What’s New: In Brief (November 02, 2007)

Atlantic Canadians should brace themselves for Hurricane Noel, which is forecast to track across western Nova Scotia, cross the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and then move through Labrador, the Canadian Hurricane Centre warns.
Hurricane Noel is on its way to becoming a powerful, post-tropical storm, but the Canadian Hurricane Centre warns it is expected to pack some hurricane-force winds.
The strongest winds are expected to hit Nova Scotia, with gusts of up to 140 km-h expected on the coast and 120 km-h inland. It is also possible winds gusting up to 120 km-h will hit P.E.I.
Localized power outages are possible since the wind is strong enough to break tree branches, which can down power lines, the Canadian Hurricane Centre says.
Between 50 and 70 mm of rain are expected in Western Nova Scotia and Central New Brunswick.

Andy Hall has been appointed president and chief operating officer of CNA Financial Corporations Canadian operations, effective Jan. 1, 2008.
He will succeed Chuck Lawrence, who announced his retirement recently after leading CNA since 1997, according to a company release.
Hall is currently vice president of the Denver branch. He brings more than 25 years of experience to the position, including his work as vice president of CAN Canadas Western region.
He holds the Associate of Insurance Institute of Canada (AIIC) designation.