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Canada to pilot options for national emergency response agency in 2024
December 15, 2023 by Mia Rabson - THE CANADIAN PRESSOTTAWA – A new national emergency response agency may consist of regional response teams that Ottawa can call into action when disaster strikes, Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan said in a recent interview. It is clear some kind of federal…
Can Canada’s P&C industry catch up to NatCats?
December 14, 2023 by Philip PoradoIn much of Nova Scotia, last summer was hell. The Tantallon wildfire in May and June generated $165 million in insured damage, mostly for personal property, by the time the flames went out July 4. In a normal year, residents…
How restoration firms are growing in Canada
December 14, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatinoWith natural disasters on the rise, restoration firms are responding to the growing need through expansions and acquisitions, according to recent announcements. Intact subsidiary On Side Restoration has acquired Superior Disaster Services Ltd., in a deal that closed Dec.…
Power outages drag on after powerful windstorm sweeps through the Maritimes
December 13, 2023 by The Canadian PressHALIFAX – Tens of thousands of residents across the Maritimes woke up Tuesday without electricity as utility crews scrambled to repair downed power lines after a powerful windstorm roared over the region on Monday. More than 23,000 Nova Scotia Power…
Why you can expect more insurance regulation next year
December 11, 2023 by David GambrillAs the hard market proceeds apace in the Canadian P&C insurance industry, a projected economic slowdown in 2024 could invite more insurance regulation, since Canadians will find it harder to pay their insurance bills, a ratings agency warned. “While growing…
Private equity firm acquires digital brokerage
December 8, 2023 by Jason ContantPrivate equity firm Southampton Financial Inc. has announced its acquisition of Ontario-based digital insurance brokerage aha insurance. Launched in 2017, Waterloo, Ont.-based aha insurance offers consumers the ability to quote, purchase and manage car and home insurance policies entirely online.…
Where the feds stand with an earthquake backstop
December 7, 2023 by David GambrillCanada’s federal government is aware of the need for a government financial backstop for earthquake losses, but the question is, will an earthquake happen before then? Panellists at Canadian Underwriter’s 2024 Economic Outlook webinar Nov. 27 were asked if there…
B.C. wrings out after atmospheric river brings torrential rain and wind
December 6, 2023 by The Canadian PressVANCOUVER – Residents in coastal and southern British Columbia are mopping up after an atmospheric river brought torrential rain and wind, while disrupting travel and utility services. The B.C. River Forecast Centre says Metro Vancouver, the south coast and Lower…
1,000 homes evacuated in Quebec’s Laurentians region over fears dike could burst
December 4, 2023 by The Canadian PressMONTREAL – Residents of two municipalities in Quebec’s Laurentians region have been ordered to leave their homes because of the risk a nearby dike could burst. The evacuation order was issued Sunday night for about 1,000 homes near the Kiamika…
How this year’s hurricane season ranks
December 1, 2023 by Jason ContantThe 2023 Atlantic hurricane season has officially come to an end, ranking fourth for the most named storms in a year since 1950. The above-normal season, which officially ended Nov. 30, saw 20 named storms, including seven hurricanes and three…
P.E.I. utility seeks rate hike for $37M in post tropical storm Fiona losses
November 29, 2023 by Stephanie Taylor The Canadian PressCHARLOTTETOWN — The privately owned electricity utility in Prince Edward Island wants ratepayers to cover $37 million in costs incurred during post-tropical storm Fiona in 2022. Maritime Electric, a subsidiary of Fortis, has applied to the Island’s regulatory commission for…
‘Vacancy’ confusion in a home insurance policy: what the court said
November 29, 2023 by David GambrillA Nova Scotia court awarded more than $225,000 against a home insurer after its telephone agent placed coverage for a couple’s newly purchased house, when in fact it was unclear if the property was vacant, thus triggering a policy exclusion…