Insurable Interest Canadian Insurance Blog

New KPMG research finds a disconnect between sustainability strategy and financial decision-making, leaving value at risk. 72 percent of executives understand their sustainability strategies but only 19% can quantify how it will impact their future performance Four in five companies are unable to measure how sustainability affects profits, cash flow or valuation, leaving risks and opportunities largely unpriced 60 percent say they factor sustainability into financial planning but very few can translate it into EBITDA, CapEx or balance sheet impacts Sectors leading on the use of advanced valuation methodologies include banking and capital markets (33 percent), energy and natural resources (31 percent), and automotive (27 percent)  Redmond, WA (July 10, 2026) – A significant gap remains between companies’ understanding of sustainability and their ability to translate it into financial value, according to a new global KPMG study. The study, Closing the Sustainability Valuation Gap, reveals that while 72% of executives say they understand their organization’s sustainability strategy, metrics and performance, only 19% apply robust quantification approaches to measure its financial impact, highlighting a critical disconnect at the center of corporate decision-making. Surveying over 2,000 executives across 19 countries and territories, the study finds sustainability is now firmly on the boardroom...

Quebec City, QC (June 30, 2026) – With climate change continuing to raise concerns, eco-anxiety is emerging as a key mental health issue in the workplace. Announced at the inaugural summit of Québec Capitale Climat in 2025, a study has since been conducted by the Université Laval’s Research Chair in Mental Health, Self-Management and Work, powered by Beneva. Based on responses from 2,020 employees and managers, this first large-scale analysis of SMEs reveals that environmental concern is high at 59.3 out of 100, while consequences on performance remain moderate at 28.7 out of 100. This gap provides a strategic window of opportunity to mitigate the negative effects on wellbeing and performance, especially since eco-anxiety has been added to the list of mental health risk factors in the workplace. At a recent business webinar on eco-anxiety in the workplace, the same conclusion was drawn by those in attendance: better understanding the issue is a step in the right direction. In addition to the phenomenon and the main findings of the study, it covered how this paradigm shift can serve as a catalyst for mobilization, discussion and sustainable engagement within organizations. “Eco-anxiety should not be seen solely as a risk, but as a sign...

Insurance Bureau of Canada calls on governments to take immediate action on resilience Ottawa, ON (June 30, 2026) – A new report by Statistics Canada underscores a growing reality for Canadians: Extreme weather is fundamentally reshaping the country’s home insurance market, driving higher claims costs, contributing to increasing premiums and leaving too many households exposed to the risk of catastrophic damage from extreme weather. The study, “Extreme weather impacts on consumers and insurers in Canada, December 2019 to December 2025: An updated analysis,” finds that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, more severe and more costly, placing sustained pressure on Canadian insurers and homeowners alike. Among the report’s highlights: Claims costs have surged dramatically. Since 2009, insurers have paid nearly $2 billion per year on average in catastrophic weather-related claims, up sharply from about $400 million annually between 1983 and 2008. In recent years, annual insured losses have reached unprecedented levels, including $3.4 billion in 2022 and a staggering $9.4 billion in 2024. Insurance premiums have increased faster than inflation in recent years, reflecting the growing cost of rebuilding homes and the escalating frequency of catastrophic events. “Natural disasters are reshaping the home insurance landscape for Canadians from coast-to-coast,”...

System backup and wind/hail put pressure on premiums as northern Ontario cities see the highest costs Toronto, ON (June 30, 2026) – Ontario home insurance premiums climbed 6.2% year-over-year in 2026 to $2,235, driven primarily by system backup (overwhelmed sewers, sump pumps or septic tanks), wind/hail damage and rebuild costs, according to the latest Rates.ca Home Insuramap report. The report draws on Rates.ca’s proprietary quoter data to measure estimated average premiums across Ontario cities and towns. An interactive map powered by data from a leading global insurance analytics provider displays peril risk scores across five categories at the neighbourhood and individual address level across 517 Forward Sortation Areas (FSAs – the first three characters of a postal code). “The biggest drivers of home insurance premium increases in Ontario are system backup and wind and hail damage,” said David Mayer, Director of Insurance and Underwriting, Rates.ca. “Neighbourhoods where multiple risks overlap often see premiums well above the provincial average. Every homeowner — or prospective homeowner — should understand their local risks so they can make informed decisions about their coverage, mitigating risk and protecting their homes.” Key Findings Cochrane topped the list of Ontario’s most expensive cities for home insurance, at $3,322...

By the ReSource Pro Editorial Team — For decades, insurers and intermediaries controlled most of the information flow in the insurance relationship. Policyholders relied on agents, adjusters, and carriers to interpret coverage, explain options, and guide decisions. That dynamic is beginning to shift. In a recent article published by The Insurance Lead, the concept of the AI-empowered policyholder takes center stage, highlighting how consumer access to artificial intelligence is reshaping expectations, behavior, and the balance of knowledge in insurance interactions. This shift matters because AI is no longer confined to carrier systems or broker platforms. Policyholders now have direct access to tools that can summarize policies, compare coverage, question exclusions, and generate follow-up questions in seconds. The result is a more informed customer who expects faster, clearer, and more collaborative engagement from insurers and their partners. When Information Asymmetry Disappears Historically, insurance operated on information asymmetry. Professionals understood policy language, underwriting logic, and claims processes far better than customers. AI tools are rapidly narrowing that gap. Policyholders can now upload documents, ask nuanced questions, and receive explanations that would have previously required an expert intermediary. This does not mean AI replaces professional judgment, but it does change the starting point...

A comprehensive approach combining human support and social commitment Quebec City, QC (June 29, 2026) – A cancer diagnosis often comes as a shock, disrupting every aspect of a person’s life–personal, family, professional, as well as day-to-day routines. Fully aware of the challenges faced by those affected and their loved ones, Beneva is strengthening its efforts to provide more tangible and compassionate support throughout their journey. Expanded coverage to better support individuals undergoing treatment As part of this commitment, Beneva is expanding its oncology coverage to better meet the needs of individuals undergoing treatment. As of September 1, cooling caps used during chemotherapy treatments will be covered for all group insurance plans at no additional cost, under the therapeutic devices clause. By helping to reduce hair loss, these treatments offer comfort and relief to those affected, further reinforcing Beneva’s commitment to improving quality of life. Practical tools to assist members and workplaces In addition, Beneva has developed a self-service toolkit designed to support the overall well-being of plan members and their loved ones. It includes practical information and resources to help better support individuals affected by cancer. A workplace health toolkit focused on cancer has also been created to equip employers...