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1. Extending premium relief for Dental and Extended Health Care benefits

   We know this continues to be a challenging time for Canadian employers and we remain committed to looking for ways to help your clients manage while still supporting their employees.

   Although many health practitioners have re-opened as pandemic restrictions are lifted, plan member use of dental benefits and some health benefits still remains lower than normal in June.

   We are pleased to announce that we are extending premium relief for all Traditional and myFlex insured non-refund customers for Health and Dental benefits for the month of June, as follows:

   • A 25% reduction on Dental premiums; and
   • A 5% reduction on Extended Health Care premiums.

   These reductions are effective for June 2020 and will appear as a credit on the July bill, or against the next available billing. We will assess the situation monthly and will continue with monthly refunds for as long as the current crisis period continues. The size of the credit may change over time as dentists and other health practitioners gradually reopen their offices. We will confirm premium credits for July (if any) at a later date. Credits for subsequent months will be communicated on a month-by-month basis.

   In order to be eligible for the monthly credit calculation and payout, a policy must be in force on the first of the month and remain in force thereafter. The monthly credit calculation is based on employees in force on the June bill. If employees experienced layoffs during the month, that would not affect eligibility for a premium credit as long as the benefit itself is not terminated.

   We expect that claims experience and premiums will return to normal once the current pandemic restrictions are lifted.

   In the meantime, plan members will continue to have full access to their benefits coverage throughout the pandemic. In many cases, dental offices have remained open for emergency services, and a variety of healthcare providers are available virtually.

   Commissions

   We know the pandemic has put financial strain on your business as well, so we will continue to pay full compensation. Although your overall commission will be unaffected by these premium reduction adjustments, you may see a temporary reduction in your commission payments if you are on a pay-as-earned basis.

   Communication

   We will be communicating this premium relief program to your clients later this week.

   Questions?

   If you have any questions, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager. You can also refer to our online COVID-19 Group Benefits FAQ.

2. [pdf] Managing a Retirement Savings Plan tax refund
3. Accepted Payment Methods
4. Homewood Health COVID-19 Resources

   As the COVID-19 situation continues to rapidly evolve, you may need  information from a trusted source to support your clients, their organizations and their employees.

   Through our partnership with Homewood Health, the Canadian leader in mental health and addiction services, all of our clients and their plan members have access  to a number of tools and resources designed to provide guidance and support.

   Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

   For plan members dealing with increased anxiety during these uncertain times, Homewood’s Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tool, i-Volve, can help. Through self-paced, web-based therapy, i-Volve can help plan members identify, challenge and overcome anxious thoughts, behaviours and emotions.

   All Equitable Life clients and their plan members have access to i-Volve. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, wherever you choose to access it.

   Learn more about Online CBT or access i-Volve at Homeweb.ca/Equitable.

   COVID-19 Support Resources

   Drawing on their expertise in mental health, as well as guidance from trusted sources including Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization, Homewood has created a number of resources to help support your clients and their plan members.

   • Self-isolation and quarantine: What you need to know
   • Quelling COVID-19 Anxiety
   • Managing stress and anxiety
   • How to speak to children
   • How to stay productive and motivated when working from home
   • The COVID-19 Pandemic: Managing the Impact
   • Support for First Responders, Front Line Workers and Public Facing Employees
   • Financial tips for your financial health
   • Increases in Domestic Violence
   • Those with family members in long-term care facilities
   • Parenting during a pandemic
   • COVID-19: Employee Fatigue, Isolation and Loneliness
   • COVID-19 Back to School - Considerations and tips for parents and caregivers
   • COVID-19: Back to School Support for Kids
   ​​If you have any questions, or wish to discuss the tools, please reach out directly to Homewood. They are here to help support you, your clients and their employees through these unprecedented times. Contact your Homewood Health Account Manager or Homewood’s Customer Experience Team by phone at 1.833.375.0270 or email customersupport@homewoodhealth.com
5. Supporting plan members affected by the British Columbia and Northwest Territories wildfires

   Wildfires across Canada are disrupting the lives of many Canadians. During this difficult time, Equitable Life is providing additional support to help affected clients and plan members.

