Topic
Markets / Coverages
Government farm insurer not asking for documentation to support claims
December 7, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterAn Ontario government-owned insurer should be requiring farmers to submit supporting documentation when paying production loss claims arising from harsh weather or disease, the auditor general recommended in a report tabled Dec. 6 in the legislature. Guelph-based Agricorp, a crown…
P&C People: Who’s landed where?
December 7, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterGuarantee Company of North America appoints two members to board of directors The Guarantee Company of North America has appointed Bev Wittmack and Dawn Tattle to its board of directors. Wittmack is a director of JEH Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned…
Dispute over brokerage sale could have sent “commercial law sideways”
December 7, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterIn a case that would “have had the potential to send the practice of commercial law sideways,” Manitoba’s Court of Appeal has reversed a lower court’s $10 million-decision against Western Financial Group over a disputed share price valuation related to…
Planning for a public emergency? Don’t follow Ontario’s example
December 6, 2017 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorOntario’s emergency planning for risks such as severe weather, terrorism and cyber-attacks is in dire need of an update, the province’s auditor general concluded in a report released Wednesday. The province’s severe weather plan has not been updated in 12…
Ontario’s new medical centres: glorified DAC 2.0?
December 6, 2017 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorOntario’s new system of independent medical exam centres for auto accident benefits claims, announced Tuesday, will need to be different from the designated assessment centres (DACs) that were abolished in 2006, a former DAC committee chair told Canadian Underwriter Wednesday.…
The story behind Quebec merger of two independent brokerages
December 6, 2017 David Gambrill, Editor-in-ChiefQuebec independent brokerage Fort Financial Group Inc. has acquired Montreal based Assurances ABZ, a property and casualty insurance company specializing in group benefits and serving business owners and executives. Fundamentally, the move is an example of an independent broker finding…
Regulator reminds public insurer of six outstanding orders
December 6, 2017 Jason Contant, Online EditorManitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is reviewing and intends to “fully comply” with outstanding directives in auto insurance and other matters issued by the province’s Public Utilities Board (PUB), an MPI spokesperson told Canadian Underwriter on Wednesday. PUB brought up the…
Alberta Energy Regulator to ask tougher questions of oil well applicants
December 6, 2017 The Canadian Press (CPSTF)EDMONTON _ Alberta’s energy regulator is making changes that it hopes will keep bad operators out of the oilpatch. Jim Ellis of the Alberta Energy Regulator says his agency will start asking tougher questions of companies applying for a licence…
Are Canada’s risk managers compensated for wearing many hats?
December 5, 2017 Jason Contant, Online EditorMore than six in 10 (63% of) risk management professionals in the United States and Canada reported performing functions in addition to risk management in their organizations, according to RIMS’ 2017 Risk Management Compensation Survey. One reason why is because…
Why thieves are targeting Ford F-series Super Trucks
December 5, 2017 David Gambrill, Editor-in-ChiefFord F-series Super Duty trucks dominated the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)’s 2017 list of Top 10 stolen vehicles because they are perfect for both individuals committing ‘opportunistic’ crimes such as joyriding and for organized crime rings looking to sell…
Bank of Canada releases discussion paper on merits, risks of digital currency
December 5, 2017 Ian Bickis - THE CANADIAN PRESSCALGARY – The Bank of Canada is considering the merits and risks of digital currencies as interest in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin reaches a fevered pitch. In a research paper released by the central bank Thursday, report authors Walter Engert and…
Marijuana driving deaths: the new highway scourge?
December 4, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterMarijuana is trending to be an even bigger killer on the roads than alcohol, according to stats on fatal driving accidents between 2000 and 2014. “What we see is an increasing percentage of fatally injured drivers in Canada who tested…