News
What led to massive Nova Scotia privacy breach
November 14, 2018 by THE CANADIAN PRESSHALIFAX – An investigation by Nova Scotia’s privacy commissioner says health officials have been caught “snooping” on personal health records, something she says is a serious invasion of privacy and a prosecutable offence. In an annual report released Wednesday, commissioner…
What to consider when tempted by a ‘shiny’ tech tool
November 13, 2018 by Greg MeckbachBefore deciding whether to buy the latest and greatest technologies, a broker need to understand what problem that technology is actually going to solve, speakers said during a recent technology conference. “A lot of people are trying to sprinkle insurtech…
Breach notification law calls for some ‘major adjustments’
November 13, 2018 by Greg MeckbachThe Canada-wide data breach law, which has been in effect for two weeks, is pushing businesses manage cyber risk more effectively, a computer security expert says. The federal Digital Privacy Act makes it mandatory for clients to disclose data breaches…
How this public insurer plans to save $1 billion a year
November 13, 2018 by Jason ContantChanges to accident benefits regulations will result in projected net savings of $1 billion annually, British Columbia’s Ministry of Attorney General said Friday. Changes to Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s (ICBC) accident benefits will cost an estimated $200 million annually.…
Large commercial brokerage reports ‘stealth’ firming in casualty lines
November 13, 2018 by Jason ContantA recent report from commercial brokerage Willis Towers Watson has confirmed what Canada’s largest insurer is saying: the commercial insurance market is showing signs of firming as casualty losses mount. “The seemingly ‘stealth’ firming within the casualty market comes as…
Head injuries from pro hockey a ‘hotly litigated matter’
November 13, 2018 by Stephen Whyno - THE ASSOCIATED PRESSThe National Hockey League announced a tentative $18.9 million settlement Monday with more than 300 retired players who sued the league and accused it of failing to protect them from head injuries or warning them of the risks involved with…
Why insurers urge caution on regulating condo deductibles
November 12, 2018 by Jason ContantThe government of Quebec should take a “wait-and-see” approach to define what is a reasonable or unreasonable deductible for condominium insurance, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) told Canadian Underwriter last week. The provincial finance ministry recently held a consultation…
Towerhill Insurance Brokers sold to BrokerLink
November 12, 2018 by Jason ContantEditor’s Note: George Longo, president and CEO of commercial brokerage Towerhill Insurance Brokers, sold his Towerhill retail brokerage business to BrokerLink, as reported on Nov. 12, 2018. In a statement to his clients, Lloyd’s syndicates and colleagues, Longo said he…
Homeowner sued by victims of impaired driving accident
November 12, 2018 by Greg MeckbachA host liability lawsuit, arising from a fatal drunk driving accident, is proceeding to trial in Ontario. A recent Court of Appeal for Ontario ruling shows judges disagree on how the 2006 Supreme Court of Canada ruling in Childs v. …
A new technology that could reduce crash risk
November 12, 2018 by Greg MeckbachCould vehicle collision frequency drop once fifth-generation (5G) cellular wireless technology rolls out in Canada? 5G wireless can allow vehicles talk to each other, said Peter Linder, head of 5G marketing for North America at Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson. “You can…
What’s making wildfires more severe?
November 12, 2018 by By Seth Borenstein - THE ASSOCIATED PRESSWASHINGTON – Both nature and humans share blame for California’s devastating wildfires, but forest management did not play a major role, despite President Donald Trump’s claims, fire scientists say. Nature provides the dangerous winds that have whipped the fires, and…
The Top 5 risks cited by Canadian executives
November 12, 2018 by Jason ContantFor the second year in a row, risks from cyberattacks is the top concern that executives in Canada have identified as the most dangerous for their business, according to a report published Monday by the World Economic Forum (WEF). In…