What’s New: In Brief (May 01, 2009)

A wildfire in Halifax that forced 1,200 residents to evacuate their homes and destroyed or damaged at least 15 homes is under control, according to CBC.ca.
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is urging homeowners and tenants affected by the fire in the Spryfield area to contact their insurance providers, as insurance policies may contain coverage of which insureds are not aware.
“Insurers are here to help Nova Scotians recover from these tragedies, and we will be providing the best possible services to those affected by this devastating event,” Bill Adams, vice president, Atlantic, IBC, said in a release. “Thankfully, there has not been loss of life, but many have lost their homes while others have suffered property damage.”
Some insurers have mobile claims units on site while others have 24-hour claims lines available, Adams added.

Changes made to Ontario’s drinking and driving regulations came into effect on May 1.
The Insurance Broker’s Association of Ontario (IBAO) is applauding the new changes, which include a license suspension of between three and 30 days for any driver whose blood alcohol concentration is between .05 and .08.
Drivers who are caught more than once could face mandatory alcohol education programs and ignition interlocks under the new regulations.
“We’re pleased to see these changes to the drinking and driving laws in Ontario,” Randy Carroll, IBAO CEO, said in a release. “Driving under the influence is very dangerous and our members are constantly working to encourage Ontarians, young and old, to drive responsibly.”