   Prescription refills

   Plan members who have been evacuated and/or lost their medication due to the wildfires will be able to make early refills until September 17, 2023, through TELUS Health, our pharmacy benefit manager.

   Replacement of medical or dental equipment and appliances

   Plan members who need to replace eligible medical or dental equipment or appliances due to the wildfires should first call 1.800.265.4556 to confirm coverage.

   Disability or other benefit cheques

   Plan members receiving disability benefits or other benefit reimbursements via cheques can visit www.equitable.ca/go/digital for instructions on how to sign up for direct deposit. It just takes a few minutes. Plan members can also call us at 1.800.265.4556 if they need help, a replacement cheque or assistance arranging a different mailing address.

   Mental health support

   Unpredictable, large-scale natural disasters can cause people to experience intense reactions, putting a lot of pressure on their mental health. Having coping mechanisms to deal with the current crisis can be a huge help. Any Equitable Life plan member who needs mental health support can visit Homeweb.ca/equitable to access online resources or contact Homewood at 1.888.707.2115.  

   For plan sponsors who have purchased Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), their plan members also have access to confidential counselling services. The EFAP provides plan members with 24/7 access to confidential counselling through a national network of mental health professionals. Whether it’s face-to-face, by phone, email, chat or video, plan members will receive the most appropriate, most timely support for the issue they’re dealing with. 
    

   Plan Administrator support

   We realize that the fires are having a profound impact on regular business operations in B.C. and N.W.T. If you have clients that are unable to carry out day-to-day plan administration, they can call us at 1.800.265.4556. They can also contact their Customer Relationship Specialist for support.
    
   This is a challenging time for advisors, plan sponsors and plan members. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional updates as appropriate. 

   Questions?

   If you need more information, contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.

6. February 2023 eNews

   Responding to Nova Scotia’s biosimilar switch initiative

   We are changing coverage for some biologic drugs in Nova Scotia in response to the province’s biosimilar initiative. These changes will help protect your clients’ plans from additional drug costs that may result from this new government policy while providing access to equally safe and effective lower-cost biosimilars. 

   Nova Scotia’s provincial biosimilar initiative

   Announced in February 2022, the Nova Scotia Biosimilar Initiative ends coverage of seven biologic drugs for residents enrolled in Pharmacare programs.
   
   Pharmacare patients in the province using these drugs will be required to switch to biosimilar versions of these drugs by February 3, 2023, in order to maintain their Nova Scotia Pharmacare coverage. 

   Equitable Life’s response

   To ensure this provincial change doesn’t result in your clients’ plans paying additional and avoidable drug costs, we are changing coverage in Nova Scotia for most biologic drugs included in the provincial initiative.
   
   Beginning June 1, 2023, plan members in the province will no longer be eligible for most originator biologic drugs if they have a condition for which Health Canada has approved a lower cost biosimilar version of the drug.** These plan members will be required to switch to a biosimilar version of the drug to maintain coverage under their Equitable Life plan.  

   Can my client maintain coverage of these biologic drugs?

   Traditional groups who wish to opt out of this change and maintain coverage of these originator biologics for Nova Scotia plan members can submit a policy amendment. Amendments must be submitted no later than April 1, 2023. Advisors with myFlex Benefits clients who wish to maintain coverage of these originator biologics for Nova Scotia plan members should speak to their myFlex Sales Manager to confirm their eligibility to opt out of this change.
   
   Groups that choose to maintain coverage of these originator biologics for existing claimants will also maintain coverage for any originator biologics that we subsequently add to our Nova Scotia biosimilar initiative.  

   Will this change impact my clients’ rates?

   The rate impact of this change in coverage will be relatively insignificant. Any cost savings associated with the change will be factored in at renewal.
   
   If plan sponsors opt out of these changes and maintain coverage for the originator biologics, it may result in a rate increase. Any rate adjustment will be applied at renewal.

