Views (February 01, 2007)

The Ontario Risk & Insurance Manage-ment Society’s (ORIMS) annual Christmas Luncheon in December attracted hundreds of festive industry partygoers to the Sheraton Centre Toronto, home of the Toronto 2008 RIMS Canada Conference. In the spirit of giving, the ORIMS executive donated the proceeds of the annual charity raffle to Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV Canada). CISV is a worldwide organization whose purpose is to prepare individuals, especially youth, to become active and contributing members of a peaceful society. CISV endeavors to stimulate the development of inter-cultural respect, international understanding and cooperative skills within individuals to prepare them for effective leadership roles towards a fair and just world. ORIMS president Bruce Tainsh presented CISV with a cheque for $10,000. Also at the luncheon, RIMS Canada 2008 Conference – Toronto co-chairs Susan Meltzer and Nancy Chambers presented the ’08 RIMS Canada Conference logo to the audience and recognized Toronto ’08 conference committee members in attendance.

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The Ontario Insurance Adjusters Association (OIAA) held its annual Christmas Dinner Party in December at the Sheraton Centre Toronto. The jovial crowd of more than 1,200 raised more than $12,780.00 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. OIAA president Marie Gallagher emceed the festive affair.

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Judy Andersen of Catlin Canada Inc., Brian McCarthy of The Magnes Group Inc., Brokered Insurance Solutions and Mike Holden from McLarens Canada raised close to $1,000 for World Vision Canada in their First Annual Insurance Polar Bear Dip in Lake Ontario on New Year’s Day in Oakville. The water was a warm 4C and, according to a shivering Mike Holden, “next year the group hopes to entice more folks to join us from the insurance industry, as this year it was a last-minute decision.”

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The latest Canadian Underwriter Web Poll asked the question: Is Canada’s P&C insurance industry adequately prepared to respond to damages caused by a terrorist attack? A slight majority, 54.51%, believed the industry would be ready to handle such an event. 45.49%, on the other hand, were not quite as optimistic.

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Peel Mutual Insurance Company (Peel Mutual) has implemented communic8, developed by iter8. The program allows Peel Mutual to transfer data from their auto and residential lines of business system to multiple broker management systems, with complete end-to-end auditing. This marks the completion of the first phase of the company’s broker communication strategy. The ‘electronic data interchange’ download was completed from inception to market in just 10 weeks. The communic8 application comes pre-packaged with transformation maps to the major broker management systems, allowing insurance companies to choose how they want to transact business, according to an iter8 release.

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SCM Adjusters Canada Ltd. has announced the successful completion of an acquisition agreement resulting in Leonard French & Co. Ltd. joining the SCM team. Leonard French & Co was founded in 1977 by Leonard French and more recently, under the leadership of Norman French, Denis Rivard, Drew Knox and Doug Friesen, “has built a solid reputation in the industry with a commitment to the highest quality of service,” says an SCM release. “Combined, we can achieve strong synergies,” continues the company statement. Company officials are confident the melded strengths of Leonard French and SCM will solidify the company’s strategy to further its leadership position in the industry. SCM has 62 offices coast-to-coast, making it the largest, privately-held, Canadian-owned insurance adjusting company in Canada. “We are pleased and excited to welcome Leonard French’s clients as we join forces,” Larry Shumka, president and CEO of SCM Adjusters, said in a statement. “We will continue to build on our combined heritage of growth, strong performance and outstanding customer service to support our clients, employees, and the community.”

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The ACE Tempest Re Group has expanded into Canadian markets with the establishment of ACE Tempest Re Canada. The Montreal-based managing underwriter will write all lines of property and casualty reinsurance for the Canadian market. Constantin Petalas has been appointed president of the operation and is charged with the responsibility of leading the new operation’s development and growth, says a company release. The new Canadian division is authorized to write reinsurance on behalf of ACE’s licensed and admitted Canadian insurance companies.

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Crawford Adjusters Canada announced three major internal promotions. Debbie Laxton has been named head office supervisor for the company’s accident benefits division, Lise Papillon will oversee Crawford’s Quebec operations and Troy Quigley will be charged with managing the Montreal branch office. Laxton began her career with Crawford in February 2006 prior to being accident benefits manager at Progressive Insurance. Papillon has been with the company since October 2005, when she was appointed Montreal branch manager. Quigley, currently the Fredericton branch manager, will replace her.

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Swiss Re has launched a program, ‘COyou2 reduce and gain,’ to help its employees scale back their carbon dioxide emissions. The company will offer rebates to workers who make investments that contribute to reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, particularly in relation to transportation, heating and electrical energy, says a company release. Beginning immediately, until the end of 2011, each employee will receive a rebate of one half of the amount invested in these measures – which may include the purchase of hybrid cars, use of public transportation, and the installation of solar panels or heat pumps, among others — up to a maximum per employee of CHF5,000 [approximately Cdn$4,745].

