Topic
Markets / Coverages
What the court said about a condo owner using his unit for Airbnb
June 29, 2023 by Jason ContantBritish Columbia’s Civil Resolution Tribunal has ordered a strata corporation to direct one of its council members to stop using a unit for short-term accommodations (STAs) after finding the council member violated a strata bylaw. The case centred around Bylaw…
Large Canadian brokerage now operating coast to coast
June 28, 2023 by Jason ContantEditor’s Note: An original version of this article incorrectly identified Western Financial Group as Westland. Canadian Underwriter apologizes for the error. Western Financial Group now operates coast to coast following its full acquisition of Huestis Insurance and Associates Ltd.…
Suncor cyberattack likely to cost company millions of dollars, expert says
June 28, 2023 Amanda Stephenson - THE CANADIAN PRESSCALGARY – The systems breach at Suncor Energy Inc. will likely cost the company millions of dollars before it is able to resolve the issue, according to a cybersecurity expert. Jon Ferguson, general manager of cybersecurity at the Canadian Internet…
Rain helps firefighters’ efforts in Quebec, but not enough to extinguish flames
June 27, 2023 The Canadian PressMONTREAL – This week’s rainfall likely won’t be enough to extinguish the wildfires in northern Quebec, but the wet weather could give firefighters a chance to get ahead of the flames, officials said Tuesday. Quebec’s forest fire prevention agency –…
Suncor Energy suffers cybersecurity incident
June 26, 2023 Amanda Stephenson - THE CANADIAN PRESSCALGARY – Canadian oil company Suncor Energy Inc. has confirmed it has been the victim of a cyberattack. The Calgary-based energy giant said in a news release late Sunday that it has “experienced a cyber-security incident.” Suncor provided no further…
Quebec wildfires continue to bring intense smoke
June 22, 2023 The Canadian PressMONTREAL – Hot, dry conditions are forecast to continue through the weekend in regions of Quebec threatened by wildfires. Katia Petit, a senior Quebec civil security official, says no community or essential infrastructure is immediately threatened by flames, but says…
Why consolidation slows down service levels
June 21, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatinoConsolidators will have to tread the line between growing rapidly while also ensuring growth doesn’t hinder operations, particularly customer service, said experts at an industry panel. Amid consolidation, small and medium-sized brokerages will be able to remain competitive if they…
How trade agreements could change claims adjusting in Canada
June 20, 2023 Alyssa Di SabatinoWhen a NatCat occurs in Canada, it’s common for U.S. adjusters to be on the scene — sometimes before Canadian adjusters, who are bound by provincial licensing restrictions. And while processes for getting either country’s adjusters on the scene are…
Insurer requests no change in overall auto rates
June 19, 2023 by Jason ContantDespite cost overruns related to a new digital platform, Manitoba’s public auto insurer is requesting no change in the overall rates for the 2024/25 insurance year. If the province’s Public Utilities Board approves Manitoba Public Insurance’s (MPI) general rate application,…
Brokerage M&A activity spikes in era of high interest rates
June 19, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatinoOntario saw a record 48 finalized brokerage transactions in 2022, mostly led by consolidators, said Suzanne Pountney, president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO), during the Young Broker Conference in Niagara Falls. “This is up 60% over last…
Collision between semi-trailer and bus kills 15, injures 10
June 16, 2023 Steve Lambert and Jeremy Simes - THE CANADIAN PRESSDAUPHIN, MAN. – Flags were at half-mast as residents of a western Manitoba city awaited word on the fate of loved ones, while police started to piece together what caused a crash between a semi-trailer and a bus carrying seniors…
How inflation is affecting small business owners and carriers
June 16, 2023 by Jason ContantAlthough inflation cooled to 4.4% in April from its high of 8.1% in June 2022, it’s still affecting small business owners and insurers, an executive at Hartford Steam Boiler told Canadian Underwriter. From a carrier perspective, claims costs are increasing…