Morneau Shepell reports 2020 second quarter financial results

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S./

Highlights:

• Revenue increased by 15.8 per cent to $246.2 million 
• Adjusted EBITDA increased by 13.5 per cent to $52.1 million
• Highest annual client satisfaction and employee engagement results in Company history
• Announced comprehensive action plan on inclusion and diversity

TORONTO, Aug. 6, 2020 /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell Inc. (the "Company" or "Morneau Shepell") (TSX: MSI) today reported its financial results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2020 (all amounts are in Canadian dollars, unless noted otherwise).

In the second quarter compared to the same period last year, the Company delivered growth of 15.8 per cent in revenue to $246.2 million and 13.5 per cent in adjusted EBITDA to $52.1 million.

"We are very pleased with our results in the second-quarter," said Stephen Liptrap, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Due to the efforts of our people and the investments we have made in our infrastructure over many years, all our operations and systems are performing at pre-pandemic levels. Going forward, our sales pipeline remains strong, a reflection of the confidence our clients have in our solutions for the total wellbeing needs of their people and families during difficult times."

Year-to-date, the Company reported $489.2 million in revenue, an increase of 17.2 per cent over the same period last year, along with adjusted EBITDA of $99.4 million, up 9.7 per cent. 

In the quarter, the Company reported the highest client satisfaction and employee engagement levels in its history. Liptrap noted that in the quarter the Company also built on its commitment to inclusion and diversity by comprehensively updating its action plan in this area. The plan aligns with the multi-stakeholder priorities in the intensifying worldwide movement to fight systemic racism and discrimination in society. 

"As we navigate an unprecedented convergence of transformational events affecting all our markets – the COVID-19 pandemic, the related economic challenges, and the anti-racism movement – we're proving that we're both a resilient and a socially responsible Company committed to making a real difference in the world," Liptrap said. "By aligning everything we do to our purpose of improving lives and improving business, the impact we have extends to the larger goal of improving communities."

Q2 2020 Financial Review 

For the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company reported $246.2 million in revenue, an increase of 15.8 per cent or $33.5 million over the same period last year, primarily due to the mid-year 2019 acquisition of Mercer's standalone, large market, health and defined benefit pension plan administration business in the United States, offset by the divestiture of the Company's benefits consulting business earlier this year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by 13.5 per cent to $52.1 million from $45.9 million compared to the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 21.2 per cent in Q2, 2020, which was slightly below 21.6 per cent in Q2, 2019. Adjusted EBITDA per share (basic) for the quarter was $0.75, up 8.7 per cent from the same period last year. 

Profit for the period was $8.3 million compared to profit of $6.3 million in the same period in prior year. Earnings per share (basic) for the period was $0.12 compared to $0.10 in the comparative period.

During Q2, 2020, the Company generated Normalized Free Cash Flow of $30.8 million compared to $27.6 million in Q2, 2019. The increase is mainly due to higher cash provided by operating activities.

The Company is maintaining its policy of paying a monthly dividend of 6.5 cents per share.

Second-Quarter Results Review – Notice of Conference Call
Management of Morneau Shepell will host a conference call on Friday, August 7 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to review the Company's Q2 2020 results. The call is open to all those wishing to attend, with a Question and Answer period to follow the presentation. In order to participate in the live conference call, please call 416-340-2217 (participant code 6420526#) in the Toronto area, or 1-800-898-3989 (participant code 6420526#) throughout the rest of Canada and in the United States. A replay of the call will be available via the Morneau Shepell website at morneaushepell.com.

About Morneau Shepell Inc. 
Morneau Shepell is a leading provider of technology-enabled HR services that deliver an integrated approach to employee wellbeing through our cloud-based platform. Our focus is providing world-class solutions to our clients to support the mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing of their people. By improving lives, we improve business. Our approach spans services in employee and family assistance, health and wellness, recognition, pension and benefits administration, retirement consulting, actuarial and investment services. Morneau Shepell employs approximately 6,000 employees who work with some 24,000 client organizations that use our services in 162 countries. Morneau Shepell is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

Financial Measures
To assist investors in assessing the Company's financial performance, this news release also makes reference to certain financial measures such as Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA per share and Normalized Free Cash Flow. The Company believes that these are useful supplemental measures to assist our investors in assessing our financial performance. See the Company's MD&A for more details. These financial measures do not have any standard meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, such as statements concerning anticipated future events, results, circumstances, performance or expectations that are not historical facts. Use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," or other words of similar effect may indicate a "forward-looking" statement. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's publicly filed documents (available on SEDAR at sedar.com) and in the Company's MD&A under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties." Those risks and uncertainties include ability to maintain profitability and manage growth, reliance on information systems and technology, reputational risk, dependence on key clients, reliance on key professionals and economic conditions. Many of these risks and uncertainties can affect the firm's actual results and could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement made by the Company or on the firm's behalf. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. All forward-looking statements in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. These statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company, its financial or operating results or its securities.

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.

Samsung Canada Launches Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live

Stay productive and connected with the latest lineup of Samsung Galaxy wearables 

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 6, 2020 /CNW/ - Yesterday, Samsung Electronics Canada introduced Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live at the first-ever Galaxy Unpacked virtual event livestreamed from Korea, which unveiled a new suite of power devices. Galaxy Watch3 is a next-generation smartwatch that combines timeless craftsmanship with advanced wellness features. Galaxy Buds Live introduce our newest shape of true wireless earbuds, boasting a stylish and ergonomic design paired with premium audio technology. 

Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live are convenient tools to help maintain lifestyle and daily routines. Both devices seamlessly integrate into the wider Galaxy ecosystem to help you live and communicate with ease, getting the most out of your technology. 

"Wearables are among the fastest-advancing technology sectors, and the pace of progress is only accelerating. In recent months, we've seen immense growth in the market as people turn to smartwatches and earbuds to help them thrive in the 'Next Normal'", said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. "Since introducing our first smartwatch just seven years ago, we have become a leader in wearable innovation. Today, we're laser-focused on building on this momentum to offer new and differentiated experiences – combined with the bold design and advanced technology that our customers have come to expect."