   Communicating this change to plan members

   We will inform any affected plan members in April of the need to switch their medications so that they have ample time to change their prescriptions and avoid any interruptions in treatment or coverage. 

   What is the difference between biologics and biosimilars?

   Biologics are drugs that are engineered using living organisms like yeast and bacteria. The first version of a biologic developed is known as the “originator” biologic. Biosimilars are highly similar to the drugs they are based on and Health Canada considers them to be equally safe and effective for approved conditions. 

   Questions?

   If you have any questions about this change, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
   
   **The list of affected drugs is dynamic and will change as Nova Scotia includes more biologic drugs in its biosimilar initiative, as new biosimilars come onto the market, and as we make changes in drug eligibility.
    

   Changes to New Brunswick drug interchangeability rules

   We are introducing changes to help ensure that your clients with voluntary or mandatory generic pricing for their drug plans will benefit more from the cost savings of these two features, regardless of the province where the drugs are dispensed.
   
   Currently, when determining whether a lower-cost alternative is available for a brand-name drug, most insurers only consider drugs that the provincial drug plan identifies as interchangeable.
   
   However, the public drug plan in New Brunswick does not identify a drug as interchangeable if the drug is not listed on its formulary – even if Health Canada has deemed the drug interchangeable.
   
   As a result, plans with mandatory or voluntary generic pricing have continued to reimburse some drugs in New Brunswick based on the cost of the brand-name drug, even if a lower-cost generic alternative is available.
   
   Effective March 20, 2023, if your clients have drug plans with mandatory or voluntary generic pricing, we will adjudicate any drug claims in New Brunswick using the lowest cost alternative that Health Canada approves as bioequivalent. This will occur even if the public drug plan has not identified the drug as interchangeable.
   
   To benefit from this more robust drug plan control, plan sponsors must have mandatory or voluntary generic pricing in place.
   
   For more information about this change or about implementing mandatory or voluntary generic pricing for your clients, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
    

   New template: plan members eligible for additional coverage

   Often, based on salary, some plan members may become eligible to apply for extra Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Short Term Disability or Long Term Disability coverage. If this occurs, your clients receive a notification from Group Benefits Administration. We have now developed a template that your clients can provide to applicable plan members if they become eligible for extra coverage. The template makes it simpler for your clients to pass on these details to their plan members efficiently.
   
   The new template is available for download under the Quick Links section of EquitableHealth.ca. It is a fillable PDF form that your clients can complete and provide to their plan members when necessary. The document is called Over the Non-Evidence Limit for Plan Members Notification.
   
   If you have any questions about the template, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
7. Market Commentary April 2026
   
   
   
   
   Key Takeaways
   
   • Markets started 2026 constructively, with positive returns in both stock and bond markets in the first two months of the year. However, the war on Iran by the U.S. and Israel drove significant changes to markets in March. The biggest driver was the spike in oil prices. Oil prices increased over 70% during the quarter to over US$100 per barrel as 20% of global oil production became trapped in the Middle East when Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz.
   • Canadian equities returned 3.9% in the first quarter, outperforming U.S. equities which lost -4.3%. The Canadian market benefitted from its 40% exposure to strong performing Energy, Materials and Utilities sectors, which each gained over 10% in Q1. Conversely, the U.S. market has much less exposure to those strong performing sectors and therefore fell as geopolitical tensions weighed on performance of most other sectors.
   • Canadian bonds posted modest gains as early-quarter strength was largely offset by March weakness. Rising commodity prices reignited inflation fears and prompted speculation for central bank interest rate hikes. Credit spreads widened as concerns regarding defaults and liquidity in the private credit market intensified.
   • The Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve held policy rates unchanged during the first quarter. Both central banks maintained a wait-and-see approach amid slowing labour markets, persistent inflation risks, and heightened global uncertainty.
   
