Canadian Underwriter

Topic Operations

Technology stepping up to prevent a company from risk
News ClaimsCommercialCommercial AutoEmerging RisksHRInsurersManagementOperationsPersonal AutoPersonal HomePropertyTechnology

How a shared-risk approach to tech can keep mutual insurers competitive

June 5, 2023 by Matthew Scott

Canada’s mutual insurance industry has been around for as long as the country itself and has innovated over that time. Now it’s driving digital transformation to enable new capabilities, improve service and keep pace with market competition. These changes come

Education exchange: Illustration
News EducationInsurersManagementOperations

Knowledge transfer key as senior leaders retire: Demographic report

June 2, 2023 by David Gambrill

Demographic patterns show an emerging need for knowledge transfer strategies while finding qualified people to fill vacated leadership and management positions due to retirement, according to a survey of industry HR professionals for the Insurance Institute of Canada’s 2022-23 industry

Working from home or playing with the dog?
News BrokersClaimsCommercialEmerging RisksHRLegalLiabilityManagementOperationsTrusted Advisor

How hybrid work can increase broker E&O risk

May 31, 2023 by David Gambrill

Workplace flexibility, one feature of a hybrid workplace, has proven to be a selling point to attract younger brokers. But the hybrid office makes it difficult to supervise newly recruited brokers to make sure they’re doing things correctly, broker E&O

Hand putting print screen dart and target board wooden cube on up arrows.
News BrokersOperations

How to start up your own independent brokerage

May 29, 2023 by David Gambrill

If you want ultimate control and are thinking of starting up your own independent brokerage from scratch, you may want to think it through very carefully and not just jump into the deep end with your eyes closed, brokers advised

Robot helping an executive at work
News BrokersHROperationsTechnology

Sales Column: How automation keeps brokers in front of clients

May 29, 2023 by Adam Mitchell

I had the privilege of interviewing Carol Jardine on a podcast at the end of her final day before retiring as Wawanesa’s president of Canadian P&C operations. What stood out for me is how our conversation illustrated the difference between

Unique contrast freedom hope leadership concept, red man looking at sky from the crowd, surreal painting illustration
News BrokersInsurersMergers and AqcuisitionsOperations

Fifty shades of broker independence

May 26, 2023 by David Gambrill

In a world dominated by growth via mergers and acquisitions, Canadian brokerages are operating under a variety of ownership models, making the modern concept of “broker independence” very nuanced, panellists observed Thursday in a Live with CU panel discussion. “I

Jumping over a shark to represent risk.
News BrokersClaimsCommercialCommercial AutoConstructionCyberEmerging RisksInsurersOperationsProperty

Why D&O brokers are looking at risk mitigation

May 19, 2023 by Philip Porado

Amid signs the recently easing directors and officers (D&O) coverage segment may gradually become a bit tougher, brokers and insurers will be taking a closer look at companies’ risk-mitigation procedures. When writing risks, Catherine Lanctot, senior vice president and national

Joining a puzzle on a blue background; M&A concept
News AlbertaBrokersHRManagementOperations

What’s behind Lloyd Sadd’s latest brokerage deal

May 16, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatino

Navacord founding partner Lloyd Sadd Insurance Brokers has acquired northern Alberta’s Casey Insurance, effective Apr. 1.   Casey Insurance is a full-service brokerage offering home, auto and business insurance solutions to clients within the region of Peace River, Alta., and

Group of businesspeople holding jigsaw puzzle pieces
News BrokersHRMergers and AqcuisitionsOntarioOperations

Definity’s McDougall merges with McFarlan Rowlands 

May 8, 2023 by Jason Contant

Large Ontario brokerage McDougall Insurance Brokers Limited, a subsidiary of Definity Financial Corporation, has merged with another large provincial brokerage — McFarlan Rowlands Insurance Brokers Inc.  The combination of McDougall and McFarlan Rowlands represents more than $700 million in annual

mediator or brokerage vector icon on dark
News BrokersInsurersLegalOperationsRisk ManagersTechnology

How OSFI wants P&C insurers to manage their third-party risks

May 8, 2023 by David Gambrill

Canada’s financial solvency regulator has published its final revised guideline for managing risks associated with third-party contracts and arrangements, having addressed industry concerns about scope, prescription and the timing of implementation. Guideline B-10: Third-Party Risk Management sets out enhanced third-party

Mergers and acquisitions concept
News BrokersCommercialCommercial AutoMergers and AqcuisitionsOntarioOperationsPersonal AutoPersonal Home

Westland expands reach in Ontario with latest acquisition

May 5, 2023 by Jason Contant

Westland Insurance has acquired Ontario-based First Durham Insurance & Financial Ltd., one of the largest and oldest full-service independent brokerages in the Durham Region. “Effective May 1, this acquisition helps Westland expand its reach in the important Ontario market,” Westland

David Wong is the new president and CEO of ICBC
News B.C.HRInsurersManagementOperationsPersonal Auto

ICBC announces new president and CEO

May 1, 2023 by Jason Contant

Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s (ICBC) board of directors has appointed David Wong as its new president and CEO, effective May 15. Wong, a chartered professional accountant, will join ICBC following years of experience at the province’s power utility, BC