Galaxy Watch3: Manage Your Life with Advanced Wellness Technology

Galaxy Watch3 is a next-generation companion that helps you manage your routines, reach your fitness goals and make wellness a top priority every day. Built with stainless steel and high-quality leather¹, Galaxy Watch3 boasts the craftsmanship of a luxury timepiece, with a transforming look and defining style – yet it is still comfortable enough to wear all day.  Galaxy Watch3 also features the popular rotating bezel from previous Galaxy watch models, which merges form with function. With just a turn of the bezel, you can easily toggle between widgets, open apps and scroll through notifications. Compared to the original Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch3 is 14% thinner, 8% smaller and 15% lighter²— combined with a large display. You can also customize the watch face to reflect your personal style. You can choose from over 80,000 watch faces in the Galaxy Store, or design your own. A library of 40 different options allows you to personalize your watch face with information that's important to you.

Make this latest Galaxy smartwatch, packed with power technology, the center of your wellness experience³. With an integrated heart rate sensor for added peace of mind, you can easily keep an eye on your heart rate⁴ using the fitness tracker . In addition, the Galaxy Watch3 Fall Detection feature⁵ enables you to send an SOS SMS message or call to emergency contacts if you have a hard fall. 

Beginning a fitness routine can be difficult, but Galaxy Watch3 has an integrated running coach⁶ to help keep you on track, and is a powerful exercise companion that delivers real-time feedback and post-exercise evaluations to help drive improvement.

Helpful especially when at home, you have access to a "fitness studio" with Samsung Health, which features a library of more than 120 different video workouts. Simply select a workout routine on your Galaxy smartphone, cast it onto your Samsung Smart TV⁷, and your Galaxy Watch3 will take care of the rest and automatically track the workout. Since recovery can be just as important as the exercise, Samsung has been developing its sleep management offering since it was first introduced back in 2014. Now, Galaxy Watch3 offers brand new sleep score and insights to help you get better rest.

In addition, seamless compatibility between the Galaxy Watch3 and other Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy Note20 Series 5G, helps amplify your mobile experiences. You can set automatic reply options for both messages and images, and easily view emoticons and photos directly from your wrist. You can also effortlessly control your mobile experience; play your favourite music from your phone with the rotating bezel; and use simple hand gestures⁸, like clenching and unclenching your fist to receive a call, or rotating your wrist to mute alarms or incoming calls. 

Galaxy Buds Live: Tune into Every Moment 

Galaxy Buds Live introduce our newest shape of true wireless earbuds and defy conventional design – they make a bold fashion statement that projects a unique style. These fashion forward earbuds complete your look while still providing an amazing fit that complements the natural shape of your ear to deliver vibrant sound, without compromising comfort. Samsung has reconfigured the traditional earbud style with an iconic minimalist design that makes a statement. 

Galaxy Buds Live were engineered to bring sound to life. Combining AKG's sound expertise and the legacy of hardware innovation Samsung is known for, Galaxy Buds Live offer a truly immersive audio experience. With a 12mm speaker and bass duct, the audio sounds deep and rich, allowing you to enjoy music the way it was intended. With three microphones and a Voice Pickup Unit, your earbuds hone in on your voice and help ensure you come through loud and clear on the phone. These earbuds feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), bringing you live and spacious sound quality, with the ability to tune in (or out) of the world around you.

Galaxy Buds Live offer a convenient and connected listening experience, compatible with a range of devices – seamlessly switch between compatible devices, no disconnecting and reconnecting required. When paired with the latest Galaxy devices, you can open your world to new possibilities. Record crystal clear audio for your video on the Galaxy Note20 Series 5G by using Galaxy Buds Live as a wireless microphone. Use 'Game Mode'⁹ with Galaxy Note20 Series 5G Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, you can enjoy a truly immersive gaming experience. You can also easily share music with friends — without compromising sound quality — using the new Buds Together¹⁰ feature. 

For convenient navigation, Galaxy Buds Live feature an intuitive touch-based PUI (physical user interface)¹¹ for touch control, as well as Bixby voice wake-up¹², which allows you to navigate music, open apps, and send messages hands-free. Plus, Galaxy Buds Live come with a long-lasting battery life that keeps you tuned in longer. Stay powered with sound through work and play with up to 6 hours of non-stop listening¹³ and up to 21 hours of battery life with the charging case¹⁴. Galaxy Buds Live power up fast – just five minutes in the charging case delivers up to one hour of play time when you need it most¹⁵.

Availability & Details:

Galaxy Watch3: Available in 45mm (Mystic Black, Mystic Silver) and 41mm (Mystic Bronze, Mystic Silver) at Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores and across major retail partners starting August 5, 2020 with pricing starting at $549.99 for the 41mm and $599.99 for the 45mm. 

• Gift With Purchase: Purchase Galaxy Watch Active3 on Samsung.com from August 5th – September 4, 2020^. and get a bonus Duo Wireless Charger Pad¹⁶. 
• E-Voucher Offer: Purchase Galaxy Watch Active3 from SES and authorized retailers from August 5th – September 4, 2020^.and get an e-voucher redeemable online at Samsung.com for a bonus Duo Wireless Charger Pad.

Galaxy Buds Live: Available in Mystic Bronze, Mystic White and Mystic Black at Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores and across major retail partners. Galaxy Buds Live are available online on August 5th and in-stores on August 21st for $249.99. 

• Gift With Purchase: Purchase Galaxy Buds Live on Samsung.com from August 5th – September 4, 2020 and get a bonus Wireless Charger Pad¹⁷. 
• E-Voucher Offer: Purchase a Galaxy Buds Live from SES and authorized retailers from August 5th – September 4, 2020 and get an e-voucher redeemable online at Samsung.com for a bonus Wireless Charger Pad.

