Two-thirds (65 per cent) of Canadian employers say controlling benefits costs is their top priority and nearly half (49 per cent) say it’s their biggest challenge in 2026, according to a new survey by MBWL International and Normandin Beaudry.

The Canadian section of the survey, which polled more than 200 employers, found despite the cost challenges, only two per cent said they’re considering reducing benefits and nine per cent planned to increase employee cost sharing.

“This means most employers are looking for alternatives to controlling costs without transferring the cost directly to employees,” said Dianne Gavieres, principal at Normandin Beaudry, during a recent webinar by the organization. “One of the ways communication can help reduce the rising cost of benefits is by promoting smart usage of the plans [through things like] educational materials.”

Read: 64% of employers cite cost control as top benefits priority in 2026: report

The survey also found health-care costs are accelerating, from roughly five per cent in 2023 to 10 per cent in 2025. “Our survey gives us important context for these increases,” said Sophie Limoges, principal at........

© Benefits Canada