Topic Legal
Frustration grows with no apparent end in sight for Canada U.S. border ban
June 15, 2020 by James McCarten - THE CANADIAN PRESSWASHINGTON – The intertwined economies of Canada and the United States demand a more sophisticated solution to the threat of COVID-19 than a simple ban on non-essential travel, say business groups chafing at the prospect of another six weeks of…
When courts might rule against insurers in business interruption coverage disputes
June 11, 2020 by Greg MeckbachA commercial insurer could end up paying for losses that the carrier never intended to cover if a business interruption insurance policy covers government orders or advice to shut down a workplace without clearly excluding something like a widespread pandemic,…
Why Ontario auto liability coverage should get cheaper
June 9, 2020 by Greg MeckbachOntario auto insurers may have a hard time raising rates as much as they were before May 15; a major factor could be a controversial change to the dispute resolution process that took effect four years ago. New loss trend…
How the lack of cyber caselaw worked against an insurer in a $75-million data breach lawsuit
June 9, 2020 by David GambrillThe lack of cyber case law worked against an insurer in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently, with the court deciding that The Co-operators has a duty to defend two parties named in a $75-million cyber breach class action…
Alberta drivers push back against no-fault
June 9, 2020 by Adam MalikAlbertans would rather stick with its at-fault auto insurance system than switch to a no-fault program, according to a new survey. More than six in 10 Albertans (61%) surveyed told Nanos Research that they prefer at-fault over the no-fault system.…
The ‘massive’ business interruption coverage question with no ‘obvious answer’
June 8, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe outcome of an ongoing British test case for business interruption during a pandemic could set a precedent for commercial coverage disputes in Canada, a Toronto-based insurance defence lawyer suggests. Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is scheduled to file a…
Editor’s Note: Underwriting for the next pandemic
June 5, 2020 by David GambrillThe social and economic impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic in 2020 is truly horrifying, saddening, and staggering. Many of us have lost loved ones, or know people who are out of work because of the potentially lethal virus moving…
Alberta imposing steep penalties but no charges on first time impaired drivers
June 5, 2020 by Dean Bennett - THE CANADIAN PRESSEDMONTON – Alberta has introduced legislation that would add hefty fines and penalties for first-time impaired drivers but would not have them face a criminal charge. Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer says the proposed change would reduce backlogs in courts and…
A provincial twist on the emergency suspension of limitation periods
June 4, 2020 by David GambrillWhile many Canadian courts continue to suspend two-year limitation periods for plaintiffs to file civil lawsuits against insurers and other defendants, Alberta’s clock has started running again as of June 1 – and for claims under the province’s Insurance Act,…
Bank of Canada keeps key rate target on hold, expects return to growth in Q3
June 3, 2020 by Jordan Press - THE CANADIAN PRESSOTTAWA – The economy appears to have avoided a worst-case scenario due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bank of Canada said Wednesday as it kept its key interest rate steady at its lower bound. The bank left its target for…
COVID-related fraud schemes that IBC has observed
June 2, 2020 by Greg MeckbachFour vehicles were reported stolen to separate insurers, from the same driveway, on the same night in Brampton, Ont. This is just one example of alleged fraud identified shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Insurance Bureau of…
Dozens of businesses damaged after Montreal anti racism rally
June 1, 2020 by THE CANADIAN PRESSMONTREAL – Eleven people were arrested after tensions flared between protesters and police on Sunday night following a Montreal demonstration demanding justice for a black man who died following a police intervention in Minnesota. Demonstrators had gathered to denounce racism…