Overview:
Judy Sjogren-Zuck, a self-represented plaintiff, sued 3sHealth Shared Services Saskatchewan (formerly the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations) over the denial of disability benefits under a workplace Disability Income Plan. The court dismissed her claim, citing non-compliance with plan timelines and insufficient proof of disability.

Key Legal Issues:

• Timeliness of Claim: The court determined that the plaintiff applied for benefits beyond the six-month deadline specified in the plan.

• Relief from Forfeiture: The court declined to grant relief under Saskatchewan’s legal provisions, noting the plaintiff failed to explain her delay or justify why relief was appropriate.

• Disability Qualification: Evidence, including an independent medical examination by Dr. Hillel Sommer, indicated the plaintiff was not disabled under the plan’s terms, either during or after her qualifying period.

Evidence and Arguments:

• The defendant argued that the plaintiff’s late application undermined the plan’s management and assessment processes.

• Dr. Sommer’s findings contradicted claims of ongoing disability, citing a lack of physical limitations preventing work.

• The plaintiff’s physicians relied on her subjective reports, with no thorough examinations supporting a claim of total disability.

Outcome and Costs:
The court dismissed the claim, finding that the plaintiff failed to comply with the plan’s application timeline and did not establish disability. Costs were reserved for later submissions by the parties.

Total Award:
No monetary award was made in favor of either party; the court left the matter of costs open.