April 14, 2025 [Toronto, Canada] – The Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) is proud to announce the launch of the CanWCC Health Benefits Plan in partnership with longtime collaborator Ken Doody. Together with his business associate, Emanuela Messina, they have created a much needed, accessible and affordable health benefits solution for entrepreneurs and the self-employed, addressing a critical need for underserved independent Canadian business owners at all stages of their journey.
Entrepreneurs -regardless of gender- often face significant challenges in accessing health benefits, especially when operating as solopreneurs or at pre-revenue startups. CanWCC recognizes that its work impacts a broad network of small business owners beyond its core membership of women-identifying and non-binary entrepreneurs. Many of the challenges faced by these business owners, including securing health benefits, are universal. The CanWCC Health Benefits Plan is open to all entrepreneurs who wish to take advantage of the program.
“With this initiative, CanWCC is not just serving its members; we are reinforcing our commitment to a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape,” said Nancy Wilson, Founder & CEO at CanWCC. “Health benefits should not be a barrier to success. This plan ensures that all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender, can access the support they need to focus on growing their businesses.”
“I’ve collaborated with CanWCC since its founding in 2018, advocating for gender and workplace equity,” said Ken Doody, Co-Founder of Health Connection. “I’m excited that my partner, Emanuela, and I can now offer Health-Connection Benefits plans to CanWCC members. Health-Connection addresses the underserved market in the Canadian Group Insurance industry by offering affordable, comprehensive coverage to businesses of all sizes, including sole proprietors. With tax-deductible premiums and exclusive discounts for CanWCC members, we ensure that essential health services like prescription drugs, dental care, and mental health support are accessible to everyone.”
The CanWCC Health Benefits Plan launch aligns with CanWCC’s broader efforts to advocate for comprehensive support systems for entrepreneurs, including its ongoing work on parental benefits policy. By offering tangible solutions alongside policy advocacy, CanWCC continues to push for a business environment where all entrepreneurs can thrive.For more information on the CanWCC Health Benefits Plan and how to enroll, visit canwcc.circle.so/c/health-connection-benefits or see the Plan Details, here.
About CanWCC
The Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) is a nationally incorporated, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocacy, advancement, and connection for and on behalf of its members. CanWCC’s membership consists of diverse women-identified entrepreneurs and organizations that are at least 50% woman(en)-owned and led.
Contact:
media@canwcc.ca
https://canwcc.ca
About Health Connection Co-Founders Ken Doody and Emanuela Messina
Emanuela Messina began her insurance career at nineteen, quickly earning her life insurance license and managing a group benefits department. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, she launched her own business and has since grown into a successful life agent and entrepreneur, guided by the support of trusted mentors.
After graduating from York University, Ken Doody entered the life and health insurance industry. Over the past four decades, he has taken on management, training, and mentoring roles, developed sales training programs, delivered keynote addresses across North America, and contributed to industry publications. In 2005, he founded Kenneth L. Doody & Associates to help families and business owners protect what matters most.
Contact:
Ken Doody | 416-737-1426
Emanuela Messina | 416-625-1699