   
   Economic and Market Update

   Economic Summary: The U.S. economy continued to grow at a steady pace in the first quarter. Inflation remained above the Federal Reserve’s target. The labour market showed signs of cooling as hiring slowed, but the unemployment rate remained stable. However, higher energy prices and risks to global supply chains added near term inflation pressures and weighed on the global outlook. The Federal Reserve held its policy interest rate unchanged during the quarter, maintaining the target range at 3.50% to 3.75%. Chair Powell highlighted ongoing uncertainty and reiterated that the Federal Reserve is well positioned to adjust policy as economic conditions evolve.
   
   In Canada, economic growth remained subdued in the first quarter as excess supply persisted, and the labour market softened. Inflation stayed close to the 2.0% target, though rising global energy prices increased short term inflation risks. Trade uncertainty continued to weigh on confidence and business activity. The Bank of Canada held its policy interest rate steady at 2.25% throughout the quarter. The Governing Council noted it stands ready to respond if the economic outlook shifts materially.

   Bond Markets: The Canada Aggregate Bond Index returned 0.23% in the first quarter. A strong start to the year in January and February (+2.25%) was mostly offset by a weak March (-1.97%), as higher oil prices from the war in Iran led to higher interest rates on Canadian bonds (bond prices fall as interest rates go up). The increase in interest rates was most predominant in shorter term bonds, with higher oil prices driving inflation fears. These inflation fears reframed the market’s interest rate cut expectations for 2026: a 40% chance of an interest cut by the Bank of Canada has now shifted to a 70% chance of not just one, but two 25 basis point increases to the Bank of Canada overnight rate in 2026. In  addition, the war in Iran has resulted in a higher risk premium for corporate bonds: credit spreads (i.e. the extra yield on corporate bonds versus government bonds to compensate for their extra risk) moved higher in March after reaching record low levels in January and February. These higher credit spreads resulted in corporate bonds modestly underperforming the overall index, albeit still with positive returns. Despite the modest risk off tone, investors remain buyers of corporate bonds as evidenced by investors’ enthusiasm to support the primary issuance market. Corporate bond supply continues to set new records, with an impressive $50 billion in new issuance in the quarter, a record start to the year and 23% higher than the same period in 2025.
   
   Stock Markets: The first quarter of 2026 marked a period of heightened investor caution with geopolitical tensions rising. Equity markets remained under pressure in March, as dip buyers remained cautious. Early market volatility was driven by several geopolitical developments, including Japan’s snap election, events in Venezuela, and U.S. interest in Greenland. Private credit markets also came under pressure as liquidity tightened and default risks increased, particularly in semi-liquid lending structures. The war on Iran raised concerns around demand destruction and inflation, pushing oil prices above US$100 per barrel for the first time since 2022. Gold continued to rise strongly early in the quarter. However, it later recorded its sharpest decline in years, driven by central bank selling. Despite this pullback, gold finished the quarter up 8% and continues to be viewed as a key safe-haven asset.
   
   U.S. Equities: U.S. equities entered the first quarter with strong momentum, supported by robust earnings growth from technology companies. While earnings results confirmed this strength, investor sentiment weakened, particularly toward Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) companies. Rapid progress in AI agents developed by firms such as Anthropic and Google highlighted how quickly generative AI could automate core SaaS functions. As a result, software stocks sold off sharply in February, triggering a broader rotation away from largecap growth. Furthermore, tighter financial conditions and rising geopolitical tensions reduced risk tolerance and drove sharp sector rotation. The Energy sector led market performance, while Technology lagged and Financials underperformed due to stress in credit markets.
   
   Canadian Equities: The Canadian stock market was supported by its high exposure to commodities. That structural tilt helped Canadian equities outperform U.S. equities as macro narratives shifted toward inflation concerns and supply risks. Performance during the quarter was marked by a sharp whipsaw between gold and oil, reflecting shifting investor sentiment. Investors sold gold aggressively and scrambled to source U.S. dollars as financial conditions tightened. Conversely, oil prices rose sharply on Middle East supply disruptions, lifting Energy stocks to become the strongest-performing sector of the quarter, up 29%.
   
