CANOE NEWS
Winter Sidewalk Maintenance
By Canoe Insurance Proper sidewalk maintenance during winter is essential for both public safety and risk management. Snow and ice accumulation can lead to slips,
Why Kindness Must Be a Non‑Negotiable Workplace Standard
Creating a respectful, inclusive workplace requires everyday actions, clear policies, and benefits that genuinely support employee well‑being. When organizations align their benefit programs, communication, and leadership practices with values of care and inclusion, they strengthen trust, reduce stigma, and create environments where employees feel safe, supported, and empowered.
February 2026 Supplier Updates: New and Renewed Contracts
Canoe members now have even more procurement choices. In January 2026, we added eighteen new contracts and renewed another twenty-nine existing ones, all of which
Monitoring and Managing Snow Loading and Ice Damming on Municipal Buildings
Winter conditions across Canadian municipalities can create significant structural and safety hazards for public buildings. Two of the most common and preventable risks are excessive
Planning Outdoor Winter Events
The key to a successful winter event is having a well-contemplated and well-developed plan in place. This plan should include information about the structure of the event’s leadership team, vendor policies, event security, and insurance requirements. Read the latest bulletin from the Canoe Insurance team for tips on planning safe winter outdoor events.
New Directions for Employee Benefits in 2026
A new year always brings questions about what employees will need next. Teams change, expectations shift, and the supports that were helpful last year may not be the ones people rely on moving forward. As organizations transition into 2026, reflecting on what helped your team this past year and what could be improved can help create a strong foundation for planning a benefits strategy that feels relevant and supportive.
January 2026 Supplier Updates: New and Renewed Contracts
Canoe members now have even more procurement choices. In December 2025, we added eight new supplier contracts and renewed another nine existing ones, all of
December 2025 Supplier Updates: New and Renewed Contracts
Canoe members now have even more procurement choices. In November, we added two new supplier contracts and renewed another four existing ones, all of which
Holiday Well-Being Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
December brings excitement for some and quiet stress for others. It’s a meaningful moment to acknowledge the range of experiences your employees may be carrying. By highlighting accessible benefits, offering flexibility, and leading with understanding, you create space for people to navigate the season in the way that works for them. Small supports now can make the holidays healthier and more manageable for everyone.
Recognizing and Preventing Burnout
November is a time when year-end pressure can quietly lead to burnout. As workloads rise and energy runs low, it’s important to pause and check in on employee well-being. Clear communication, accessible benefits, and genuine leadership support can help prevent burnout and ensure teams finish the year feeling balanced and supported.
November 2025 Supplier Updates: New and Renewed Contracts
Canoe members now have even more procurement choices. In October, we added six new supplier contracts and renewed another ten existing ones, all of which
Future-Proofing Local Government Budgets: Navigating Economic Uncertainty Through Group Procurement
This article was written for the September 2025 issue of the Government Finance Officers Association of British Columbia’s (GFOABC) Dollars & Sense Perspective newsletter published on October 4, 2025.
October 2025 Supplier Updates: New and Renewed Contracts
Canoe members now have even more procurement choices. In September, we added eight new supplier contracts and renewed another seven existing ones, all of which
Building Better Workplaces for Neurodivergent Teams
October is ADHD Awareness Month, a reminder that neurodivergent employees face unique challenges in the workplace. Thoughtful group benefits and inclusive practices can reduce barriers, support mental health, and create environments where every employee can thrive.
Finding Balance After Summer Break
As summer winds down, many employees face the challenge of resetting routines and finding balance. From back-to-school pressures to new work schedules, September can bring added stress that affects focus and wellbeing. This is the perfect moment for HR teams and plan administrators to remind staff about the everyday support built into group benefits; resources that can ease transitions, promote mental health, and keep employees feeling supported.