For customers looking to experience the latest Galaxy wearables innovations in-store, please join us at one of our Samsung Experience Store locations across Canada, including the new Montreal Eaton Centre location opening August 5, 2020:

• CF Sherway Gardens 
• CF Toronto Eaton Centre 
• Metropolis at Metrotown 
• Montreal Eaton Centre 
• West Edmonton Mall 
• Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live Specifications

For more information about Samsung Canada latest Galaxy devices, please visit news.samsung.com/ca/ or samsung.com/ca/

About Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

Samsung Electronics Canada inspires Canadians to reach their full potential through a transformative ecosystem of products and services that deliver innovation and distinct design to every aspect of their connected lives. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, virtual reality and wearable devices, tablets and digital appliances. In 2020, Samsung was ranked as one of Canada's "Most Reputable Companies" in Leger's Corporate Reputation Study. Dedicated to helping make a difference in the lives of Canadians, Samsung's award-winning corporate giving initiatives support public education and health-related issues in communities across the country. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com/ca.

SOURCE Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

10 Best Retreats to have a Wellness Christmas and New Year

Whether you’re flying solo in the Caribbean, partnered up or jetting off with the whole family in Europe, why not nip those winter woes in the bud and treat yourself to a wellness retreat for Christmas and New Year? Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists has seen an increase by 19% already on the same point last year for December departures as more clients book luxury health and fitness trips this year after taking summer staycations.

In light of the Covid-19 chaos of 2020, this could be your perfect chance to safely step away from the madness and rebuild your immunity and mental well-being away from home. These winter retreats ensure you get some much-needed recuperation and rejuvenation and provide you with the tools to sow the seeds for a positive, healthy new year.

Give your mind and body the recuperation it needs with spectacular views and rejuvenating activities in one of our incredible destinations. From a festive fitness escape in the Andalusian mountains and a yuletide yoga retreat in the Caribbean, to a spa break in the snow-capped Dolomites and a joyful juice cleanse in Vietnam, each retreat provides personalised care and expert advice to give you the ultimate wellness experience.

Have the holly jolly Christmas you deserve and give yourself, or your loved ones, the gift of wellbeing this festive season.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow: Detox at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, Italy

Unwind in the wonderful winter wonderland of the Dolomite mountain range on this detoxifying wellness retreat. With a state-of-the-art wellness temple surrounded by incredible alpine views, you can indulge in energising massages and draining wraps and forget about the usual Christmas Day chaos. Lefay Dolomiti’s sustainable restaurants offer organic, healthy meals with spectacular backdrops, so burning potatoes and overcooked turkey will feel like a world away and you can rediscover your balance of mind and body in the refreshing alpine air.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 5 nights at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti from £3,145pp or £4,055 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a detox programme and return private transfers.

Tis the Season to be Pampered: Happiness Like Nowhere Else at Borgo Egnazia, Italy

Start the new year the right way and trade dull winter days with a wellbeing boosting break to the stunning coast of Southern Italy. A consultation on arrival will determine your personalised programme to allow you to reconnect with your inner self and prioritise your mental and physical health for optimum happiness. With the Vair spa offering hot stone massages, detoxification wraps and aromatherapy you’ll leave feeling like the festive season is, in fact, the most wonderful time of the year.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 6 nights at Borgo Egnazia from £5,370pp or £7,450 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

Step into Fitness: Fitness Retreat at Shanti Som, Spain

A festive fitness escape that combines group yoga, training sessions and guided hikes with the orange groves and tropical gardens of Andalucia, what more could you want? Instead of running around looking for last-minute gifts you could be trekking up mountains and taking part in TRX sessions, with expert trainers on hand to give your physical health the reboot it deserves. Top it off with massages and therapies in the spa and you’ll be feeling merry and bright long after you leave. 

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 6 nights at Shanti Som from £2,260pp or £3,540 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a fitness programme and return transfers.

Have Yourself a Healthy Little Christmas: Revitalise at Euphoria Retreat, Greece

It’s beginning to look a lot like wellness on this energising detox retreat in the glorious winter sun. Consultation and tests on arrival ensure your holiday is tailor-made to your personal requirements, and a selection of treatments and sessions will leave you with an enhanced emotional wellbeing ready for the new year. Catering to all your nutritional needs, Euphoria Retreat delivers balanced healthy meals to compliment your fitness journey and allows you to indulge in delicious bites without the usual post-turkey food coma.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Euphoria Retreat from £3,405pp or £3,870 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

Detox in a Weight Loss Wonderland: Juice Cleansing Detox at Fusion Maia, Vietnam

Grip life by the antlers and make your physical health the top priority on this redefining juice cleanse on the beautiful beach of Da Nang. Here you can set yourself up with a positive healthy mindset for the new year and avoid the tempting Christmas treats on offer as you immerse yourself in meditation, juicing workshops and customised treatments. This detox gives you a full-body reboot by targeting your immune system and directing you towards positive long-term changes for a healthier future.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Fusion Maia from £2,045pp or £3,200 for single occupancy. Price includes full board (80% juice, 20% raw), a detox programme and return private transfers.

Yuletide Yoga: Yoga & Pilates at COMO Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

Rediscover the balance of your mind, body and (Christmas) spirit on this holistic holiday on the sunny beaches of Turks & Caicos. The private-island retreat includes daily yoga and Pilates sessions, alongside educational workshops, so you can progress with your practice whilst you soak in the spectacular sunshine. With catamaran sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding on offer, you can relax your mind and throw yourself into a fun-filled festive experience that will leave you with a refreshed and motivated mindset for 2021.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights from £3,595pp or £7,010 for single occupancy. Price includes daily breakfast, a wellness programme and return transfers. 