   Bottom line:  The first quarter showed how quickly geopolitical shocks can reshape sectors’ performance. Canada outperformed U.S. growth markets due to its higher exposure to commodities, as energy prices rose and inflation concerns returned. The sharp move in gold and oil prices highlighted the market’s sensitivity to macro developments. The war against Iran forced investors to reprice both inflation expectations and Federal Reserve policy expectations. Looking ahead, geopolitical stability, energy prices, and central bank policy are likely to remain key drivers of market performance and sector leadership.
   
   
   Downloadable Copy
    

   Mark Warywoda, CFA VP, Public Investments	Ian Whiteside, CFA, MBA AVP, Public Investments	Johanna Shaw, CFA Director, Public Investments	Jin Li Director, Equity Investments
   Wanyi Chen, CFA, FRM Sr. Quantitative Analyst	Andrew Vermeer, CFA Senior Analyst, Credit	Elizabeth Ayodele  Analyst, Credit	Edward Ng Cheng Hin Analyst, Credit	Kate (Huyen) Vinh Analyst, Equity	Francie Chen Analyst, Rates

   
   ADVISOR USE ONLY
   Except for statements of historical fact, all statements in this document are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent the portfolio manager’s current best judgment as to what may occur in the future. However, forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and are based on the portfolio manager’s present opinions and views. For this reason, the actual outcome of the events or results predicted may be materially different from what is expressed. Furthermore, the portfolio manager’s views, opinions, or assumptions may subsequently change based on previously unknown information, or for other reasons. Equitable assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this document. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully and to not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Investments may increase or decrease in value and are invested at the risk of the investor. Investment values change frequently, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Professional advice should be sought before an investor embarks on any investment strategy.
8. March 2026 eNews

   In this issue:

   Equitable is adding nutrition app to all group benefits plans*
   Coming soon: One-time passcodes will be added to account login process*
   Standardized CLHIA disability form is now part of our disability claims submission package*
   Reminder: Review manual allocations for HCSAs and/or TSAs*
   Protecting clients’ plans from benefits fraud*
   
   *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients.
    

   Equitable is adding nutrition app to all group benefits plans

    

   Equitable is making healthy eating easier and more accessible for all group benefits plan members. Beginning in April, access to the RxFood mobile app will be added to every Equitable group benefits plan—at no extra cost.

    

   This will put personalized nutrition insights, practical tips and tailored recommendations at every plan member’s fingertips—helping them make more informed food choices that can either help prevent or manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease.

    

   What is RxFood?

    

   RxFood is Canada’s first clinically validated nutrition platform that’s used and trusted by leading health care institutions across the country, including SickKids Hospital, Diabetes Canada, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and more, to support better health outcomes through nutrition.

    

   While we can track many aspects of our daily health—steps, heart rate, sleep, and blood sugar—food is often overlooked. RxFood helps close that gap by using technology that’s powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to turn everyday meals into meaningful health insights.

    

   How it works

    

   A plan member takes photos of their meals with their smartphone. RxFood will analyze what's on their plate, from nutritional quality to portion sizes, then provide personalized feedback, easy-to-follow suggestions and recipes with ingredient options tailored to their budget.

    

   After a few days of logging, they’ll receive a comprehensive nutrition summary showing how their eating patterns align with their personal health goals, and where to go from there.

    

   Check out the following video to learn more about RxFood— and how Equitable is putting the power to eat healthy in the hands of plan members.

   
    

   Coming soon: One-time passcodes will be added to account login process

    

   This spring, Equitable will launch a new multi-factor authentication (MFA) security measure to further enhance our digital security. When our new feature takes effect, anyone logging in to EquitableHealth.ca® and the Equitable EZClaim® mobile app with an email address and password may be required to enter a one-time passcode they receive via email. This will further safeguard their account access and personal data.

