Think 2025

Finding Focus While Navigating Change

Join us on Thursday, November 6, 2025, for a day of forward-thinking dialogue and actionable insights at the 2025 THINK Conference. Hosted by the Cowan Benefits Ltd. team of experts and industry partners, this annual event brings together thought leaders to explore the trends and challenges shaping the future of employee benefits, retirement, and workplace wellness. 

 

Register Now

Location & Date

Thursday, November 6, 2025
8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
RattleSnake Point Golf Club
5407 Regional Rd 25
Milton, ON L9E 0L1

Buffet Breakfast and Lunch will be served. 
Full details and agenda will be sent to all registered guests one week prior to the event.

 

Speakers

Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier: Award-Winning Leadership Psychologist | Workplace Mental Health and Resilience Expert

Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier is a workplace mental health pioneer, blending psychology with business strategy to drive performance and resilience. One of the few experts with both a Ph.D. and an MBA, she delivers actionable insights to help organizations navigate change and lead effectively.

An award-winning psychologist, executive coach, and former board director, her expertise has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and Thrive Global. She’s also the author of The Resilience Plan, named a “Top 5 Book to Read” by Inc. and Forbes.

Recognized for her leadership and academic contributions, Pelletier is a sought-after expert who equips audiences with the tools to thrive.

 

 

Session Speakers:

 

Tari DuguayLianne Clarke

Tari Dugay &
Lianne Clarke 

Principal Consultant and Practice Lead,
National Benefits Consulting
Cowan Benefits Ltd.
tari.duguay@cowangroup.ca
&
Principal, Vice President, Wellness & Disability
Cowan Benefits Ltd.
lianne.clarke@cowangroup.ca

Navigating Chronic Diseases: Integrating Pharmaceuticals and Workplace Wellness Strategies

Chronic diseases are a leading cause of workforce disruption and healthcare costs, demanding a strategic response that blends pharmaceutical solutions with workplace wellness initiatives. This discussion explores how employers can proactively support employees living with medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, mental illness, and cancer diagnoses, through integrated benefits plan design and targeted wellness programming.

Seann McAleese

Seann McAleese

Davies Ward Phillips and Vineberg, LLP 

Navigating Legal Change: Staying Compliant and Confident in a Shifting Legal Landscape

We welcome back Seann McAleese, a leading expert in employment law. This year, Seann will unpack the latest legal trends impacting workplaces. He’ll also leverage real-world examples to share practical strategies to help organizations stay compliant and confident in a shifting legal landscape. 

Jacquie Fritsch

Jacquie Fritsch

Principal Consultant, Global Benefits
Cowan Benefits Ltd.
jacquie.fritsch@cowangroup.ca

Navigating Organizational Change: Cultivating Resilience in Mergers & Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions bring complexity, but also opportunity. Our expert panel will explore how to successfully integrate benefits and retirement programs during organizational change. You will learn how to foster alignment, support employees, and build a culture that embraces growth and innovation.

Shelly RedwoodShelly Redwood

Shelly Redwood &
Margaret Bennett

Principal Consultant and Practice Lead,
Pension and Retirement Consulting
Cowan Benefits Ltd.
shelly.redwood@cowangroup.ca
&
Manager, Branch Compliance and Sales Support
Cowan Financial Solutions
margaret.bennett@cowangroup.ca

Navigating Economic Change: Understanding CAP Guidelines, Economic Insights, and Market Impacts on Retirement Plans

In 2024, the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities introduced revised CAP guidelines, and since then, Cowan has been working to interpret the requirements and implement changes as necessary. We’ll share our insights and steps for alignment. Plus, don’t miss our fireside chat with Shelly Redwood, Principal Consultant and Practice Lead, Pension & Retirement Consulting and Margaret Bennett, Manager, Branch Compliance and Sales Support, Wealth as they break down the 2025 economic landscape and its impact on retirement plan savings. 

 

 

Wellness Fair

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.

Allstate logo

Dialogue logo

Homewood Health logo

Phzio logo

Sprout logo

Questions?

Contact the Cowan Insurance Group Events Team, events@cowangroup.ca.

Cowan Benefits Ltd. is a subsidiary of Cowan Group Ltd.

Cowan is a partner you can trust. Client satisfaction is everything at Cowan Insurance Group. We’ve been providing customized, comprehensive insurance and risk management professional advice and placement to meet commercial and personal insurance, group benefits, and wealth management needs since 1927. Proudly independent and Canadian-owned, our award-winning client-centric approach and commitment to innovation and excellence have established us as a true market leader. We care about what you care about.

Giving back to our communities. Our success is rooted in the communities in which we do business, and we strive to improve the quality of life in those communities. The Cowan Foundation was established in 1995 in honour of the company’s founder, Frank Cowan, building on our commitment to community involvement, support and caring. Since 1995, over $35 million has been donated to 650 charitable organizations.