Dreaming of a White Wellness Christmas: Shanti Sleep at Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa, Mauritius

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but Mauritius is so delightful! Relax your body and reset your mind with Shanti Maurice’s sleep programme that includes personalised treatments and specialist therapies aimed at remedying your stressful sleep problems. Unwind with Pranayama, Yoga Nidra and Reiki sessions, alongside massages and sleep therapy, to give your mind a well-deserved break. This restorative wellness experience allows you to walk away from the clamour of jingle bells and Christmas carols and be welcomed into the world of deep sleep.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa from £5,510. Price includes half board, a sleep programme and return private transfers. 

Holistic New Year Healing: De-stress & Unwind at Marbella Club, Spain

Let go of wintertime worries on this relaxing and soothing wellness experience, perfect to prepare or repair you for the frantic festive season. From lifestyle consultations and guided meditations, to sleep inducing rituals and personalised massages, your holiday is tailor-made to your specific requirements to ensure you get a regenerating break prior to the new year. With relaxing treatments, gourmet food, and beautiful beach views, you can start 2021 as the best version of yourself and lay the foundations for a healthy new year.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Marbella Club from £3,450pp or £5,395 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

Festive Family Fitness Fun: Family Holiday at Pine Cliffs Resort, Portugal

For a truly magical festive experience, take the whole family to the enticing beaches and majestic mountains of the Algarve. Embrace the variety of exciting activities on offer, including aquatics, badminton, yoga and circuit training, assured that there’s something to keep everyone busy for the countdown to Christmas. This exhilarating programme allows you to explore beautiful backdrops, enjoy family film nights and challenge each other to new pursuits, all while escaping the bitter weather of the English winter.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Pine Cliffs Resort from £595 for 2 adults + 1 baby, £1,400 for 1 adult + 1 child or £1,975 for 2 adults + 2 children. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

Winter Wellness: BodyHoliday Optimal Wellness, St. Lucia

Treat yourself to a week of personal training, sleep-enhancing therapies and deep tissue massages on a well-earned break where your mental and physical wellbeing are the top priority. With the unspoilt rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls of St. Lucia as your backdrop and an array of gourmet cuisines and invigorating activities to keep you busy, you’ll make memories that will outlast the festive period. Forget the Christmas jumpers and opinionated in-laws and indulge in a bit of ‘me time’ on this brilliant beachside break.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at BodyHoliday from £5,895pp or £6,045 for single occupancy. Price includes all-inclusive, a wellness programme and return private transfers. 

-Ends-

Clinique Ovo Joins with The Fertility Partners Inc

Significant Platform Extension for Healthcare New Venture

TORONTO, Aug. 5, 2020 /CNW/ - The Fertility Partners ("TFP") announced today it has joined with Montreal-based Clinique ovo, significantly expanding the foundation for a Canada-wide network of fertility clinics. 

The Fertility Partners works with world class fertility clinics, providing access to shared medical, strategic and operational best practices, promoting research and development activities and offering extensive back-office support. Its goal is to foster global best clinical outcomes, an international reputation for excellence, and exceptional patient and employee experiences. The TFP partner model empowers physicians and their teams to focus on doing what they do best- provide the highest quality fertility medicine and services.

Says TFP's Founder, CEO & Executive Chairman Dr. Andrew Meikle, "we are honoured to partner with clinique ovo. As a leader in the field of Reproductive Medicine in Quebec with six locations, clinique ovo's reputation for high quality patient care is outstanding and as a result, it has become one of the most respected fertility research clinics in the country. We admire their patient-centered excellence, and believe clinique ovo will substantially strengthen our platform for future growth." TFP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Al Yuzpe says "this partnership reinforces our mutual commitment to high-quality healthcare. We share a common mission, to expand access to fertility treatment in Quebec, allocate more resources toward research and development, and provide even more comprehensive care programs that deliver an optimal patient experience." 

The Fertility Partners prides itself on fostering a culture that is patient focused, collaborative, inclusive and transparent. clinique ovo will retain a high level of independence and complete clinical autonomy, while benefitting from the range of support services its new parent company can offer. 

"We are delighted to join forces with The Fertility Partners to create long-term benefits for both employees and patients, and to grow our leading position in fertility, prenatal, and medical laboratory", says Dr. Francois Bissonnette, Medical Director of clinique ovo. "We see a real opportunity in being able to share best practices to improve clinical outcomes and to collaborate on R&D activities with other leading fertility clinics, for our patients." 

About The Fertility Partners: The Fertility Partners is a new venture creating a network of respected fertility clinics across North America. The company aims to be a world class business partner of choice for leading IVF and prenatal practitioners with the goal of achieving global best clinical outcomes, operational excellence and exceptional patient experiences. TFP provides partner clinics with back office support and a collaborative, synergistic medical-scientific, professional and business environment. For more information, please visit www.thefertilitypartners.com.

About clinique ovo: Since its inception in 2003, clinique ovo has offered its services to more than 90,000 patients in fertility, prenatal screening, medical laboratory, preservation of umbilical cord blood, and general women's health through its main Montreal office as well as six satellite clinics in the greater Montreal area, Quebec City and Mont-Laurier. For more information, please visit www.cliniqueovo.com.

SOURCE The Fertility Partners

For further information:

Dr. Andrew Meikle, Founder, CEO & Executive Chairman, Email: andrew.meikle@thefertilitypartners.com; Steve Yuzpe, President & CFO, Email: steve.yuzpe@thefertilitypartners.com, The Fertility Partners Inc., 21 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 900, Toronto, ON M4T 1L9

Dancing To The Darkest Light Aims To Inspire Others Who Are Navigating Challenging Times

Los Angeles, CA, August 5, 2020— Soheila Adelipour hopes you never look at life the same way after reading her memoir of survival, Dancing to the Darkest Light. Her story begins in Iran, where her family, desperate to escape the Islamic revolution, fled to New York. Her family found solid footing in the Big Apple, living the epitome of the American dream, until one day, all they had were nightmares. In a relatively short period of time, Adelipour lost a son and two siblings. Her book offers a riveting account of her healing process, and through her example of extraordinary resilience, she hopes to inspire others who are facing tragedy and heartbreak. 

