Canada Life sponsoring para triathlete, plan member as she pursues athletic dreams

Canada Life supports Leanne Taylor in overcoming a spinal cord injury and competing at Olympic qualifiers

Winnipeg, MB July 10, 2023 – Five years ago, Leanne Taylor suffered a spinal cord injury in a cycling accident. And now, on the five-year anniversary of her accident, she’s competing in her first qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics as a para triathlete, sponsored by Canada Life.

Canada Life has supported Taylor since her injury, first with her benefits and return-to-work process. And now, the organization is proudly sponsoring Taylor in her athletic journey, too.

“Throughout my experience, Canada Life went above and beyond their obligations to help me. They’ve shown genuine support and partnership in my goal to go back to work and live my life in a way that’s easy and equipped with what I need,” Taylor said. “To now have their support as I go after the Olympics is something I would have never expected.”

After her injury, Canada Life paid Taylor her life insurance benefit for paralysis six months early to help cover expenses she faced adapting to life with a wheelchair. They also helped cover the cost of other things to support her day-to-day life, like a standing frame for her at-home office. The organization also worked with Taylor on a gradual return-to-work process, focused on and in celebration of each goal along the way. Six months after her injury, Leanne was back at work.

Shortly after that, she competed in her first triathlon race and was hooked.

“Leanne is already a winner in our eyes, because of her perseverance and determination in overcoming the challenges before her,” said Brad Fedorchuk, Executive Vice-President, Group Customer, Canada Life. “We’re so proud of her and feel very fortunate to be part of her story. This is what Canada Life is all about. Helping people through every life stage and challenge that we can.”

Taylor’s key races for the Paris 2024 qualifications include:

• July 8 in Montreal, Quebec
• July 15 in Long Beach, California
• August 19 in Paris, France
• September 23 in Pontevedra, Spain

Canada Life is wishing her all the best on this adventure and will be proudly rooting for her along the way.

About The Canada Life Assurance Company

Canada Life is a leading insurance, wealth management and benefits provider focused on improving the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians. For 175 years, individuals, families and business owners across Canada have trusted us to provide sound guidance and deliver on the promises we’ve made.

Canada Life looks at all the ways we can support communities to help them reach their potential, every day. We work with organizations that are forward thinking and collaborative so that our efforts can create positive change. We’re proud to contribute support for non-profit, charitable and community organizations each year through cash, in-kind contributions and employee volunteerism. This includes $11.1 million in charitable donations in 2022.

Today Canada Life proudly serves approximately 12 million customer relationships from coast to coast to coast. 

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Fore more information contact:

Liz Kulyk
AVP, Media & Public Affairs
The Canada Life Assurance Company
204-391-8515
Media.relations@canadalife.com

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