Ontario MPP says roadside suspensions for distracted driving “might be reasonable”
March 21, 2018 by Greg MeckbachRoadside suspensions for motorists caught using wireless devices while driving “might be reasonable,” an Ontario government MPP told Canadian Underwriter Tuesday. Ontario already has “strong rules on the books” against distracted driving, Arthur Potts, parliamentary assistant to Ontario transportation minister…
Uber suspends testing of automated cars after pedestrian killed
March 19, 2018 by David GambrillUber has suspended all testing of its self-driving cars after an Uber car in autonomous mode reportedly struck and killed a woman in Phoenix, Arizona. Uber suspended its testing of autonomous vehicles in Toronto, Phoenix, Pittsburgh and Arizona after a…
Winter tire assessments needed for school buses: train crash investigator
March 15, 2018 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorWinter tires were not installed on the rear of a school bus that was destroyed after being stuck crossing a railway track in slippery conditions, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada said in a recent report. A bus was picking…
Two factors prompting HUB’s latest Canadian acquisition
March 12, 2018 by Jason ContantLocation and farming expertise played into HUB International Limited’s acquisition of a Manitoba brokerage recently. The global insurance brokerage announced Wednesday it has acquired the shares of Desilets Insurance Brokers Ltd. Desilets Insurance will become part of Hub Manitoba. “This…
Growing frequency, height of storm surges worries mayor
March 8, 2018 The Canadian PressLIVERPOOL, N.S. – Another weekend of storm surges in Nova Scotia has a south shore mayor calling for provincial help to cope with the rising impact of climate change on waterfronts. The mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality said…
Aviva combines multiple business segments into one commercial policy
March 6, 2018 by Jason ContantAviva Canada has launched a new commercial product that allows a company’s different business operations to be included on one policy. This consolidation is intended to make it easier for brokers to offer limits and extensions for different segments. In…
Donna Barclay appointed president and COO of The Guarantee
March 6, 2018 by Jason ContantThe Guarantee Company of North America announced Tuesday that Donna Barclay has been appointed as president and chief operating officer of The Guarantee Canada and North America Property & Casualty. Barclay has 30 years of property and casualty (P&C) insurance…
Broker calls court injunction against random drug and alcohol testing “scary”
March 5, 2018 by Canadian UnderwriterAlberta’s appeal court has upheld a lower court ruling that prohibits Suncor Energy Inc. from testing oil sands workers in safety sensitive positions for drug and alcohol impairment. For Sherry Barge, national transportation leader for commercial brokerage BFL Canada, the…
Insurance implications of marijuana legalization
March 2, 2018 Jennifer Huneault and Jason ArcuriWith legalization of recreational marijuana use slated to take effect in Canada on July 1, 2018, challenge and change is on the horizon. But with change also comes great opportunity, not only for businesses and industries directly involved in the…
Ride-hailing on its way to B.C.
February 19, 2018 Dirk Meissner - THE CANADIAN PRESSVICTORIA – Ride-hailing is on its way to British Columbia after the online services received the unanimous support of an all-party committee of the legislature on Thursday. The committee made 32 recommendations to help pave the way for introducing and…
Drone collisions on radar of risk managers
February 15, 2018 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorA recent collision between a passenger plane and a drone has prompted Canada’s airplane accident investigation agency to warn of the risk of flying drones near airports. “The use of drones near an aerodrome or within controlled airspace poses a…
B.C. lacks climate change policies, especially on wildfires and flooding: audit
February 15, 2018 The Canadian Press (CPSTF)VANCOUVER – British Columbia’s auditor general says the provincial government is working to adapt to the risks posed by climate change but it has no clear plan for wildfires and flooding. Carol Bellringer says there is little monitoring of progress…