Chronicling their experiences in Dancing to the Darkest Light, Adelipour recounts how her only brother became a neurosurgeon while others followed different paths. But their successful relocation and the joy they felt over each triumph was soon shattered when Adelipour's second son, Stefan, was killed in a dorm room fire before his scheduled graduation from Boston University.

Adelipour channeled her grief into the foundation she established in his name. Soon after, her older sister had to undergo five brain surgeries that left her blind and deaf before ultimately claiming her life. The same week, their only brother who was supervising her care was diagnosed with leukemia. Adelipour gave him her bone marrow and 60 percent of her liver when his liver stopped functioning. Doctors ultimately announced he was cancer-free with a perfectly functioning liver, but the week he was to come home, he died from pneumonia.

How one perseveres under the weight of all this loss is at the core of Dancing to the Darkest Light. “When life plays different music, we have to be fluid and dance to the new tune,” Adelipour said.

Adelipour received her bachelor's degree in business and her master's degree in Art Gallery Management while her first two children were in diapers. She was involved with the World of Arts and Antiques in New York City and followed that by operating high-end gift stores.

For more information visit www.soheilaadelipour.com.

Dancing to the Darkest Light

ISBN-10: 173371264X 

ISBN-13: 978-1733712644

Available from Amazon.com

###

Estée Lauder Introduces New Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

Estée Lauder revolutionizes the brand's #1 nighttime serum with new fast repair and youth-generating power

TORONTO, Aug. 5, 2020 /CNW/ - Backed by an unprecedented new discovery in the scientific field of Epigenetics, Estée Lauder introduces the revolutionary new Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex. With breakthrough new Chronolux^TM Power Signal Technology, new Advanced Night Repair now supports skin's natural repair more effectively than ever, and for the first time, helps skin increase its natural renewal of fresh new cells and production of collagen for firmer skin. Advanced Night Repair absorbs fast as it works to reduce the look of multiple signs of aging and helps protect skin from the environmental assaults of modern life.  After one dropper skin looks radiant and plumped with hydration, after just three weeks lines appear reduced, and after one bottle skin feels firmer and looks healthy, younger, with new bounce and vitality.¹

Breakthrough Epigenetics Discovery

In the scientific field of epigenetics, it has been shown that only around 25% of aging is predetermined by your genes. The remaining 75% of the aging process is believed to be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. In the early 2000s a powerful new class of epigenetic micro signaling molecules were discovered. These small molecules are present throughout the body, and quickly communicate responses to external changes.

For the past seven years, Estée Lauder scientists researched over 80 micro signaling molecules found in skin cells to better understand their role in skin aging. In a breakthrough discovery, Estée Lauder identified a specific micro signaling molecule that is essential to skin's natural repair and promotes multiple vital anti-aging pathways. Significantly, this micro signaling molecule helps skin increase its natural renewal of fresh, new cells and boosts its natural collagen production.² Estée Lauder's in vitro research also shows that the level of this micro signaling molecule in skin cells declines as part of the aging process. 

New Chronolux^TM Power Signal Technology

Inspired by the science of epigenetics, this exclusive technology, including a new patent-pending micro signaling molecule activator, is powered by a proprietary blend of yeast extract, a peptide, and plant-derived ingredients to help maximize skin's natural repair fast and boost skin's natural youth-generating power.

• Helps rapidly ignite a dynamic, connected repair network to help promote skin's natural repair processes. 
• Helps support the natural synchronization of skin's renewal processes so skin repairs at exactly the right time – at night, and maximizes skin's natural night and day rhythm of repair and protection. 
• Supports skin cells' natural purification process to help address cellular damage. 
• Helps skin increase its natural skin cell renewal and production of fresh new skin cells by 43%.³
• Helps skin increase its natural production of collagen.⁴

Fast Repair and Youth-Generating Power

Clinical Results¹:

ONE DROPPER

• Skin is radiant and plumped with 72-hour hydration 
• All-day 8-hour antioxidant protection 
• Skin barrier is strengthened

THREE WEEKS

• Lines appear reduced

ONE BOTTLE (50ml) 

• Skin feels firmer 
• Skin looks healthy, has a new bounce and vitality

OVER TIME

• Pores appear diminished 
• Skin looks more even-toned

Sensory Results⁵:

AFTER ONE DROPPER

• 90% said their skin felt softer and smoother 
• 90% said it absorbed into skin quickly

AFTER THREE WEEKS

• 91% said skin looked more rested 
• 88% said skin looked plumped and more youthful 
• 85% said their lines appeared diminished

AFTER ONE BOTTLE

• 91% said skin was left with a healthy glow 
• 89% said skin felt firmer and skin's elasticity improved 

New Sleek Glass Bottle
The apothecary inspired "little brown bottle" has been reimagined, and transformed into stunningly crafted premium, recyclable glass, with a sleek silhouette and enhanced translucency gradient for a more 'lit from within" glow. 

Usage: 
Apply on clean skin before moisturizer, AM and PM.

Appropriate for all skin types and all ethnicities. Dermatologist tested. Ophthalmologist tested, Non-acnegenic. 

Free of oil, phthalates, sulfites and sulfates, parabens, mineral oil 

Patented until 2033.

Tested on all ethnicities.

Available at all Estee Lauder counters from August 6^th 2020: Pricing: 30ml - $95.00 and 50ml - $130.00

SOURCE Estee Lauder Cosmetics Ltd.

