What’s New: In Brief (October 20, 2009)

Transport Canada is proposing a uniform test for rear-facing and forward-facing car seats and introducing a dynamic test for booster seats.
Research found that fewer than half of the booster seats tested provided “good protection” for children when the vehicles were involved in moderate to severe impacts.
Under the current rules, last updated in 1998, manufacturers of child restraints and booster seats for cars are not required to test their products uniformly using the same equipment and methodology.
Furthermore, booster cushions only undergo a static or non-moving test on a sled apparatus in a laboratory.
Transport Canada wants to improve compliance tests following its own studies.
Home, car and business insurers are applauding the stricter new safety for booster and car seats, which not only will protect children, but will position Canada as a leader in road safety, according to an Insurance Bureau of Canada release.

Manulife Financial has purchased Pottruff & Smith Travel Insurance Brokers Inc., making Manulife Affinity Markets one of the country’s largest providers of travel insurance services.
The transaction is expected to close Nov. 2, 2009.
“This strengthens our existing travel insurance operations and provides momentum to move our fastest-growing Affinity Markets’ business segment to higher levels,” Paul Rooney, president and CEO of Manulife Canada, said in a release.
Gary Pottruff, CEO, founder and majority owner of Pottruff & Smith’s travel insurance business, added: ” This purchase will further develop a dynamic team with the expertise and size to meet Canadians’ broad travel insurance needs.”
The company has 90 employees between its two locations — Woodbridge, Ont. and Ste-Thérèse, QC.