Who We Are
Discover our proactive advocacy efforts aimed at improving employee benefits and access to essential healthcare services. Join us in championing positive changes in the benefits landscape.
Why Join SHBA
The Smart Health Benefits Association (SHBA) is a national not-for-profit association dedicated to protecting the sustainability of private employee benefit and retirement plans in Canada. Our member advisors leverage their industry expertise to represent plan sponsors who provide coverage to plan members, ensuring their voices are heard in public policy, regulatory discussions, and marketplace debates.
Who We Serve
We work with advisors, employers, and policymakers to protect and enhance healthcare access for Canadians.
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10 million Canadians
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Through 65K Employers
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Including 4.8K Union Plans
What We Focus On
Pharmacare
Virtual Care
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)
National Dental
CAPSA Guidelines
National Pooling Initiatives
SHBA champions a future where every Canadian can afford the healthcare support they need to thrive — free from financial hardship. By working alongside employers, unions, and policymakers, we modernize funding models and close coverage gaps to build a more sustainable, equitable healthcare system.
Our Mission
SHBA brings together the expertise of workplace benefits professionals to improve the health and financial well-being of Canadians. Through collaboration and advocacy, we champion smart, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare solutions that work for everyone.
Our Vision
Everyone in Canada deserves access to support for their physical, mental, and financial well-being — no matter where they are or what coverage they have.
Our Board
We’re proud to introduce our founding Board of Directors—a dynamic group of leaders from across Canada. With diverse expertise and a shared commitment to strengthening the group benefits industry, they provide the vision and guidance that drive our mission forward.

Gary Walters
Chair
GroupHEALTH

Todd Stephen
Vice Chair
Selectpath

Graham Young
Director
CAPCORP

Martin Papillon
Director
AGA

Mike McClenahan
Director
People Corporation
The Founding Corporate Members
The Smart Health Benefits Association was established through the vision and leadership of its founding corporate members: Benefits Alliance, HUB International, Navacord, GroupHEALTH Benefit Solutions, and People Corporation. Together, these organizations recognized the need for a unified national voice to strengthen access to sustainable healthcare and workplace benefits in Canada.
What We Advocate For
The Smart Health Benefits Association was founded with a vision to bridge the critical gaps in benefit accessibility for Canadians. Our commitment to proposing and championing smart solutions stems from the need to support the 2.8% of individuals who lack access to benefits from provincial drug programs or employer-sponsored plans. Join us in our mission to make a positive impact and improve the lives of those in need.