Topic
Technology
Federal unit ‘most likely’ needs more funding if emergency response plans mandated for flammable liquids transported by rail: Report
February 18, 2014 by Canadian UnderwriterA report recently submitted to Transport Minister Lisa Raitt notes that shipments of crude oil by rail have “risen exponentially” in recent years and but that the federal organization responsible for guidance on transportation of dangerous goods may not have…
Off Track
December 1, 2013 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorWhether or not federally regulated railway operators should have a specific dollar value of liability insurance limits are among the issues now being explored as part of a public consultation. Stakeholders are also being asked if railway companies should be required to notify their insurer of changes that could mean coverage is no longer adequate.
CN defends safety record in face of three train derailments within a month
October 20, 2013 The Canadian PressGAINFORD, Alta. – CN Rail is defending its safety record after three high-profile derailments involving trains carrying hazardous materials within the space of a month while apologizing for the latest mishap. Thirteen cars on a CN (TSX:CNR) freight train carrying…
Fairfax Financial consortium signs US$4.7 billion deal to buy BlackBerry
September 23, 2013 The Canadian PressTORONTO – BlackBerry Ltd. has signed a deal to be bought by a consortium led by its largest shareholder in a deal valued at U$4.7 billion, the companies announced Monday. The consortium led by Fairfax Financial Holdings. Ltd., a Canadian…
Down the Pipe
August 1, 2013 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorCanadian-based pipeline operators have several projects under regulatory review on both sides of the border, activity that is not without criticism, especially related to the potential for spills. Insurance officials say pipelines are safer than rail transport, but acknowledge that strikes from vehicles and landslides, fines and historical contamination still present risks for carriers that cover pipeline companies.
No Drive-by Trend
May 1, 2012 Greg Horn, Vice President, Industry Relations, Mitchell InternationalThe insurance industry should keep an eye on trends in accident avoidance technology, because the safety features are here to stay.
SGI cancels “green” rebate for fuel-efficient vehicles
April 25, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterSaskatchewan motorists who drive environmentally friendly vehicles will no longer be receiving a provincial rebate. Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) has cancelled the break on auto insurance for hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles, first launched in 2008. SGI’s decision attracted some criticism…
Getting rid of distractions by getting rid of the drivers
March 12, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterOne way to prevent distracted driving is to take the drivers out of the equation and have the cars drive themselves, as noted in bloggers’ posts on Mashable.com. And while this may seem like a technologist’s utopian fantasy, Nevada’s Legislative…
Repairs for hybrid vehicles cost more than repairs for non-hybrids
August 9, 2010 by Canadian UnderwriterClaims costs are higher for hybrid cars and SUVs than for non-hybrids, according to Mitchell International. In its Quarterly Feature of the Mitchell Industry Trends Report, Mitchell International says hybrids have higher collision claims frequencies and severity than non-hybrids.Overall, hybrids…
What’s New: In Brief (July 22, 2009)
July 22, 2009 by Canadian UnderwriterTwo entities of the Totten Group within Quebec — the Groupe Gestionnaire d’Assurances Totten Ltee, and Norac Totten Gestionnaire d’Assurances Ltee — have been merged into one operation going forward.Gino Vaisica will become vice president of the Quebec Region for…