Bell fire losses minimal
August 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe insurance industry got off lightly from the July 16 fire at a downtown Toronto Bell Canada switching station in which phone service was cut off for 113,000 downtown homes and offices for nearly five hours. Initial estimates had the…
Thinking outside the Canvas
August 1, 1999 Lowell ConnThe early 20th century was a revolutionary time for the fine art community, with “modern artists” such as Henri Matisse carrying forward the early exploration attempts of the impressionist painters in testing conventional “realist” theory. In many respects, the modern…
A Rocky Road An Ocean of Opportunity
August 1, 1999 Lowell ConnThere is a patriotic undertone to this year’s Canadian Risk & Insurance Management Society (CRIMS) national conference — “Risk on the Rock” — which will be held in St. John’s Newfoundland this coming September. In addition to hosting one of Canada’s premier national conferences, the province is also celebrating its fiftieth year of Canadian confederacy.
Zurich launches retail plan
August 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterPeopleplus Insurance Company, a member of Zurich Financial Services Group, recently announced a partnership with Hudson’s Bay Company to launch a private label car and home insurance program. The group scheme, available exclusively to Bay and Zeller’s credit card holders,…
International trade body turns to financial services COMPETITION
August 1, 1999 Glenn McGillivray, head of corporate communication at Swiss ReinIt is becoming increasingly clear the importance of the financial services sector on the global stage. The recent drive toward globalization of business — coupled with new information technology and the formation of geo-economic and political alliances — have allowed…
Co-operators secures Quebec stake
August 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Co-operators group has expanded into the Quebec market by acquiring a broker-based underwriter, L’Union Canadienne compagnie d’ assurances from Unindal Inc. The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, will boost the group’s premium income by about $100 million…
Factory Mutuals Finalize Merger
August 1, 1999 Steven Zenofsky, public relations consultant at FM GlobalThere’s a new insurance company on the block with a 165-year history, following the recent merger of commercial/industrial property insurers Allendale Insurance, Arkwright, Protection Mutual Insurance and their affiliate Factory Mutual. The new company will market itself as FM Global.…
Insurers offshore BOUND
August 1, 1999 Michael HlinkaSeveral months ago Northern Telecom shook the Canadian business community when it announced plans to relocate to the U.S., mainly due to the high personal income tax structures in Canada which make it difficult if not impossible to compete against…
U.S. debate predicts “E-Revolution” for insurance
August 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe property and casualty insurance industry in North America will have to come to grips with the growth in e-commerce — in terms of client demands for cover as well as managing their own exposures to the Internet, a national…
Progressive packs south
July 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterA month after Progressive announced its intention to pull out of the Canadian marketplace, its general manager continues to insist the withdrawal had nothing to with Canada’s insurance environment. Chip Conner, Progressive general manager, says industry speculation that the company…
IBAC prepares for advertising war
July 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) has set in motion plans to return a major salvo against direct writers in the consumer advertising war during this year. At IBAC’s recently held broker-based company CEO symposium, through which the association…
CIBC rumours persist
July 1, 1999 by Canadian UnderwriterThe federal government’s recently released paper outlining the future of financial institutions in Canada did little to quell market rumours surrounding a potential sale of CIBC Insurance. The company, originally tabbed to be sold to U.S.-based GEICO Insurance, is now…