COVID-19 Shines A Bright Light On Disparities In Health Care Among People Of Color  

New York, NY, August 5, 2020 ̶ “During the coronavirus pandemic, people should guard their eyes with glasses or face shields to protect their eyes from virus infection,"said Dr. Daniel Laroche, Director of Glaucoma Services and President of Advanced Eyecare of New York. People also need to know, even though there are many concerns about COVID-19, common-sense precautions can significantly reduce the risk of infection, he says, adding: “Wash hands frequently, follow good contact lens hygiene and avoid rubbing or touching our mouth, nose, and especially our eyes.'' Dr. Laroche is also affiliated with the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Island Eye Surgical Center, and New York University.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed the way people visit their doctors. For patients over 60, Dr. Laroche advises it's better to stay home and do telehealth over the phone or video consultation until the pandemic flattens. He also encourages people to wear face masks on visits and maintain social distancing, even if they are in a health clinic. “Eyesight or human vision is one of the most important senses. As much as 80% of what we feel comes through our sense of sight. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts. A healthy brain function requires a healthy vision. The brain is our most essential organ, and It allows us to control other organs. Normal and healthy vision contributes to improved learning and comprehension for a better quality of life,” says Dr. Laroche.

Dr. Laroche says there is another critical issue that COVID-19 has brought to the forefront and that is the issue of health care disparities among Black and Brown people. “Nationally, African American deaths from COVID-19 are nearly two times greater than would be expected based on their share of the population. In four states, the rate is three or more times greater. In forty-two states, plus Washington, D.C., Hispanics make up a greater share of confirmed cases than their share of the population. In eight states it’s more than four times greater,” he says, adding: “In stark contrast, White deaths from COVID-19 are lower than their share of the population in thirty-seven states.”

Dr. Laroche says there are several things that can be done to not only address but to help combat this issue:

1.  Increase the number of Black and Afro-Latino physicians worldwide.

2.  Implement universal healthcare.

3.  Increase wealth and education which produces better health.

4.  Provide a living income stipend for poor people to access food and reduce malnutrition.

5.  Eliminate racism to reduce stress.

6.  Identify white supremist organizations as terrorist groups.

7.  Recommend all corporations have people of color in the top management and leadership positions.

8.  Eliminate sole reliance on standardized testing as the criteria to be used at entry to magnet schools. 

9.  Provide more funding to reduce homelessness and for mental health.

10.The government should also require medical school, research and hospital funding to diversify and benefit people of color.

About Dr. Daniel Laroche:
 

Dr. Laroche is an exceptional glaucoma specialist in New York. He studied and received his bachelor's degree from New York University and a medical doctorate with honors in research from Weil Cornell University Medical College. He underwent a medical internship at Montefiore Hospital and finished his Ophthalmology residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C., where he was the chief resident in his third year. He later completed his glaucoma fellowship at New York Eye and Ear. 

For more information about Dr. Laroche, please call 212-663-0473 or visit: www.advancedeyecareny.com.

###

Empagliflozin meets primary endpoint in reducing risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure in Phase III trial in adults with and without diabetes

• Empagliflozin significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure versus placebo in the EMPEROR-Reduced heart failure trial. The study evaluated adults with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction 
• Treatment of heart failure is an important unmet need with over half of those diagnosed dying within five years¹
• The EMPEROR-Reduced trial included 32 study sites across Canada 

BURLINGTON, ON and TORONTO, Aug. 5, 2020 /CNW/ - Positive top-line results from the EMPEROR-Reduced Phase III trial in adults with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, with and without diabetes, were announced by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY). EMPEROR-Reduced met its primary endpoint, demonstrating superiority with empagliflozin (10 mg) compared to placebo in reducing the risk for the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization due to heart failure, when added to standard of care. Overall, the safety profile was similar to the known safety profile of empagliflozin.

"Heart failure is on the rise and is a major cause of death, disability and cost to Canadians. New therapies to treat heart failure are urgently required," said Dr. Subodh Verma, a Professor and Cardiac Surgeon at the University of Toronto at St Michael's Hospital, who served as the Canadian lead investigator on the trial and as a member of the Scientific Excellence Committee for the EMPEROR Program. "The results of the EMPEROR-Reduced trial demonstrate that empagliflozin is poised to represent a new standard of care for heart failure, and can add quite considerably to what can be achieved with the current established treatments."  

An estimated 600,000 Canadians are living with heart failure, and the risk of death in people with heart failure rises with each hospital admission.^2,3 Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction occurs when the heart muscle does not contract effectively, and less blood is pumped out to the body compared to a normally functioning heart.⁴ Symptoms associated with heart failure, such as breathlessness and fatigue, can impact quality of life.²

"One in five people can expect to develop heart failure in their lifetime, so it is very encouraging to see these positive results from the EMPEROR-Reduced trial demonstrating that empagliflozin improves heart failure outcomes," said Waheed Jamal, M.D., Corporate Vice President and Head of CardioMetabolic Medicine, Boehringer Ingelheim. "We are excited to share the full results and are working tirelessly to explore how empagliflozin can improve the lives of people living with heart failure."

Full results from the EMPEROR-Reduced trial will be presented in a hot line session at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2020 on August 29, and regulatory submissions are planned in 2020. 

Additionally, a second study, the EMPEROR-Preserved trial is exploring the effect of empagliflozin on cardiovascular death or hospitalization in adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction – an area with no approved treatment options.^5,6EMPEROR-Preserved results are expected in 2021. 

The EMPEROR trials are part of the EMPOWER clinical program, one of the broadest and most comprehensive of any SGLT2 inhibitor, exploring the impact of empagliflozin on the lives of people across the spectrum of cardio-renal-metabolic conditions.

"These results build upon the already established cardiovascular benefits of empagliflozin in adults living with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease," said Jeff Emmick, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President, Product Development, Lilly. "Metabolic conditions that affect the heart and kidneys can lead to serious consequences, including hospitalizations and death. Through our EMPOWER clinical program, we are committed to advancing knowledge about these devastating clinical outcomes. We look forward to seeing how empagliflozin can help adults around the world living with these conditions."