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The General Insurance Ombud-Service (CIO) has launched a new Web site, www.giocanada.org. GIO, a company that helps resolve problems between consumers and insurers, has reinvented its Web site to facilitate the retrieval of information and support for consumers. The Web site includes an online complaint form and outlines the process for consumers.

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Following a 15-week campaign, The Co-Operators has donated more than Cdn$446,000 to the United Way during the 2006 holiday season — almost 20% more than last year’s total. Staff members contributed the majority of the funds. CEO and president Kathy Bardswick said: “I am so proud of this organization, and the sense of community that is so prevalent in our offices across the country.”

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The Portuguese Insurance Professionals Association (PIPA) held one of its increasingly popular informal luncheon events at the Estrelo do Mar restaurant in Toronto on Dec.7, 2006. The event represented the largest luncheon group over the past three years (about 30 people). Over some fine Portuguese red, insurance professionals in Toronto’s Portuguese community shared camaraderie and chose a logo to represent their association.

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Dee Caffari, the first woman to circumnavigate the world against prevailing winds and currents, solo, non-stop addressed almost 400 people at the Toronto International Boat Show on Jan. 20. Presented by Robertson & Robertson Yacht Insurance Skippers’ Plan and Aviva Canada, Caffari spoke twice to record-size crowds, says an Aviva spokesperson. She performed the 29,100-mile trip in six-months aboard the Aviva, a 72-foot yacht designed for a crew of 18. Caffari said her next challenge will be to participate in Open 60 yacht racing, the Aviva Ocean Racing Campaign, where she will compete in the 2008-2009 Vende Globe. If she completes the race, she will become the first woman to sail around the world solo, non-stop in both directions.

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Just over 100 Ganders and guests attended the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose (Ontario Pond) Christmas Dinner at The Old Mill on Dec. 22 for an evening of fun and fe
llowship. The Quadrasonic DJ Team entertained the flock during cocktails with a unique brand of music. The peace and tranquility of the pond was subsequently interrupted by murder and mayhem, as the troupe from Mysteriously Yours Inc., led by the famous Detective Hercule Perrot, invited the group to assist in solving a hilarious Whodunit. Very special thanks to Supervisor of the Flock (SOF) Chris Giffin and his committee for a fabulous evening. Thank you also goes to Guardian of the Pond (GOP) Alex Walker and Leonie Smith for their assistance.

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Throughout the month of October 2006, Hugh Wood Canada Ltd. raised funds in support of the Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC). A cheque for Cdn$1,553.00 was presented by Hugh Wood’s Chris Vanos to WICC co-chair Linda Wahrer.

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The CIP Society Toronto Chapter celebrated outstanding achievement in January at its Annual New Fellows’ Reception, held at The National Club. Dozens of new Chartered Insurance Professionals gathered at this celebration of success, where the GTA Fellow of Distinction Award was presented to J.R. (Bob) Tisdale, vice president and chief operating officer of Pembridge Insurance Company and Pafco Insurance Company.

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For the third year in a row, Gore Mutual Insurance Company donated Cdn$1 million to its charitable foundation. The Gore Mutual Foundation works closely with local independent insurance brokers to determine ways in which they can make a difference in the communities where Gore Mutual’s brokers and policyholders live. In 2006, the foundation made donations to more than 130 organizations, financing the purchase of digital x-ray machines, supporting camp programs for children with illnesses, funding research for diabetes and muscular dystrophy and providing women’s support services.

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The Co-Operators is aiding sustainable energy operations with grants totalling Cdn$50,000 to three Ontario-based wind energy organizations, according to the firm. The Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative (TREC) is a not-for-profit energy co-operative that erected the first urban wind turbine in North America. A second grant of Cdn$10,000 will support education, outreach and volunteer development for TREC. Located in southwestern Ontario, the Countryside Energy Co-operative (CEC) is developing the first community-owned wind co-operative in North America. A Cdn$20,000 grant from The Co-operators makes CEC eligible for matching funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

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The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and its employees raised Cdn$745,110 for the United Way of the Lower Mainland. Almost 30% of managers, executive and unionized employees made a contribution during 2006. At the leadership level (individuals pledging Cdn$500 or higher), more than 100 new leaders stepped up to the plate in 2006.

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The AIG Private Client Group, a division of the property and casualty subsidiaries of American Internal Group Inc. (AIG), recently announced the approval of its personal lines automobile program in Ontario. Brokers can now insure all of their clients’ vehicles – including regular use, exotic, classic and antique autos, motorcycles and recreational motor vehicles. Premium discounts are available for good drivers who own multiple vehicles.

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The Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company of Canada (BI&I) appointed John R. Mulvihill as chief operating officer and senior vice president. Gary Young is appointed senior vice president, field operations. Dave Picot is appointed vice president and corporate secretary. Jacques Trudel, Brian Storey, Don Cox and Jean Dubois are appointed assistant vice president. “I am extremely pleased to announce the promotion of these talented and experienced BI&I executives,” said Hans Schols, president and CEO. “These moves are part of our strategy to provide unparalleled expertise in our equipment insurance lines while continuing to support growth in specialty property, construction and inland marine lines.”