Topic Loss Trends
Briefing Note: New Brunswick
July 8, 2020 by Canadian Underwriter StaffIn a nearly unprecedented situation, the province is in an economic state that reflects the rest of Canada, says Andrew McNair, CEO of the Insurance Brokers Association of New Brunswick. “The last 18 months have been challenging. But this seems…
The Aviva contagious disease policy wording at issue in class action BI coverage dispute
July 8, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe question of whether non-essential businesses that closed during the pandemic are entitled to claim insurance – specifically, for cover arising as a direct result of an outbreak of contagious or infectious disease within 25 kilometres that is required by…
Ontario premier’s stance on liability protection from pandemic
July 8, 2020 by Greg MeckbachIt is not clear yet whether the Ontario government will grant any protection for liability arising from COVID-19, but the province will not protect “bad actors” in the long-term care or nursing home sector, a spokesperson for Premier Doug Ford…
Bar owners that offer rare wine and spirits carve takeout business model
July 8, 2020 by Salmaan Farooqui - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Bar and restaurant owners who deal in specialty alcohol say they’ve carved out a new business model around Ontario’s relaxed rules for takeout liquor, and they’ll fight to make the system permanent. In late March, the Ontario government…
More class actions headed to court over pandemic business interruption
July 7, 2020 by Greg MeckbachClass actions asserting pandemic BI insurance coverage are starting to mount in the ‘In’ baskets of Canada’s insurance defence bar. Most recently, Koskie Minsky announced July 6 that it will be one of two firms (the other being Merchant Law)…
Quebec health minister threatens to lock down bars if COVID rules are violated
July 7, 2020 by Sidhartha Banerjee - THE CANADIAN PRESSMONTREAL – Quebec’s health minister threatened owners of bars and other venues across the province on Monday, saying he won’t hesitate to shut them down if COVID-19 public health directives are not followed. Describing the scenes at some establishments over…
How liability for deductibles on strata claims is changing in B.C.
July 3, 2020 by Greg MeckbachStrata unit owners might see a reduction in liability risk for common-area damage if a recently-tabled bill is passed in British Columbia. “Right now, if a water pipe bursts in a bathroom due to manufacturer error and leaks beyond common…
Flood warnings issued as B.C.’s major rivers surge, rainfall continues
July 3, 2020 by Amy Smart - THE CANADIAN PRESSVANCOUVER – Heavy rainfall has caused rivers to surge across much of British Columbia, washing out roads and putting many communities on alert. The River Forecast Centre has issued flood warnings, its highest alert, for the areas around the upper…
What was abnormal about June Calgary hail storm
July 2, 2020 by Greg MeckbachAlberta’s hailstorm in mid-June was so severe that some homes suffered interior damage as a result, an independent adjusting firm reports. “We have seen skylights completely blown out to the point that the hail that impacted that skylight also impacted…
Dam threatened by water levels in rural Manitoba, some residents evacuate
July 2, 2020 by THE CANADIAN PRESSRIVERS, Man. – A rural Manitoba mayor says some people and livestock have been evacuated from his community because high water levels are threatening a dam. Rural Municipality of Riverdale Mayor Todd Gill says 38 households in the Little Saskatchewan…
Return Migration
June 29, 2020 by David Gambrill, Editor in ChiefThroughout Canada, provinces are starting a phased re-opening of the economy (albeit some regions are in more advanced stages than others). Doron Melnick, partner in KPMG’s
people and change advisory services practice, is advising businesses on how to return to the office while the global novel coronavirus remains a threat.
Public reaction to insurers ‘could get ugly’ after Calgary hail storm: Broker
June 25, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe industry’s reputation could take a beating in the aftermath of the devastating June 13 Alberta hail storm if misleading rumours are spread by people who do not understand how insurance works, an official with the province’s broker association warns.…