Canadian ICMIF member Beneva has announced that it has expanded its partnership with Université Laval to include impactful projects that will promote healthy lifestyle habits, more caring school and work environments as well as athletic and academic excellence.

Born of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance, Beneva is donating CAD 590,000 to principally support the following initiatives:

• The Projet BaromÊtre spearheaded by the Centre d’expertise en gestion de la santé et de la sécurité au travail#
• The Mon Équilibre ULaval Program
• Citizens of the world scholarships or bursaries for students in the Faculty of Science and Engineering
• The Club de Volleyball du Rouge et Or Excellence Program

This financial aide is in addition to the millions of dollars provided in June 2021 to create the Relief Research Chair in Mental Health, Self Management and Work, powered by Beneva. The work done by the Chair serves to satisfy a collective need exacerbated by the pandemic and falls under the sustainable health and wellness objectives of both Beneva and Université Laval.

“Beneva is pleased to pursue its partnership with Université Laval, a beacon of the community. The ties that bind our organizations enable us to implement innovative projects on mental health and well-being in the community, which are matters we care deeply about. Beneva, guided by its mutualist values, is dedicated to encouraging mutual assistance and caring for others,” said Jean-François Chalifoux, President and CEO of Beneva.

Beneva is the largest insurance mutual in Canada with more than 3.5 million members and clients. Beneva employs over 5,000 dedicated employees: people looking out for people. Its human approach is rooted in the mutualist values supported by its employees.

Prevention is the key to long-term health

Based on their shared values and community engagement, Beneva and Université Laval are intent on reducing the growing number of mental health issues at work through preventive strategies. Beneva values Université Laval’s leadership, expertise and innovative spirit regarding healthy lifestyle habits and organizational management.

The mission of the BaromÊtre program is to support organizations that want to take preventive action. This initiative stems from the findings of many studies conducted in Quebec and Canada on the rise of mental health issues at work and the pressing need for companies to intervene. Ultimately, the BaromÊtre research team is hoping to create tools and training that will help managers and corporate leaders better deal with these issues.

Beneva has also greatly contributed to the Mon Équilibre ULaval Program. A partner of more than five years, Beneva is proud to finance this project whose purpose is to promote and sustain healthy lifestyle habits. It is based on the premise that working/studying in a safe environment contributes to making good lifestyle choices that have a positive impact on all other spheres of life. Mon Équilibre ULaval is a real-world lab, is a catalyst of new ideas and contributes to campus life by creating and implementing projects that are both inspirational and beneficial. For example, it set up community kitchens to help students break the isolation and learn a new skill that will help them eat better.

“In the 46 years since our partnership began with La Capitale/SSQ Insurance, we seem to have developed an unbreakable bond,” said Sophie D’Amours, Université Laval Rector. “We are very proud to continue our efforts with Beneva because of our shared vision on innovation and community engagement. Continuing this partnership will enable our experts to promote their know-how and assist companies with their governance best practices.”

“Since Université Laval is the alma mater of many Beneva employees and clients, these initiatives generate added value not only for the company but for future graduates,” said Alain Gilbert, President and General Manager of the Fondation de l’Université Laval. “The findings, data and transfer of knowledge made possible by this project will enable Beneva as well as our institution to innovate for the benefit of the entire community. On behalf of the Fondation, I thank Beneva for its generous contribution.”