About the EMPEROR Heart Failure Studies^6,7 
The EMPEROR (EMPagliflozin outcomE tRial in patients with chrOnic heaRt failure) chronic heart failure studies are two Phase III, randomized, double-blind trials investigating once-daily empagliflozin compared with placebo in adults with chronic heart failure with preserved or reduced ejection fraction*, both with and without diabetes, who are receiving current standard of care:

• EMPEROR-Reduced [NCT03057977]: will investigate the safety and efficacy of empagliflozin in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) 
  • Primary endpoint: time to first event of adjudicated cardiovascular death or adjudicated hospitalization for heart failure 
  • Number of patients: 3,730 
  • Completion: 2020
• EMPEROR-Preserved [NCT03057951]: will investigate the safety and efficacy of empagliflozin in patients with chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). 
  • Primary endpoint: time to first event of adjudicated cardiovascular death or adjudicated hospitalization for heart failure [Time Frame: up to 38 months] 
  • Anticipated number of patients: approx. 5,990 
  • Estimated completion: 2021

*Ejection fraction is a measurement of the percentage of blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction. When the heart relaxes, the ventricle refills with blood.
HFrEF occurs when the heart muscle does not contract effectively, and less blood is pumped out to the body compared with a normally functioning heart.
HFpEF occurs when the heart muscle contracts normally but the ventricle does not fill with enough blood, so less blood can enter the heart compared with a normally functioning heart.

About the EMPOWER program
The Alliance has developed the EMPOWER program to explore the impact of empagliflozin on major clinical cardiovascular and renal outcomes in a spectrum of cardio-renal-metabolic conditions. Cardio-renal-metabolic conditions are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and account for up to 20 million deaths annually.⁸ Through the EMPOWER program, Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly are working to advance knowledge of these interconnected systems and create care which offers integrated, multi-organ benefits. Comprised of nine clinical trials and a real-world evidence study, EMPOWER reinforces the long-term commitment of the Alliance to improve outcomes for people living with cardio-renal-metabolic conditions. With more than 27,000 adults enrolled worldwide in clinical trials, it is one of the broadest and most comprehensive clinical programs for an SGLT2 inhibitor to date. 

About Heart Failure
Heart failure is a progressive, debilitating and potentially fatal condition that occurs when the heart cannot supply adequate circulation to meet the body's demands for oxygenated blood or to do so requires increased blood volume leading to fluid accumulation (congestion) in the lungs and peripheral tissues.⁹ An estimated 600,000 Canadians are living with heart failure.² Worldwide 60 million people are affected and the prevalence is expected to increase as the population ages.¹⁰ Heart failure is highly prevalent in people with diabetes¹¹ however, approximately half of all people with heart failure do not have diabetes.^10,12

The empagliflozin heart failure program was initiated based on data from the EMPA-REG OUTCOME^® trial, which assessed the effect of empagliflozin added to standard of care compared with placebo added to standard of care.¹³

About Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Conditions
Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly are driven to transform care for people with cardio-renal-metabolic conditions, a group of interconnected disorders that affect more than one billion worldwide and are a leading cause of death.⁸

The cardiovascular, renal and metabolic systems are interconnected, and share many of the same risk factors and pathological pathways along the disease continuum. Dysfunction in one system may accelerate the onset of others, resulting in progression of interconnected diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and kidney disease, which in turn leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular death. Conversely, improving the health of one system can lead to positive effects throughout the others.^14,15

Through our research and treatments, our goal is to support people's health, restoring the balance between the interconnected cardio-renal-metabolic systems and reducing their risk of serious complications. As part of our commitment to those whose health is jeopardized by cardio-renal-metabolic conditions, we will continue embracing a multidisciplinary approach towards care and focusing our resources on filling treatment gaps.

About Empagliflozin
Empagliflozin is an oral, once daily, highly selective sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and the first type 2 diabetes medicine to include cardiovascular death risk reduction data in its label in several countries.^16,17  

Inhibition of SGLT2 with empagliflozin in people with type 2 diabetes and high blood sugar levels prevents sugar being re-absorbed by the kidneys, leading to the excretion of excess sugar in the urine. In addition, initiation of empagliflozin also prevents salt being re-absorbed, leading to increased excretion of salt from the body and reducing the fluid load of the body's blood vessel system (i.e. intravascular volume). Empagliflozin induces changes to the sugar, salt and water metabolism in the body that may contribute to the reductions in cardiovascular death observed in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial.¹⁸

About Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company
In January 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company announced an alliance in the field of diabetes that centres on three pipeline compounds representing several of the largest treatment classes. This Alliance leverages the strengths of two of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, combining Boehringer Ingelheim's solid track record of research-driven innovation and Lilly's innovative research, experience and pioneering history in diabetes. By joining forces, the companies demonstrate commitment in the care of people with diabetes and stand together to focus on patient needs. For more information about the Alliance visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.ca or www.lilly.ca.

About Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. 
Making new and better medicines for humans and animals is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to create breakthrough therapies that change lives. Since its founding in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim is independent and family-owned. We have the freedom to pursue our long-term vision, looking ahead to identify the health challenges of the future and targeting those areas of need where we can do the most good.

As a world-leading, research-driven pharmaceutical company, more than 51,000 employees create value through innovation daily for our three business areas: Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing. In 2019, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of 19 billion euros. Our significant investment of almost 3.5 billion euros in R&D drives innovation, enabling the next generation of medicines that save lives and improve quality of life.

We realize more scientific opportunities by embracing the power of partnership and diversity of experts across the life-science community. By working together, we accelerate the delivery of the next medical breakthrough that will transform the lives of patients now, and in generations to come.

The Canadian headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim was established in 1972 in Montreal, Quebec and is now located in Burlington, Ontario. Boehringer Ingelheim employs approximately 600 people across Canada.

More information about Boehringer Ingelheim can be found at www.boehringer-ingelheim.ca or in our annual report: http://annualreport.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

About Eli Lilly Canada
Eli Lilly and Company is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by Colonel Eli Lilly, who was committed to creating high quality medicines that meet people's needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to people who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and contribute to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. 

