Canada News

Applied Systems to Open Canada Data Center

Insurance software company Applied Systems announced plans to open a Canadian data center in the third quarter of 2012, in order to provide “additional data storage for the growing number of insurance brokers who choose online broker management systems and …

A. J. Gallagher Acquires Canadian Broker BenefitLink Resource Group

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisition of BenefitLink Resource Group, Inc., in Calgary, Canada. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The bulletin said BenefitLink was established in 2001, as an employee benefits insurance broker and consultant, providing …

Best Affirms RSA Canada, Subs and Holding Company Ratings

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a” of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada (RSA Canada) and Western Assurance Company, both domiciled in Toronto, as …

$27.2 Billion Lawsuit Against Big Tobacco Starts in Montreal

Canada’s three biggest tobacco companies, all with multinational parents, face C$27 billion (US$27.20 billion) in damages and penalties as the largest civil lawsuit in the country’s history gets underway on Monday. The companies, Imperial Tobacco Canada, JTI-Macdonald Corp and Rothmans …

Best Affirms RSA and Operating Subsidiaries Ratings; Outlook Stable

A.M. Best Europe – Rating Services Limited has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a” of the main UK operating subsidiaries of the UK’s RSA Insurance Group plc. Best also withdrew …

Fairfax Prem Watsa Brings Hope to RIM’s Restless Shareholders

The arrival of the man known as “the Warren Buffett of North” on Research In Motion’s board this week offers a ray of hope to the BlackBerry maker’s impatient shareholders after their disappointment that an insider was named new chief …

November Storms in Southern Alberta Caused $195 Million Insured Loss

Windstorms that hit southern Alberta in November have caused at least C$200 million [US$195] in insured damage, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. However, the estimate is preliminary, based on data from Property Claim Services Canada (PCS-Canada), a service …

S&P Sees ‘Highs and Lows’ for Canadian P/C Insurers

As 2011 winds down, Canadian property and casualty (P&C) insurers can “list some notable lows and highs during the year, including unusually large catastrophe losses from wildfires in Slave Lake, Alta., and improved performance in the Ontario auto segment, thanks …

Willis Re Canada Appoints Bradshaw as Board Chairman

Willis Re Canada marked the completion of its first full year of operations in the country with the announcement of the appointment of Jim Bradshaw as Chairman of the Willis Re Canada Board. He is also the CEO of Willis …

Manulife Expands Asian Reach with Cambodia Unit

Manulife Financial said it has received approval to establish operations in Cambodia, which will expand the Canadian insurer’s reach into an 11th Asian market. Manulife said in a statement it had “approval in principle” from Cambodia’s Ministry of Economy and …