Topic
Legislation / Regulation
Trans Pacific Partnership makes it “quite likely” that Canadians’ confidential data would be subject to US Patriot Act: MP
May 17, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterA provision in the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement, which Canada has signed but not ratified, makes it “quite likely” that banking information could be “accessible to American security intelligence agencies,” a federal member of parliament recently suggested. The TPP…
CCIR publishes issues paper on electronic proof of auto insurance
May 17, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR) announced on Monday that it has published an issues paper for public consultation on electronic proof of automobile insurance (EPAI). As electronic documentation becomes more prevalent in society – be it through smart…
Ontario politicians debate merits of mandating intelligent drive technologies
May 16, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Ontario government would have the authority to make regulations mandating collision avoidance systems such as lane departure warning, in all vehicles registered starting in 2020, if a private member’s bill before the legislature is passed into law. Bill 192,…
Ontario Chamber of Commerce urges province to delay carbon cap and trade program
May 13, 2016 Allison Jones - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is urging the provincial government to delay the implementation of its cap-and-trade plan for one year, saying key questions remain unanswered. The plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is set to take effect…
Nova Scotia court ruling reducing punitive damage award by 88% for insurer’s breach of good faith against insurer stands
May 12, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterFor the second time in three weeks, the Supreme Court of Canada announced it is not hearing an appeal – from a plaintiff suing an insurer for breach of contract – of a ruling significantly reducing punitive damages against a…
Ontario auto reforms should help cut transaction costs: Cameron
May 11, 2016 by Angela StelmakowichIf things unfold as intended, Ontario’s auto insurance reforms should help reduce transaction costs that have long been an issue for the entire system, James Cameron, president of Cameron & Associates, suggested during an industry event Tuesday. “The goal of…
Ontario adjusters will need retraining on injury definitions as part of auto reforms taking effect in June: Walker
May 11, 2016 by Angela StelmakowichInsurance adjusters will likely need to be re-educated and retrained on new medical terminology when the latest batch of Ontario auto insurance reforms – which include a revised definition catastrophic impairment – comes into force June 1, Laurie Walker, president…
Ontario health privacy breach notification bill passes third reading
May 10, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterAn Ontario government bill proposing to increase fines, to $500,000, for health privacy violations recently passed third reading at Queen’s Park in Toronto. Bill 119 proposes some changes to Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). “These amendments would make…
Higher fines for distracted driving to take effect in B.C. in June
May 9, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterThe government of British Columbia has announced new financial penalties for distracted driving effective June 1. The new penalties will be calculated using the base fine of $368 combined with escalating Insurance Company of British Columbia (ICBC) driver penalty point…
Insurance Institute of Canada issues “call to action” on driverless vehicles
May 5, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterClear determination of responsibility is essential to ensuring effective insurance coverage of driverless vehicles, but the “next 10 years may have less clarity about responsibility than the past 40 or 50 years,” according to a new report released on Thursday…
Uber gets green light from city council to operate legally in Toronto
May 4, 2016 The Canadian PressTORONTO – Uber is voicing its thanks after Toronto city council gave the ride-hailing service the green light to operate legally in the city. In a message to those who use its app, Uber said Toronto Mayor John Tory and…
Aviva Canada develops insurance product for Quebec ridesharing programs – if province allows them
May 4, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterAviva Canada announced on Wednesday that it has developed an “affordable and convenient insurance product that would bridge the insurance gap in Quebec,” if the provincial government decides to allow ridesharing programs. Aviva Canada, a provider of home, automobile, leisure/lifestyle…