Event Program

Part One - Navigating the New Normal: Benefits Strategy in an Age of Political and Social Shifts

In this session, Bernice Cheung will explore how political discourse, climate policy, and social movements are reshaping organizational benefits strategies. Drawing on data from over 1,000 organizations, she will highlight how plan sponsors are responding to regulatory changes, reputational risks, and shifting employee values. Attendees will gain insights into how DEI, ESG, and political narratives are influencing plan design, and how to balance financial responsibility with stakeholder expectations.

Presented by:

Bernice Cheung

VP Financial Services & Cultural Markets Research

Environics Research

Bernice Cheung is a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in marketing research and management consulting, spanning financial services, consumer goods, retail, and healthcare.

At Environics Research, she leads the Group Plan Sponsor Syndicated Study—Canada’s most comprehensive annual research on group benefits—delivering strategic insights that help providers better serve their clients.

Bernice also heads the Canadian FinTech Study, examining consumer attitudes toward financial technology, open banking, and innovation.

A respected thought leader, she frequently shares her expertise at top industry conferences including the CPBI Forum, FinTech Summit, and Payments Canada Summit.

Her work is known for being both data-driven and highly actionable. She holds an MBA from Ivey Business School and an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the DeGroote School of Business.

Part Two - Value, Change, and Trust. Honest Communication About Group Benefits and Pension Plans

Matthew Pavelich will share practical strategies for communicating benefits changes during times of economic stress.

This session will focus on how to explain cost containment measures, support financial literacy, and maintain employee engagement through clear messaging and flexible plan options. Attendees will learn how to foster trust and understanding by aligning communication with employee concerns and business realities.

 Presented by:

Matthew D. Pavelich

Partner

Normandin Beaudry

With more than 25 years’ experience, Matthew specializes in change management, employee communication, and total rewards. He helps organizations translate complex HR programs—such as compensation, benefits, pensions, and performance management—into clear, engaging, and culturally relevant content for employees.

Matthew is recognized for his strategic approach to employee research, using focus groups, interviews, and surveys to inform tailored communication strategies that support organizational goals. He is a certified Prosci Change Management Practitioner with a background in journalism and communication, holding a B.A. from the University of Ottawa and a graduate diploma in journalism from Concordia University.

 His expertise supports clients across sectors in Canada and abroad, making him a trusted advisor on the human side of HR program and organizational change.

Part Three - Building Trust and Engagement in an Era of Shifting Expectations

Jodi Kovitz will examine how evolving employee values and economic pressures are reshaping engagement strategies.

This session will explore values-based benefits design, inclusive communication, and financial wellness initiatives that strengthen organizational culture. Attendees will gain actionable insights into fostering trust, supporting continuity, and aligning benefits with workforce expectations during periods of change.

Presented by: 

JODI KOVITZ

CEO, Human Resources Professionals Association

Founder #MovetheDial

Jodi Kovitz is the CEO of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), representing over 24,000 HR professionals across Ontario. Since joining in 2023, she has led a transformative agenda focused on growth, innovation, and member value—resulting in the association’s highest membership in a decade, a significant revenue increase, and a revitalized organizational culture.
She is the founder of #movethedial, a global movement advancing the participation of women in tech, which engaged over 60,000 people worldwide. Her previous leadership roles include driving growth at Vetster, serving as CEO of Peerscale, leading business development strategy for Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP’s national litigation practice as Director of Client & Business Development, and practicing law at Torkin Manes LLP.
In 2018, Ms. Kovitz co-founded #Tech4SickKids, mobilizing Canada’s tech sector to raise millions in support of SickKids Foundation’s AI and innovation initiatives, contributing to its historic $1.7 billion campaign. She also served on the No Limits Campaign Cabinet.
Ms. Kovitz previously served two terms on the Board of Directors of Toronto Global, helping to guide the organization’s efforts to attract international investment to the Toronto region.
She has been recognized as one of Canada’s 25 Women of Influence, a two-time WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women honouree, and Communicator of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators. She has also been featured in Forbes Women.
She holds an HBA from Ivey, an LLB from Osgoode, and an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Calgary. She is the author of Go Out of Your Way, a book on fostering genuine connections in business, and is currently enrolled in the CEO Program at Columbia Business School Executive Education.