Location and Date
Thursday, November 5, 2026
RattleSnake Point Golf Club
5407 Regional Rd 25
Milton, ON L9E 0L1
Breakfast and Lunch will be served.
Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Muhammad Lila
Finding the Hero: Building Resilient Teams Through Reframing and Perspective
Emmy-nominated war correspondent Muhammad Lila spent over a decade reporting from the world's most dangerous places - Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, and Gaza - where his job came down to a single discipline: finding the hero in stories the world had written off. What he learned on the front lines about people, pressure, and the quiet power of perspective - is what he is now sharing with the world. In this keynote, Muhammad shows how the simple act of reframing can change the way we show up at work, at home, and on the teams we lead. He offers a practical framework for finding strength in difficult moments and building the kind of resilience that holds - long after the room has cleared.
Session Speakers:
Lianne Clarke
Principal, VP, Wellness and Disability Innovation & Growth,
National Benefits Consulting
Cowan Benefits Ltd.
lianne.clarke@cowangroup.ca
The Science of Optimism and Happiness at Work
Employee happiness and optimism are more than workplace ideals. This discussion explores growing evidence from global research and Canadian workforce data which shows that when employees feel positive about their work, supported by their organization, and optimistic about their future, organizations benefit through stronger productivity, lower turnover and absence, improved customer experiences, and better business performance.
Tari Duguay &
Karin Hiscock
Principal Consultant and Practice Lead,
National Benefits Consulting
Cowan Benefits Ltd.
tari.duguay@cowangroup.ca
&
Principal Consultant,
Cowan Benefits Ltd.
karin.hiscock@cowangroup.ca
Optimism in the Evolving Drug Landscape
Canada's drug landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by breakthrough therapies, precision medicine, artificial intelligence, and a growing pipeline of innovative treatments that are transforming patient outcomes. This discussions explores the key trends shaping the future of pharmaceuticals and group benefits with a forward-looking perspective on the opportunities and challenges ahead, and why there is reason for optimism about the future of healthcare in Canada.
Shelly Redwood &
Eric Mooney, CFA
Principal Consultant & Practice Lead,
Pension & Retirement Consulting
Cowan Benefits Ltd.
shelly.redwood@cowangroup.ca
&
Investment Solutions Executive,
Group Retirement Services
Sun Life
Optimism in Action: Navigating Market Opportunities Ahead
With markets continuing to evolve amid economic uncertainty, shifting interest rates, and global events, this session will explore the key trends shaping today's investment landscape, discussing where opportunities may exist, potential risks to watch for, and considerations for investors looking to stay focused on their long-term goals while navigating a changing market environment.
Pat Forte
Partner,
Miller Thomson LLP
Reviewing the Legal Landscape with Optimism: What Benefits Leaders Need to Know
As workplaces and benefits programs continue to evolve, staying ahead of legal developments presents both challenges and opportunities. In this session, Pat Forte, Partner, Miller Thomson LLP, will explore the latest legal trends impacting employers and benefits plans, sharing practical insights and real-world examples to help benefits leaders remain compliant, manage risk, and move forward with confidence and optimism.
Carmen Bellows
Registered Psychologist,
Director, Mental Health,
Sun Life Health
Restoring Optimism: The Power of Sleep for Well-Being
Poor sleep affects more than energy levels. It can undermine employee well-being, productivity, and workplace performance. Explore how benefits plans can be part of the solution, paving the way for healthier, more engaged employees and renewed optimism.
Jacquie Fritsch
Vice President & Principal Consultant, Global Benefits
Cowan Benefits Ltd.
jacquie.fritsch@cowangroup.ca
Beyond Group Benefits: Viewing Risk Through an Optimistic Lens
Panel
Ever more frequently, insurance clients are looking for guidance that goes beyond group benefits. They must find their way through an increasingly complex system of organizational risks—from escalating health costs and workforce challenges to cyber threats, financial uncertainty, and retirement readiness.
While risk is often viewed through a negative lens, the panel in this session will attempt to shift the perspective and find optimism in risk by identifying opportunities, taking action early, and creating stronger, more resilient organizations. They'll explore how organizations can leverage risk, instead of reacting to it, as a source for growing and strengthening future outcomes.
Margaret Bennett
Director,
Wealth Management
Cowan Financial Solutions
margaret.bennett@cowangroup.ca
Panel
David Black
Commercial Account Executive,
Senior Vice President of International Commercial Insurance
Cowan Insurance Group
david.black@cowangroup.ca
Panel
Abby Black
Senior Consultant,
International & Partnership Programs
Cowan Benefits Ltd.
abby.black@cowangroup.ca
Panel
Wellness Fair Partners
Explore the Wellness Fair. Meet our Wellness Partners and explore fresh ideas to support employee well-being. Whether you're looking to enhance your current benefits or simply gather information, this is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and discover what's possible.
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Questions?
Contact the Cowan Insurance Group Events Team, events@cowangroup.ca.