Desjardins forms new partnership with TELUS Health

A release said that as one of Canada’s largest employee and family assistance program (EFAP) providers, TELUS Health was able to design a solution for Desjardins when the latter was looking for a new supplier. TELUS Health has extended its employee and manager assistance programs (EAP/MAP) for Desjardins to include mental health support; crisis management; legal and financial support; and referral services.

“This new collaboration with TELUS Health was a natural choice for us. Having looked to them since 2019 for virtual care solutions for members of our plans, we’ve seen first hand how dependable and rigorous their resources are,” said Desjardins Insurance vice president of group and business insurance Marie-France Amyot. “We are confident that our proactive approach to adding more health and wellness options to our benefits plans and service offering will create healthier and happier employees.”

Amyot added that Desjardins cares deeply about the wellness and well-being of its clients, noting that mental health has become a “significant component” of overall wellness over the past few years.

“Our goal remains the same: to provide you and your employees with the help you need to nurture mental health in the workplace and promote an environment where people feel safe, motivated and protected,” the vice president stated. “As an insurer who cares, we are always looking for new ways to do this.”

“This is a strategic initiative between two strong business leaders focused on improving the health and wellness of Canadians,” commented TELUS Health vice president of health benefits management Martin Bélanger. “Through this partnership we have delivered a best-in-class and fully customized solution across the continuum of care allowing one of Canada’s largest insurers to provide access to preventative services so that more people are empowered to live their healthiest lives.”

Also this week, Desjardins entered into a definitive agreement with Guardian Capital Group Limited to buy Guardian’s life insurance, mutual fund, and investment distribution networks for $750 million.