as one coordinated Stantec community. Locally, we were able to send a team to the Waterloo Region Food Bank and help a make a difference in the lives of our community.
every community we serve; be it enhancing Victoria Park in downtown Kitchener for the enjoyment of our families, helping create the world class David Johnson Technology Park; or, enhancing the health care of our loved ones through our work on the expansion of the Cambridge Memorial Hospital.
Mission, vision and goals
We have been a proud member of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce for over a decade. The value of interacting with our local business associates at various Chamber events has provided for ‘second to none’ networking opportunities for our Stantec team and helped us plug our community perspectives into the grass roots local fabric. We believe Waterloo Region is the most dynamic community in Canada that has afforded us the opportunity to engage in locally driven organizations that help to further our collective leadership including the Creative Enterprise Initiative, Sustainable Waterloo Region and the recent SmartRegion Initiative.
We are defined by more than our services. We are defined by what we stand for, what we believe, and why we do what we do. We make a difference in the world by creating communities. This is our purpose. When we say community, we mean everybody with a stake in the work we do—from the clients we collaborate with across many sectors, to the locals we reach, to the team of us working together to serve them. Our promise is to ‘design with community in mind’. We connect the focus of our work with our deep commitment to community, bringing insight to every project. We are focused on designing for the world around us, and that is why our business objective is to be a top 10 global design firm. It's a bold objective, but it’s one we take seriously. Our clients are at the center of how we operate. Our business model—a key element of our strategy—is based on providing services through our practice areas to our clients in various sectors across many regions. By pursuing project and client diversification and not taking on construction projects, we remain a pure design firm and mitigate risk. The Strength of Stantec's Local Presence What we do has an impact on the world we live in. That's an important responsibility and a great opportunity. With the advantage of local insights and long-term personal connections, we advance the quality of life in Waterloo Region. We do this by bringing our collective world-class expertise to every project in
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kevin Fergin Kevin is a Principal and Practice Leader of Community Development in the Stantec Kitchener office and Office Leader of over 330 practitioners. Kevin obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering from the University of Waterloo and is a Professional Engineer
advocate NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013
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member notables
MEMBER NOTABLES Conestoga College to offer Life Insurance Education Program Conestoga College has announced that, commencing in September of 2014, a new two-year diploma will be offered for students seeking a career in the Canadian life insurance industry. The Insurance – Life program is the first of its kind in Canada and will prepare graduates for entry-level positions in all areas of life insurance from administration and underwriting to claims adjusting and marketing. Participants in the program will be eligible to write the ten examinations leading to the Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) designation. According a Conestoga College news release, Canada’s health and life insurance industry provides full-time employment for approximately 140,000 people, with approximately 65,000 in Ontario. Conestoga President John Tibbits also noted the sector is a major Waterloo Region employer and the new program will support local growth and prosperity.
Cowan Foundation Provides Support for Junior Achievement In September 2013, The Cowan Foundation provided a $10,000 donation to Junior Achievement (JA) Waterloo Region. The funding will assist with development of the Student Company Program, which offers local youth a first-class entrepreneurship learning experience. The JA Company Program runs weekly from October 28th – April 14th at Conestoga College’s Entrepreneurship Centre, THEMUSEUM and the University of Waterloo. The Cowan foundation was established in 1995 in honour of Frank Cowan, the founder of Cowan Insurance Group and Frank Cowan Company. The objective of the Foundation is to make a positive difference in the lives of Canadians and the broader well-being of our communities.
Two Blonde Chicks Mark Ten Years in Business Two Blond Chicks Inc. Design & Marketing is proud to celebrate ten years of business in Waterloo Region. Founded in 2003 by Conestoga College graduates Jolene MacDonald and Julie Knowles, the company delivers creative marketing and graphic design services for clients across all sectors. They are also co-hosting CreateAthon 2013 Waterloo Region, a 24-hour workaround the clock creative blitz which provides pro bono marketing services to nonprofit organizations. The Chamber congratulates Two Blond Chicks on their achievements.
Elmira Photographer receives Provincial Recognition The Professional Photographers of Canada – Ontario recently awarded Tina Weltz of Calla Studio in Elmira as Commercial Photographer of the Year. Ms. Weltz also received best in class for Fine Art and Wedding Album. The competition included entries from across the province with adjudication in Oakville by a selected panel of judges. Ms. Weltz has clients across Waterloo Region and into the Toronto area. Congratulations on this distinguished honour.
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