‘Remarkably resilient’ construction industry to be key driver in economic recovery
November 1, 2021 Canadian Underwriter StaffDespite facing prolonged supply chain disruptions, rising materials costs and labour shortages, the construction industry is set to lead economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic globally, and in Canada. Although the near-term global economic outlook remains clouded by surging inflation…
Construction risk advice critical amidst continued supply chain issues
September 17, 2021 Canadian Underwriter StaffAdvising construction clients around risk management strategies and new exposures is critical as the industry continues to struggle through prolonged supply chain disruptions, the soaring costs of building materials and labour shortages amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, a risk advisor…
British Columbia’s Site C dam faces one-year construction delay
March 1, 2021 The Canadian PressVICTORIA – British Columbia Premier John Horgan says completing the Site C dam is in the best interests of residents, despite the project’s price tag ballooning to $16 billion and completion date stretching to 2025. The premier told a news…
What’s making it harder to estimate property Cat claims
February 17, 2021 by Greg MeckbachRecent price increases in building materials means it is harder than normal to predict the cost of repairing property damage, restoration experts say. Restoration contractor Peak Services handled several thousand claims after the June 13, 2020, record hail storm in…
Partial building collapse in London, Ont. kills two workers, injures four others
December 14, 2020 Colin Perkel - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Workers sifting through the rubble of a partially collapsed building in London, Ont., recovered the body of a second victim, city officials said on Sunday of the construction mishap that also killed the father of an infant. The…
How this Supreme Court ruling impacts contractor insolvency risk
November 3, 2020 by Greg MeckbachA recent Supreme Court of Canada ruling means construction clients need to be careful about contract wording that refers to insolvency or bankruptcy. With the Oct. 2 ruling, the Supreme Court of Canada has taken away a tool that a…
How your advice can help flood-proof future real estate development
August 26, 2020 by Adam MalikThere’s not enough collaboration between stakeholders in Canada’s real estate sector and risk professionals with information about natural hazards, and real estate investments could drown as a result, an expert warned. If real estate is constantly being exposed to damage…
Despite re-openings, time is ticking on construction clients’ inactivity limits
May 14, 2020 by Adam MalikA “snowball effect” could leave some construction companies facing major financial challenges despite the slow re-opening of some of their closed worksites, one brokerage warns. In some situations, the damage may already be done, leaving brokers scrambling to help out…
How COVID-19 impacts surety bond placement
March 26, 2020 by Greg MeckbachPlacing surety bonds has become more challenging with the social distancing precautions underway with the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is possible to do this electronically, says an association representing insurers who write surety bonds. Surety bonds can now be placed…
Supreme Court of Canada could review ‘joint and several liability’ clause in surety bond
February 12, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe Guarantee Company of North America wants to take a disputed claim on a 20-year-old performance bond to the Supreme Court of Canada. The top court announced Feb. 7 that The Guarantee is applying for leave to appeal HOOPP Realty…
No insurer-based new home warranty system for this province
January 6, 2020 by Greg MeckbachAn insurer-based model for new home warranty was under consideration in Ontario but the current government is maintaining the status quo. “Our government has been looking at the feasibility of a private insurance model for new home warranties and protections…
How oil patch woes impact surety bond losses
July 29, 2019 by Greg MeckbachCutbacks in oil and gas is one reason bond claims have become more frequent in Western Canada, a surety expert for the nation’s largest insurer suggests. A slowdown in the construction market in Alberta – and to some extent in…