In a landmark commitment to Canadians’ health and wellness, Manulife has become the first life and health insurer in the world to support a national nature prescription program. The company’s investment will help expand PaRx, BC Parks Foundation’s globally recognized initiative that enables healthcare professionals to prescribe time in nature to improve patient health.

PaRx is Canada’s only national program of its kind, rooted in a growing body of research showing that time in nature reduces stress, boosts the immune system, and improves cardiovascular and mental health. Since its launch in 2020, the program has grown into a nationwide movement: more than 18,000 health-care providers across Canada have registered as prescribers, writing over 1.5 million prescriptions for time in nature.

With Manulife’s support, more patients across Canada will also gain access to free visits to select parks and conservation areas, making it easier to integrate nature into daily life. When a registered health care provider prescribes time in nature, patients can either choose their own nature space or redeem one of the PaRx partner offers designed to reduce barriers to high-quality nature experiences.

“We’re thrilled that Manulife is taking this groundbreaking step in recognizing the role of nature in health and well-being,” said Jennie McCaffrey, VP of Health and Education at BC Parks Foundation. “By becoming the first life and health insurer in the world to support a national nature prescription program, Manulife is helping to bring nature prescriptions into mainstream health initiatives and ensuring more Canadians can benefit from time outdoors.”

“As a physician, I see every day how important it is to give people simple, effective tools for their health,” said Dr. Jake Zamora, endocrinologist and PaRx prescriber. “The opportunity to provide evidence-based recommendations rooted in nature adds a unique dimension to managing chronic illness. With Manulife’s support, we can bring these benefits to even more Canadians, making it easier for patients to step outside, improve their health, and value the green spaces that sustain us all.”

“At Manulife, we are committed to advancing better, longer lives through innovative, preventative solutions,” said Sarah Chapman, Chief Sustainability Officer at Manulife. “By supporting PaRx, we hope to see more Canadians spend time in nature, which is proven to have a tangible impact on physical and mental health, while fostering local community and social connectivity.”

By recognizing nature as a “fourth pillar of health”—alongside nutrition, exercise, and sleep— PaRx is charting a new course to help people live healthier lives. This collaboration with Manulife marks a global first in the insurance sector, setting a precedent for how health systems can integrate preventative, holistic solutions.

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Media Contact‍

Chelsea Rooney

chelsea.rooney@bcparksfoundation.ca

Manulife

Emily English

Emily_English@Manulife.ca