New privacy rules give businesses flexibility on data breach reporting
April 20, 2018 David Paddon - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Federal data breach regulations set to take effect Nov. 1 will require mandatory reporting of security breaches that pose a “real risk of significant harm,” but give businesses flexibility about how that’s done. Ottawa has rolled out the…
Nova Scotia freedom of information website hacked
April 11, 2018 The Canadian PressHalifax police have arrested a suspect after the Nova Scotia government’s freedom-of-information disclosure web portal was breached. The government said Wednesday about 7,000 documents were inappropriately accessed between March 3 and March 5. Its admission came nearly a week after…
New Ontario fairness-to-consumers guideline applies to insurers, FSCO-licensed agents
April 4, 2018 by Greg MeckbachA guideline on how to treat consumers, released Tuesday by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, applies to property and casualty insurers, FSCO-licensed agents, and other financial services professionals. Financial service providers should “conduct a thorough needs analysis to fully…
How Canada’s data breach reporting law can help brokers sell cyber based on facts, not fear
March 22, 2018 by David GambrillCanada’s forthcoming implementation of mandatory data breach reporting may create an opportunity for the country’s commercial brokers to have conversations with their clients about cyber insurance risk based on concrete data instead of fear, a Marsh Canada broker says. Improved…
Checking a claimant’s auto case evidence? Ask for the LTD discovery transcript
February 26, 2018 by David GambrillAn insurer in an accident benefits case has obtained a court order requiring a claimant to turn over the discovery transcript in a related long-term disability (LTD) claim arising from the same accident. Ontario’s rules for handling auto accident benefits…
Cyberattacks will increasingly lead to business interruption, cyber insurer warns
February 22, 2018 by Jason ContantCyber insurer Beazley is expecting an increase in cyberattacks that lead to business interruption, especially due to the growth of cloud platforms and connected devices in the workplace. On Wednesday, Beazley released its 2018 Breach Briefing outlining the types of…
Why basement flooding victim can’t sue home seller
February 2, 2018 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorThe owner of a Winnipeg home who experienced basement flooding in 2010 has lost her bid to sue both the couple who sold her the home and the sellers’ real estate agent for allegedly misrepresenting the extent of foundation cracks.…
Can motorists raise doubts about accuracy of a breathalyzer test?
January 31, 2018 by Greg MeckbachWhen a motorist is charged with impaired driving, the Crown attorney should not automatically have to gather and turn over to the defendant all maintenance records on the breathalyzer that was used in the case, the Ontario government suggests. The…
Change course on coverage? Be clear that’s it’s not a settlement.
January 19, 2018 by David GambrillIf an insurer changes course midway through a claim — offering coverage, for example, when that coverage was previously denied — it will need to clarify that its change of position does not constitute an offer to settle before taking…
One-year suspension for broker who involved unlicensed spouse in renewals
January 11, 2018 by Jason ContantB.C. broker Elliott Herrera had his license suspended for a year after the provincial regulator found that he had his unlicensed spouse assist him with insurance activities. Once his spouse had obtained an insurance licence, Herrera then provided client information…
Uber privacy breach could affect 815,000 Canadians
December 12, 2017 Ian Bickis - THE CANADIAN PRESSCALGARY – Uber Canada said late Monday that 815,000 Canadian riders and drivers may have been affected as part of its worldwide data breach announced in November. The disclosure came the same day the federal privacy commissioner said it had…
Ontario targets auto fraud with new prosecutors’ team
December 5, 2017 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorAuto insurance fraudsters are the target of a team of new and dedicated prosecutors and investigators announced by the Ontario government Wednesday. The province said it plans to set up in the spring of 2018 what it calls the Serious…