Eli Lilly Canada was established in 1938, the result of a research collaboration with scientists at the University of Toronto, which eventually produced the world's first commercially-available insulin. Our work focuses on oncology, diabetes, autoimmunity, neurodegeneration, and pain. To learn more about Lilly Canada, please visit us at www.lilly.ca.

For our perspective on issues in healthcare and innovation, follow us on twitter @LillyPadCA.

References

SOURCE Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.

Anti-Black racism awareness and response linked to Canadians' mental health

Morneau Shepell's Mental Health Index™ shows 10-point decline from the pre-pandemic benchmark of 75

TORONTO, Aug. 5, 2020 /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell, a leading provider of total wellbeing, mental health and digital mental health services, today released its monthly Mental Health Index™ report, showing a consistent negative mental health score in Canada for the fourth consecutive month. The findings show that the ongoing impact of COVID-19, coupled with the increased awareness and societal response to anti-Black racism, continue to affect the mental health of Canadians.

The Mental Health Index™ score is -10. The score measures the improvement or decline in mental health from the pre-2020 benchmark of 75. This month's overall score is one point higher than the score last month. The Mental Health Index™ also tracks sub-scores against the benchmark, measuring the risk of depression (-12.4), anxiety (-12.3), optimism (-11.4), work productivity (-11.1) and isolation (-11.0). While the sub-scores remain low, all areas have improved when compared to each previous month.

"July marks the fifth month since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic and Canadians began experiencing a collective mental health crisis," said Stephen Liptrap, president and chief executive officer. "While many businesses, amenities and public spaces have reopened and a slight sense of normalcy has started to emerge across the country, our Mental Health Index™ shows that improving mental wellbeing takes time. In addition to restarting the Canadian economy, it's critical that organizations and governments continue to be vigilant in providing mental health support."

Strong correlation between Black Canadians' mental health and anti-Black racism awareness

The killing of Black American, George Floyd, initiated an international anti-Black racism awareness movement. The Mental Health Index™ found that overall, nearly 70 per cent of individuals believe that racism is a problem in Canada. Twenty (20) per cent believe that racism is a problem in their workplace. When comparing results by race, 62 per cent of individuals who identified as Black agreed or strongly agreed that racism is a problem in their workforce, compared to 14 per cent of individuals who identified as White. 

Respondents who identified as Black showed a 1.8-point decrease in their Mental Health Index™ score between May and June, and a 0.9-point increase to -17.7 in July. Those who identified as White showed consistent improvement without the same decline in June, with a 1.2-point increase between May and June and a 1.8-point increase in July. 

These results demonstrate that the most intense period of awareness and response to anti-Black racism corresponded with a decline in mental health scores among Black Canadians.  As the conversation on systemic racism continues the mental health score of Black Canadians is showing improvement. Looking forward, 40 per cent of all respondents feel that systemic racism is likely to decrease in Canada as a result of heightened anti-Black racism awareness, while 33 per cent are unsure and 27 per cent feel that systemic racism is unlikely to decrease.

"Systemic racism is not a new issue in Canada nor elsewhere, yet many Canadians are just now opening their eyes to the issue for the first time," said Paula Allen, senior vice president of research, analytics and innovation. "The dialogue that has started recently is critical for social change as well as the wellbeing of individuals and organizations. The experience of racism is traumatic and the ability to safely speak about it and problem solve is critical, and has been supported by many organizations. The benefit of that is starting and needs to continue."

Majority of Canadians feel COVID-19 has not impacted personal relationships

The social effects of COVID-19 have been felt from coast-to-coast, with prolonged physical distancing and isolation measures leading Canadians to crave human interaction. Morneau Shepell's Mental Health Index™ found that with multiple restrictions, 30 per cent have experienced some change in their personal relationships since January 2020. Sixteen (16) per cent of respondents feel that there has been an improvement in their personal relationships, while 14 per cent feel their personal relationships have become more strained. In the workplace, one quarter (25 per cent) feel there has been a change in their relationships. Eleven (11) per cent report an improvement and 14 per cent indicate increased strain in their workplace relationships.  Those with no change in either personal relationships or workplace relationships have the highest Mental Health Index™ scores (-7.1 and -7.5 respectively), followed by positive change (-10.3 for improved personal relationship and -12.5 for improved workplace relationship). Those with a negative change in personal or workplace relationships have the lowest mental health scores (-27.7 for more strained personal relationship and -23.9 for more strained workplace relationships). The data demonstrates that the importance of stable relationships to mental health. 

"Both personal and workplace relationships are important to wellbeing," said Allen. "In the workplace especially, relationships with coworkers are critical to feeling valued, recognized and having a sense of belonging. With many Canadians working and communicating entirely remotely, supporting workplace culture is more important than ever to ensure employee mental health remains a top priority."

About the Mental Health Index™

The monthly survey by Morneau Shepell was conducted through an online survey in English and French from June 22 to June 30, 2020, with 3,000 respondents in Canada. All respondents reside in Canada and were employed within the last six months. The data has been statistically weighted to ensure the regional and gender composition of the sample reflect this population. The margins of error for the survey are +/- 3.2 per cent, valid 19 times out of 20. The Mental Health Index™ is published monthly, beginning April 2020, and compares against benchmark data collected in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The full Canadian report can be found at: https://www.morneaushepell.com/permafiles/92896/mental-health-index-report-canada-july-2020.pdf

About Morneau Shepell

Morneau Shepell is a leading provider of technology-enabled HR services that deliver an integrated approach to employee wellbeing through our cloud-based platform. Our focus is providing world-class solutions to our clients to support the mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing of their people. By improving lives, we improve business. Our approach spans services in employee and family assistance, health and wellness, recognition, pension and benefits administration, retirement consulting, actuarial and investment services. Morneau Shepell employs approximately 6,000 employees who work with some 24,000 client organizations that use our services in 162 countries. Morneau Shepell is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.