Features
Developing Financial Supervision The Canadian Solution
July 1, 1999 Lawrie Savage of Lawrie Savage & Associates Inc.The 1990s saw considerable attention drawn to the global benefits of the so-called “hot” developing economies such as South America, Asia and the former Eastern Bloc countries. Most recently, we have seen plunging stock markets and economic uncertainty resulting in these same areas. Strangely, these have a link with trends in Canadian financial supervision.
Economical takes Family’s BC stake
July 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterEconomical Mutual Insurance Company has announced plans to purchase the insurance-related assets of the Family Group of Companies, which filed for bankruptcy protection in British Columbia earlier this year. Swiss Reinsurance Company, a Family creditor, joins Economical and will receive…
Learning to stay ahead
July 1, 1999 by Canadian Underwriter“We’re in a world where the ‘world of products’ is going to get even bigger,” predicts Norma Nielson, chair of insurance at the University of Calgary. A major issue arising from the “blurring of traditional product lines” and the multi-skills…
Allstate acquires CNA personal lines
July 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterU.S.-based Allstate Corporation has acquired CNA’s personal lines business in a transaction valued at $1.2 billion. The deal calls for Allstate to pay CNA $140 million in cash for the business and company shell. Also, Allstate will utilize about $950…
Coming Events (July 01, 1999)
July 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterAnnouncements in Coming Events are run free of charge as a service to the industry. Items should be submitted by the first of the month prior to the month in which the announcement is to appear. Strategy Institute: Changing Face…
News (July 01, 1999)
July 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterAt a luncheon held May 17 at Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier Hotel, the Insurance Institute of Ontario hosted the national finals of the Inter-Institute Public Speaking Contest before an audience of 75. The 1999 winner of the Canadian Underwriter Trophy was…
U.S. 1-quarter figures show investment boon
July 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterFirst-quarter results of the U.S. property and casualty insurance industry show signs of improvement; largely on the back of increased investment earnings derived from higher interest rates. The industry’s after tax income for the period clocked in at US$9.2 billion…
Canadian 1-quarter ratios rise on consolidation costs
July 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterQueensway Financial Holdings Inc. and St. Paul Companies released their first quarter earnings, with both showing results mirroring industry trends. Both companies followed the industry’s alarming trend of rising operating ratios. And while Queensway’s premium volume rose considerably — the…
IBABC 99 AGM AND CONFERENCE: Regional Unity the Cornerstone
June 1, 1999 Sean van Zyl, EditorPromoting regional unity and getting out on the road to read member needs and concerns first hand are central issues of the Insurance Brokers Association of British Columbia’s strategic growth plan for the year ahead. Although brokers should remain competitive…
Mandatory mediation: Split decision?
June 1, 1999 Jonathan Schrieder, Milton J. Brown, Q.C. & Assoc., Barristers &When the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) introduced mandatory mediation of statutory accident benefits disputes, insurance companies quietly rejoiced. Essentially, the new rules preclude plaintiffs from launching an action at law prior to mediating issues in dispute which fall…
Equisure posts record first quarter
June 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterEquisure Financial Network Inc. (TSE: EFN) released record first quarter figures, setting new highs in revenue, net income, earnings, shareholders equity, assets and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). The company’s consolidated revenue was up 3% from 1998’s…
Obituary
June 1, 1999 by Canadian Underwriter“The elder statesman of Canadian Insurance Journalism, joined Canadian Underwriter as an assistant editor in 1952. What was to be a short stay between newspaper jobs ended up as a 33 year stint, 25 of it as managing editor. The…