Topic Legal
Canadian federally regulated P&C insurers boost results in 2012 Q1
June 27, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterFederally regulated property and casualty insurers in Canada posted improved financial results in 2012 Q1, recording a collective quarterly profit of $1.048 billion this quarter as opposed to a $721.7-million profit in the same period last year. Figures from the…
Ontario court awards punitive damages against insurer, distinguishing between fraud and maximizing insurance recovery
June 26, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterWawanesa Mutual Insurance Company employed a high-stakes litigation strategy designed to intimidate homeowners seeking damages, a choice that demands significant, but proportionate punishment, an Ontario court has ruled. In Brandiferri v. Wawanesa Mutual Insurance, et al., Ontario Superior Court Justice…
Newly constructed buildings in Ontario must use heat-strengthened laminated glass
June 26, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterOntario’s Building Code will soon require newly constructed buildings to use heat-strengthened laminated glass to prevent balcony glass from breaking and falling to roadways below. Effective July 1, construction companies must use heat-strengthened laminated glass (the same type used in…
Elliot Lake declares state of emergency after roof collapse at Algo Centre Mall
June 25, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterA local state of emergency in Elliot Lake, Ontario remained in effect after a partial roof collapse at the Algo Centre Mall reportedly claimed at least one life, injured several others and left rescuers searching for one more. Mayor Rick…
Merchant Law Group launches $75-million class action after Alberta oil spill
June 25, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterMerchant Law Group LLP has launched a $75-million class action lawsuit against Plains Midstream Canada ULC in connection with the oil spill near Sundre, Alberta that occurred in early June 2012. Approximately 475,000 litres of sour crude oil leaked into…
Lawyers resign from Ontario auto insurance committee
June 22, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterSeveral lawyers are protesting recently announced changes to the definition of catastrophic injury for accident victims by quitting an auto insurance committee created by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO). The Toronto Star reported the group of personal injury…
Family of Quebec man killed when a tree fell on his car should go to province’s auto insurer for compensation: Supreme Court
June 22, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterA Quebec man killed when a tree fell on the vehicle he was driving in the City of Westmount must turn to the province’s auto insurer for compensation, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled, thus rejecting the man’s civil…
More clients purchasing environmental insurance, but amount of limits purchased has decreased
June 20, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterThe percentage of clients buying environmental insurance has increased in recent years, although there has been a parallel decrease in the amount of limits purchased, a recent report from Marsh Inc. indicates. “With increasing frequency, companies are requiring their contractors…
Brokers believe access to – if not participation of – intermediaries should be required during online insurance sales
June 20, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterCanadian property and casualty insurance brokers are making a pitch to the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR) to ensure intermediaries play an important role in the online purchase of insurance. At a minimum, brokers are calling on the CCIR…
Government establishes new safety and security program in Regina
June 19, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterRegina will serve as home to the new Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP), which seeks to strengthen the country’s public safety and national security priorities. The program aims to enhance Canada’s ability to anticipate, prevent, prepare for, respond to…
Apparent lack of concern over possibility of directors and officers being sued disconcerting: Chubb survey
June 18, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterPast lawsuits and increased merger and acquisition (M&A) activity have done little to curb the apparent, “disconcerting” lack of concern among directors and officers about the possibility of being sued. Public company executives may be in for surprise lawsuits if…
B.C. Labour Relations Board issues interim order allowing ICBC employees to take job action
June 15, 2012 by Canadian UnderwriterThe union representing Insurance Corporation of B.C. (ICBC) employees has welcomed a provincial order to restore, at least in part, its ability to take job action after the ICBC filed an essential services application on Apr. 19. The ability to…