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Odyssey Exceeds ROE Target for 1-Q

June 1, 2004 by Canadian Underwriter

Fairfax’s reinsurance operation, Odyssey Re Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ORH) posted a return on equity (ROE) of 17% for the first quarter of 2004. The reinsurer produced a taxed profit of US$59.0 million (US90 a share) for the first quarter of

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A Numbers Game

June 1, 2004 Vikki Spencer

When Jane Voll stepped into the chief economist’s role for the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) this spring, it was a step into the public maelstrom of auto insurance few would be bold enough to take. But Voll’s faith in the pivotal role of the insurance industry in Canada’s economy, and her belief in a “member-led, research-based” association have her well-equipped to bring the industry’s case before regulators, legislators, and ultimately the public.

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Technology & Commercial Markets

June 1, 2004 Kevin Campbell

Evolving market cycles, emerging regulations and changing industry practices demand responsiveness and flexibility from commercial lines underwriters and brokers. Should insurers not expect the same from their technology?

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Vicarious Conclusion

May 1, 2004 William Blakeney

The recent conclusion of a Supreme Court of Canada case involving “John Doe vs. Bennett” has provided dramatic clarification of the law as it applies to vicarious claims made against the church and other not-for-profit organizations. Will this legal outcome undermine the social role of churches and charity organizations in Canada?

Sam Malatesta
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Customer Service Versus Cost

May 1, 2004 Vikki Spencer

In an environment of high consumer expectations, mutual insurers looked to vendors to offer lessons in managing customer relationships at the Canadian Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (CAMIC) mid-year meeting which was recently held in Toronto. Speakers focused on meeting the customer service challenge while maintaining control of claims expenses and underwriting through enhanced information.

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Moments In Time (May 01, 2004)

May 1, 2004 by Canadian Underwriter

Each month of this special 70th anniversary year, Canadian Underwriter will look back at a pivotal period in the industry’s history. These are the people, events and issues that have shaped Canadian Underwriter and the insurance industry for seven decades.

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End of the “Dark Ages”?

May 1, 2004 Sean van Zyl, Managing Editor

Analysis of the 2003 financial returns of Canadian and U.S. insurers reveals several interesting differences in how companies in each of the marketplaces got to their current position. The main fact is that insurers in Canada and those south of

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In Memory (May 01, 2004)

May 1, 2004 by Canadian Underwriter

It is with sadness that we report the passing of Paul Graham on April 11, just one week after his 70th birthday. Paul’s insurance career spanned 40 years, most recently as president and CEO of Canadian Re (now Swiss Reinsurance

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FA Losses Near Half Billion Dollars

May 1, 2004 by Canadian Underwriter

The Facility Association (FA) – the industry’s pool for high-risk drivers – produced a loss exceeding $490 million for 2003. Speaking at the FA’s recently held AGM, CEO David Simpson notes that premium volume for 2003 rose year-on-year by more

4th Annual Scotch Nosing
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Views (May 01, 2004)

May 1, 2004 by Canadian Underwriter

All for a good cause, the industry tipped back some of the world’s finest scotches at the 4th Annual Scotch Nosing, hosted by the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose, Ontario Pond. The event raised $6,500 for the Women in

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Hub’s Profit Rise Moderates For 1-Q

May 1, 2004 by Canadian Underwriter

Broker network consolidator Hub International (TSX: HBG) increased net income year-on-year by 8% to US$9.6 million for the first quarter 2004 compared with the US$8.9 million posted for the same period the year prior. The company achieved this despite a

Source: IBC
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Auto Reform: All The King’s Horses…

May 1, 2004 by Canadian Underwriter

The auto insurance battlefield lies pockmarked by smoldering wreckage with the public’s view of insurers currently at what many regard as being at an all-time low. Skyrocketing rate adjustments introduced by insurers in response to the dramatic upward spiral in