Martin’s “Wait and See” strategy
July 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe insurance industry is applauding the federal government’s just released white paper outlining the future of financial services competition in Canada. In line with insurer and broker demands, the government has blocked banks from retailing insurance through branches as well…
the hot branding-iron of CONSUMERISM
July 1, 1999 Sean van Zyl, EditorThe new millennium is not only bringing Y2K exposures to the fore, but a sense of consumer branding. From companies, brokers through to reinsurers, the latest industry leader forums have all hosted an urgency to address consumerism. The property and…
99 Canadian Insurance Congress: Marching to new Drummers
July 1, 1999 Lowell Conn & Sean van ZylHeld against the backdrop of the nation’s capital, the 1999 Canadian Insurance Congress — seen as Canada’s premier reinsurer/primary company CEO forum — offered good news to insurers and risk managers on the treaty negotiation front. This year’s reinsurance rates,…
Insurance Acts to spark Alberta changes
June 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterWhile the potential restructuring of financial institutions on the national scene is holding the attention of Alberta brokers, there are plenty of initiatives on the homefront to keep them busy. New Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IBAA) president Stephen Evanson…
IBABC 99 AGM AND CONFERENCE: Regional Unity the Cornerstone
June 1, 1999 Sean van Zyl, EditorPromoting regional unity and getting out on the road to read member needs and concerns first hand are central issues of the Insurance Brokers Association of British Columbia’s strategic growth plan for the year ahead. Although brokers should remain competitive…
Letters (June 01, 1999)
June 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterDear Editor, You are to be complimented on an excellent feature article, in the April Underwriter, on the threat posed by the big banks. The Independent Life Insurance Brokers of Canada have many members who also hold a p&c license.…
Manitoba brokers brace for the banks
June 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe new president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba (IBAM) Ron Vandenbosch says the battle against banks retailing insurance is the top concern expressed by his constituents at the recent IBAM annual general meeting in Winnipeg. Asked to list…
Storming ahead successfully
June 1, 1999 AxiomWe couldn’t have picked a worse day for the opening of my company’s new regional office. Gale-force winds had blasted into the city overnight, knocking down trees and power-lines, shutting down the airport, and tearing the roofs off new, unfinished…
Hi-Alta acquisitions continue
April 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterLewis & Wright Insurance Inc. of Grand Prairie and Soltys Insurance Services Ltd. of Edson, represent the two latest Alberta acquisitions by broker network Hi-Alta Capital Inc. (TSE:HIA). Lewis & Wright will add $6 million in premium to the network,…
Equisure acquires Ontario broker
April 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterEquisure Financial Network Inc. (TSE: EFN) has entered into an agreement to acquire Sudbury-based Dinan Insurance Brokers and Financial Services Ltd., a multi-line general insurance and financial service brokerage. The undisclosed purchase price will be paid partly in cash and…
globally Speaking
April 1, 1999 Sean van Zyl, EditorThe CICMA and CIAA 99 Joint Conference – held in Toronto in February – focused on the competitive challenges reshaping the p&c insurance industry. The overall message delivered at the event was clear: the process of industry change, mainly as…
General Accident becomes CGU
April 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThis month, insurer General Accident will officially change its name to CGU Group Ltd. The Canadian operation will operate as CGU Insurance Company of Canada. According to head of corporate communications Diane Scott, the change harmonizes the Canadian name with…