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 dedicated to protecting the sustainability of private employee benefit and retirement plans in Canada. Our member advisors and employer working group members—empower SHBA to promote and safeguard the benefits coverage that plan members and their families depend on. We bring a unified voice to public policy forums, regulatory discussions, and marketplace debates—providing our unique perspective to policymakers.
Who We Serve
We work with advisors, employers, and policymakers to protect and enhance healthcare access for Canadians.
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M
10 million Canadians
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K
Through 65K Employers
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K
Including 4.8K Union Plans
What We Focus On
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
Michael Macoun
Director
People Corporation
Jim Edmands
Director
Navacord
SHBA currently has five working groups organized to work on the issues that we want to advocate for and/or educate on:
Healthcare Committee
Tim Clarke
Chair
tc Health Consulting Inc.
Seeking
Vice Chair
TBA
Drug & Pharmacy Committee
Roger Thorpe
Chair
thorpebenefits
Chris Zelasko
Vice Chair
PPF Benefits & Retirement
Mental Health & Wellness Committee
Wendy Martin
Chair
Wendy Martin Financial Services Inc.
David Frank
Vice Chair
Bell Financial
Financial Wellness Committee
Jarrett Zavitz
Chair
HUB International
Ryan McMurray
Vice Chair
Selectpath
Insurance Committee
Gavin Mosley
Chair
Mosley Group Benefits Inc.
Jay Nadler
Vice Chair
Naviguide Financial Services
Devon Forshner
Vice Chair
Co-operators
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.
