Ms. Marie-Chantal Cote reports

SUN LIFE ADDS ONLINE COUNSELLING TO ITS CONNECTED HEALTH SUPPORTS DESIGNED AROUND CANADIANS' LIVES

Sun Life Financial Inc. has launched Online Counselling, by Dialogue, giving Canadians a new way to connect with registered mental health professionals through secure virtual appointments. Available through Sun Life's digital health care experience, Online Counselling makes it easier for Canadians to access mental health care as part of a broader network of health, wellness and benefits support.

Mental health needs continue to grow across Canada with many facing barriers to accessing support. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), 41 per cent of adults (18 years old and older) and 36 per cent of youth (two years old to 17 years old) with diagnosed mental health conditions report their needs are only partially met or unmet. Online Counselling helps bridge this gap by offering individuals 14 years old and older in Canada access to registered mental health professionals through secure virtual appointments.

The launch is a part of Sun Life's continued focus on making health support simpler, more connected and designed around the realities of Canadians' lives. Navigating health care can be complex, and, as health needs evolve, the need for simpler, connected experiences continues to grow. By bringing care, coverage and health expertise together in one digital experience, Sun Life is helping Canadians access support more easily and confidently.

"A health challenge rarely affects just one part of a person's life," said Marie-Chantal Cote, senior vice-president, Sun Life Health. "Mental health concerns can affect work, relationships and financial well-being. Caring for a family member can impact stress levels, productivity and personal health. We're focused on creating support that helps people access the care and resources they need in ways that fit naturally into their lives."

Through Sun Life's enhanced digital experience across mobile and Web, Canadians can access Online Counselling alongside a growing range of connected health and wellness services, including finding health care providers and accessing virtual care and wellness resources. They can also review their benefits, submit claims and manage prescriptions, all in one place, making it easier to manage their health with greater ease.

This connected approach recognizes that access to care is only one part of achieving better health outcomes. Continuing support, coverage information and healthy habits can help people stay on track and address issues sooner.

"Meaningful health support doesn't end with a single appointment or interaction," said Ms. Cote. "It's about helping people take the next step and the one after that. By connecting access to care with coverage, resources and ongoing support, we're helping Canadians build healthier habits, address challenges earlier and feel supported throughout their lives. That's how we can improve health outcomes while helping create healthier, more resilient workplaces and communities."

About Sun Life Financial Inc.

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets around the world, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2026, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.7-trillion.

Sun Life Financial trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange and the Philippine Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SLF.