Stay informed about the work BCND is doing to advance the naturopathic profession in British Columbia. Featuring official statements, advocacy letters, updates, and key initiatives that reflect our commitment to supporting NDs and improving access to care for British Columbians.
This page is your resource for staying connected with BCND’s ongoing efforts to champion the profession and ensure NDs have a strong voice in the healthcare landscape.
Nomination packages should include a minimum of two and no more than five letters of support from peers or other stakeholders, clearly demonstrating how the nominee meets the award criteria. Letters should clearly demonstrate how the nominee not only meets the criteria for the award, but how they have consistently gone above and beyond in order to meet the criteria.
In rural or remote areas where obtaining letters from colleagues is difficult, letters from other healthcare team members or community stakeholders may be substituted, with an explanation provided.
Type of Insurance
Typical Uses
Who chooses how the money is spent?
When does it pay out?
How does it
pay out?
Can I hold it corporately?
Life Insurance
You + your beneficiaries
Upon death. Depending on your policy, you may be able to withdraw money while alive as well.
Tax-free lump sum
Tax preferred if you make a withdrawal while alive.
Yes
Mortgage Insurance
You (if you get it individually and not through the bank)
Upon death.
Tax-free lump sum
Yes
Critical Illness Insurance
*how you spend the money is up to you
You
Upon diagnosis of a covered condition such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, MS
*many policies have around 25 covered conditions but each policy is different
Tax-free lump sum
Yes
Disability Insurance
*how you spend the money is up to you
You
If you cannot work due to injury or illness.
Plans can have different waiting periods before the benefit is payable. 90 days is common.
Monthly to you personally
Yes
Business Overhead Insurance
Paid as a reimbursement for business expenses
If you cannot work due to injury or illness.
Plans can have different waiting periods before the benefit is payable. 30 days is common.
Monthly to your corporation as a reimbursement for corp. expenses.
Yes
Saskia Karlen is a third-generation insurance broker specializing in life and health insurance, financial planning, and employee benefits. With a BA from the University of British Columbia, Saskia transitioned from a successful career in marketing to the insurance and financial services industry. She provides personalized insurance solutions and financial planning strategies to individuals and businesses, helping them achieve long-term financial security.
Saskia is highly regarded for her expertise in insurance solutions and has been a key provider of life and health insurance services. She has a deep understanding of the financial needs of both individuals and businesses and uses her extensive knowledge to ensure clients are well-protected.
Sindy Billan is the founder of SB Wealth Solutions and has been an investment and insurance advisor since 2003. Licensed in BC for the sale of investments, life, and health insurance products, Sindy brings a unique, holistic approach to financial advising, incorporating considerations of health, wealth, and work-life balance. She is dedicated to helping families and business owners prepare for their financial futures with strategic solutions tailored to their individual needs.
Sindy is passionate about educating her clients and has presented at numerous seminars and workshops for both business owners and medical professionals. She has sponsored booths at BCND’s Advancing Naturopathic Medicine & Northwest Naturopathic Physician Convention (NWNPC) since 2011. Outside of her professional life, Sindy enjoys golf, spending time with her grandkids at Granville Island, and cooking for her family
“I’ve been seeing an ND for over 20 years. My ND listens and we spend time focusing on my questions and what matters to me. I see it as a true partnership.”
“My ND helped me get through some rough health challenges when I was experiencing menopause. Nothing I did helped, but my ND listened, helped me balance my hormones, and got me through it.”
“I’ve had health problems since I was a kid. Asthma, digestive issues and a host of other things. My ND has helped me manage all my conditions and has gotten me healthier.”
“My ND makes me feel empowered. I participate in my health decisions and feel like I’m an equal partner in my care.”
“My ND didn’t just focus on my symptoms and instead focused on treating my problem.”
BCND is pleased to share a professional development opportunity through the Indigenous Relations Academy, which is generously offering naturopathic doctors a 20% discount on two of their most valued online training courses.
BCND thanks the Indigenous Relations Academy for making this offer available to naturopathic doctors committed to advancing cultural safety and humility in their practices.