    

   Keep it simple – create a passkey

    

   If you don’t want to enter a one-time passcode when logging into your account, you can skip this extra step all together by creating a passkey on your mobile device or computer.

    

   Passkeys are safe and provide a quicker, easier way to log in while also enhancing account security. They use either biometrics–your face or fingerprint–or a PIN authenticator to confirm your identity.

    

   If you create and use a passkey to log in, you won’t need to enter a one-time passcode.

   Learn more about passkeys. The set-up process is simple. The two videos below guide you through creating a passkey on both your mobile device and computer.

    

   Client and plan member communications

    

   We will share this information with clients and group benefits plan members before we introduce our new security measure. Please reach out to your Group Account Executive if you have any questions.

    
   
   
   If you use the same email address to log in to your accounts on EquitableHealth.ca, EquiNet^® and Equitable Client Access^®, you can use the same passkey. Equitable Client Access is our secure site for Individual Insurance and Individual Wealth clients.
    

   
   Standardized  CLHIA disability form is now part of our disability claims submission package

    

   Clients with employees who are submitting short-term or long-term disability claims should be aware that we’ve changed one of the required forms in our disability claim submission package.

    

   The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association’s (CLHIA) Initial Disability Insurance Medical Statement has replaced our Attending Physician’s Statement (APS) form.
   
   
   Our disability claim application packages on Equitable.ca and EquitableHealth.ca now include the CLHIA standardized form instead of our APS form. Our old form is no longer available on our websites.
   
   
   We will continue accepting our previous APS form for initiating disability claims for now. However, we’re encouraging clients to begin using the standardized form as soon as possible. Using a standardized form for disability claims across the group insurance industry helps reduce the administrative burden on physicians by simplifying the disability application process.
   
   
   If you have any questions, please contact your Group Account Executive.

   
   Reminder: Review manual allocations for HCSAs and/or TSAs

   
   If your client’s Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and/or Taxable Spending Account (TSA) has manual allocations, they need to allocate these amounts to plan members each year.
   
   Plan administrators can update these amounts on EquitableHealth.ca. Here are the steps:

   • Select View certificate
   • Select Health Care Spending Account or Taxable Spending Account
   • Select Update Allocation in Task Center
   • Enter amount in Revised Allocation Amount
   • Override Reason – Plan Administrator Request
   • Select Save

   Plan administrators who have reporting capability can determine which plan members have a zero allocation by running the HCSA Totals by Plan Member report online. Here are the steps:

   • Select Reports
   • Select New
   • Select Next
   • Select HCSA or TSA Totals by Plan Member
   • Select Next
   • Enter end date of 12/31/2026
   • Select Next
   • Select Finish
   • View Report

   Your clients can also contact us at GroupBenefitsAdmin@equitable.ca for help with updating the amounts.
    

   Protecting clients’ plans from benefits fraud

   
   March is Fraud Prevention month – the perfect time for clients to educate their plan members on the consequences of benefits fraud.
   
   According to the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA), benefits fraud costs millions each year and can contribute to higher premiums for plan sponsors.
   
   These resources can help clients and plan members prevent benefits fraud:

   • CLHIA’s free 15-minute Protect Your Benefits online course for plan administrators and their members
   • CLHIA’s Fraud is Fraud program, including their FAQs on benefits fraud
   • CLHIA's 10 tips to 'Protect your benefits' for plan members

    

   How we protect against benefits fraud

   
   Our Investigative Claims Unit (ICU) uses a range of techniques, including CLHIA‑led tools, to detect and prevent benefits fraud: 

   • Joint Provider Fraud Investigation Program: Allows insurers to collaborate on fraud investigations that affect multiple insurers.
   • Data Pooling Program: Pools data between insurers and uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to further identify and reduce benefits fraud.
   • Provider Alert Registry: Allows insurers to view the results of other insurers’ anti-fraud investigations into specific practitioners. 

   
   To learn more, contact your Group Account Executive.
9. [pdf] Beneficiary Change Form
10. Introducing Empathy – Compassion and care at time of loss