Following a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process through the spring and summer 2019, Manulife has been selected as the new employee and retiree benefits provider for Queen's University. 

In late 2016, the university asked all benefit-eligible employees for feedback on their employee benefits as part of the plan review process. This included potential areas for improvement. Throughout 2018, the university worked with the Multi-Employee Group Employee Benefits Committee (MEGEBC) to explore possible changes to the design of the current benefit plan. The MEGEBC was comprised of participants from university employee groups. Some of the resulting plan changes include introducing a pay-direct drug card, introducing coverage for services of a registered psychologist, and an increase to vision coverage.

“We are pleased that we will be able to implement plan design changes that will modernize the benefits plan in accordance with the feedback we received from employees, and as agreed with employee groups,” says Donna Janiec, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration). “I’d like to thank all those who participated in the discussions leading to the plan changes and the competitive RFP process that has resulted in a new benefits provider with enhanced benefits and some reduced costs for our employees -- a positive outcome for an important component of overall employee compensation and support.” 

As a result of the RFP process, plan members can also expect a significant reduction in employee paid long-term disability premiums that will take effect at the timing of the transition to the new provider. 

Over the coming months, the university will be working with implementation specialists at Manulife to develop a detailed implementation plan. 

“The implementation of the new plan and transition to Manulife is anticipated to occur in the Spring of 2020," says Steve Millan, Associate Vice-Principal (Human Resources).  “We look forward to providing further updates to plan members once we have confirmed transition details with Manulife.”   

Until the transition occurs, Great-West Life will continue to be the university's benefits provider, and there are no changes to the existing benefits plan coverages or the claim submission process.

Find out more about next steps and FAQs on the HR website. Employees can also send questions about the benefits review to benefits.project@queensu.ca.