Joëlle Lafrenière and Janice Merkley Join the WICC Ontario Board of Directors  

TORONTO, ON, NOVEMBER 3, 2025/insPRESS/ – The Ontario chapter of the Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Joëlle Lafrenière of CEP Forensic and Janice Merkley, SVP Marketing of Daystar Insurance, as Co-Chairs of Communications on its Board of Directors.

Based in Montréal, Joëlle Lafrenière is a strategic and creative communicator who has played a key role in strengthening CEP Forensic’s partnership with WICC. Her background spans marketing and communications across the forensic engineering, entertainment, and fashion industries in Canada and Mexico.

“Each event and initiative reminds me of the power of our industry when we come together for a meaningful cause,” said Joëlle Lafrenière. “Joining the Board is an incredible opportunity to contribute my skills and creativity to something greater than myself. I’m excited to collaborate with Janice and the Board to raise WICC’s voice nationwide.”

Janice Merkley, a London-based strategic marketing leader, brings extensive global experience in the insurance technology sector, where she has led brand development and go-to-market strategy. Earlier in her career, she held senior strategy roles in brand and integrated marketing agencies.

“WICC’s mission reflects the best of our industry – collaboration, compassion, and purpose,” said Janice Merkley. “I’m honoured to join the Board alongside Joëlle to help elevate WICC’s voice and storytelling, expanding our reach and inspiring even greater support in the fight against cancer.”

Lafrenière and Merkley succeed Jennifer Kew, whose creativity and commitment have significantly advanced WICC’s communications over the past several years. Together, they will lead WICC Ontario’s communications strategy, supporting its mission to unite the Canadian insurance community in the fight against cancer.

“We are deeply grateful to Jennifer for her valued contributions to the WICC Ontario Board,” said Garth Pepper, Co-Chair of WICC Ontario. “Her leadership has strengthened our communications and engagement across the insurance community. We’re delighted to welcome Janice and Joëlle as Co-Chairs of Communications and look forward to the energy and expertise they’ll bring to advancing WICC’s mission.”

About WICC

Since its inception in 1996, WICC and the individuals who work in the property and casualty insurance industry in Canada have raised over $22 million nationally in support of cancer research and education. WICC’s mission is to unite and engage the Canadian insurance community to fund cancer research, educate, and improve the lives of those affected by cancer. More information about WICC can be found at wicc.ca. 

Media Contacts

Joëlle Lafrenière
Co-Chair, Communications, WICC Ontario
jlafreniere@cep-experts.ca

Janice Merkley
Co-Chair, Communications, WICC Ontario
janice.m@daystarlimited.com