Topic
Legal
SGI seeks feedback on Safe Driver Recognition insurance discount program
October 9, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterSGI is seeking public feedback on its Safe Driver Recognition (SDR) program, which allows those with a good driving record to be in the “safety zone” on SGI’s safety rating scale and earn a discount on basic vehicle insurance. Under the…
Quebec coroner says deaths of 47 Lac Megantic residents were avoidable
October 8, 2014 THE CANADIAN PRESSQUEBEC – A Quebec coroner says the deaths of 47 people in the explosion of an oil tanker train in Lac Megantic in July 2013 could have been avoided. Dr. Martin Clavet issued a report today for each of the…
OPP says speeding and distracted driving major causes of road deaths
October 7, 2014 THE CANADIAN PRESSAURORA, Ont. – Provincial police are blaming distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving and failure to buckle up for the majority of road deaths in Ontario this year. The OPP says these are the “Big Four” in terms of contributing factors…
Studies: Voice activated smartphones, dashboard infotainment systems can distract drivers
October 7, 2014 Joan Lowy, THE ASSOCIATED PRESSWASHINGTON – Just because you can talk to your car doesn’t mean you should. Two new studies have found that voice-activated smartphones and dashboard infotainment systems may be making the distracted-driving problem worse instead of better. The systems let drivers…
GM uses Facebook, calls to reach 1.2M car owners who still haven’t gotten deadly switch fixed
October 6, 2014 Tom Krisher, THE ASSOCIATED PRESSDETROIT – Eight months after General Motors began recalling more than 2 million cars because of a deadly ignition-switch defect, less than half the owners have gotten their vehicles fixed. At first, the problem was a shortage of parts. But…
GM recalling more than 117,000 vehicles from 2013 and 2014 model years for stalling risk
October 3, 2014 THE ASSOCIATED PRESSDETROIT – General Motors is recalling more than 117,000 vehicles from the 2013 and 2014 model years for a defect that could cause them to stall. The recall involves the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, Traverse, Express and Silverado; the Cadillac CTS,…
Increased accident benefits in effect for PEI auto insurance
October 2, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterIncreased benefits for auto accident victims in Prince Edward Island are now in effect for accidents occurring on or after Oct. 1, regardless of when the policy was purchased. The new provisions include changes to the minor personal injury definition…
Nova Scotia to increase fines for people using cellphones while driving
October 2, 2014 THE CANADIAN PRESSHALIFAX – Nova Scotia is going to increase fines and add four demerit points for people convicted of using cellphones while driving as of Feb. 1. Currently, fines range from just over $176 for a first offence to about $350…
Rate reduction target for Ontario auto may ‘negatively impact’ underwriting profitability: OSFI
October 1, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) has released its annual report for 2013-14, noting that the target in Ontario to reduce auto insurance premiums by 15% could have a negative impact on profitability. “Domestically, personal auto insurance…
Interpretation Clarified
October 1, 2014 Albert Wallrap, Associate, Dutton Brock LLPA new ruling by Canada’s highest court clarifies contractual interpretation. Trial judges and arbitrators of first instance now have a more enhanced role over contractual interpretation, and one may expect fewer appeals on what a contract says and for commercial arbitration decisions to be less reviewable by courts.
Jurisdictional Considerations in Class Proceedings
October 1, 2014 Donald J. McGarvey, Partner; and Kate Whittleton, Associate; McLennan Ross LLPWhile class proceedings are now a well-entrenched part of the legal landscape in Canada, national and multi-jurisdictional class proceedings are becoming the new norm. Absent legislative intervention – or a more co-operative, but less deferential approach – related problems and challenges will unlikely abate.
Canadians often use phones behind the wheel when stuck in traffic, at red lights
September 30, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterTraffic delays and being stopped at a red light are common times Canadian drivers use their cell phones while behind the wheel, according to a new survey on distracted driving, conducted by Leger for Allstate Canada. In the nationwide survey,…