Topic Claims Canada Archive
Federal scientists predict high wildfire risk across Western Canada
May 6, 2020 by Bob Weber - THE CANADIAN PRESSEDMONTON – A majority of forests in Canada face a higher-than-normal wildfire risk this summer, say federal scientists. The forecast map from Natural Resources Canada suggests every region west of central Quebec will face an above-average hazard. “We’re starting to…
Aviva loses battle in faulty workmanship exclusion dispute
May 5, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe application of faulty workmanship exclusions continues to be a subject of disagreement among judges, a Court of Appeal of Alberta ruling from last week shows. The Court of Appeal of Alberta recently found that if a construction contractor causes…
Why home fire risk has increased in Ontario
May 5, 2020 by THE CANADIAN PRESSOntario’s fire marshal says there’s been an increase in fire deaths this year as COVID-19 measures force many people to stay home and do more home cooking. Jon Pegg says there have been 51 fire fatalities between Jan. 1 and…
How this reinsurer views property risk in Fort McMurray
May 4, 2020 by Greg MeckbachSome properties affected by the current flooding in Fort McMurray, Alberta, were also affected by the massive wildfire in 2016 but despite the multiple tragedies, the properties are still considered insurable. “Property in the town of Fort McMurray, Alberta is…
How to exclude business interruption during pandemic
May 4, 2020 by Greg MeckbachIf a commercial insurer does not want business interruption covering a pandemic-related exposure, how should the policy be worded? One insurance defence lawyer would advise the carrier to add a section entitled ‘Pandemic/viral/bacterial infection’ to the list of exclusions. “I…
Report recommends measures to avoid repeat of flooding in Quebec community
May 4, 2020 by Stephanie Marin- THE CANADIAN PRESSMONTREAL – A report into the rupture of a dike in Ste-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, Que., during spring flooding last year suggests several problems including a lack of awareness among the population about the associated risks of living in the area. The report…
Why it’s hard to determine liability when a plaintiff catches coronavirus in nursing home
May 1, 2020 by Greg MeckbachLiability insurers and courts could be entering uncharted legal territory when dealing with class-action lawsuits against nursing homes or long-term care homes in which residents have become sick and died from the coronavirus. In some cases, a question before a…
How pandemic is affecting this Top 5 insurer’s bottom line
May 1, 2020 by Greg MeckbachDelays in construction projects, business interruption, and reduced frequency of vehicle accidents will have an impact on insured losses, but it’s too early to predict exact numbers, The Co-operators General Insurance Company suggested in recent securities filing. “Given the many…
Wimbledon cancellation could ‘change the entire way of looking at insurance’: Broker
April 30, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe cancellation of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, and the associated nine-figure insurance payout, is going to change the way the industry offers pandemic coverage, a Canadian commercial broker suggests. A report by Britain-based GlobalData says the Wimbledon organizer paid for…
BI claims during COVID: What the courts will examine first
April 30, 2020 by Greg MeckbachWhen business interruption coverage disputes arising from COVID-19 make their way into court, judges may look at whether insurers priced for pandemic, but by far the key consideration will be policy language, says one insurance defence lawyer. “Because an insurance…
Ice jam that caused flooding, evacuation in Fort McMurray melting
April 30, 2020 by THE CANADIAN PRESSFORT MCMURRAY, Alta. – An ice jam on the Athabasca River is nearly half the size it was earlier this week when it caused major flooding in Fort McMurray and forced 13,000 people from their homes. The Regional Municipality of…
Chief medical health officer eases COVID rules in Alberta flood areas: premier
April 29, 2020 by THE CANADIAN PRESSFORT MCMURRAY, Alta. – Premier Jason Kenney says the province’s chief medical officer of health is relaxing some COVID-19 restrictions for people who are dealing with flooding in northern Alberta. Kenney says in a tweet sent out late Tuesday that…