Down to Earth: The Realities of an Evolving Industry

What Happens When Industry Transformation Meets Real-World Application?

JOIN US FOR GTA’s PREMIER P&C INDUSTRY EVENT Featuring inspiring keynote speakers, engaging seminars, and interactive leadership sessions, Symposium 2026 is the premier event for insurance professionals. This annual gathering brings together industry leaders, innovators, and forward-thinking professionals to explore the realities of a rapidly evolving P&C landscape. INFORMING, PRACTICAL, AND ACTIONABLE – Symposium 2026 will examine how broad industry trends are affecting everyday decisions for insurers, brokers, and their clients. Sessions will explore mentorship and coaching in insurance careers, the practical impact of Canadian and global economic and political developments, workforce transformation in the age of AI, and insights from the 2026 CIP Society Emerging Issues research report. Through grounded discussions and expert insights, participants will gain the tools and understanding needed to navigate uncertainty, lead with empathy, and apply emerging trends in real-world contexts. Symposium 2026 will help attendees connect strategy to practice, empowering them to make informed decisions, foster the next generation of professionals, and contribute to a more resilient, adaptable insurance industry. AGENDA 8:30 a.m. Registration 9 a.m. Welcome and Introduction 9:05 – 10:05 a.m. Breakfast Keynote Speaker 10:05 – 10:25 a.m. Networking Break 10:25 – 11:25 a.m. General Session 11:25 - 11:40 a.m. Networking Break 11:40 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. Breakout Sessions 12:40 – 1:50 p.m. Lunch and Lunch Keynote Speaker 1:50 – 2:10 p.m. Networking Break 2:10 – 3:25 p.m. Up Close & Personal Session 3:30 - 4 p.m. Cocktail Reception BREAKFAST KEYNOTE Making Change Personal: Leadership, Career, and Purpose in an Uncertain Time Presenter – Lynn Oldfield, Corporate Director This keynote brings global risk down to earth through the lens of leadership, career growth, and personal purpose. Drawing on insights from the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report and four decades in insurance, Lynn Oldfield will explore how industry professionals can navigate complexity with confidence, lead with empathy, and make intentional career choices. With practical lessons from her own journey—including leadership development, executive presence, and paying it forward—Lynn will leave participants feeling optimistic about the vital role insurance plays in Canada and inspired to shape their next chapter with purpose. LUNCH KEYNOTE Canada in Focus: Trade Pressures, Economic Resilience, and What Comes Next Presenter – Michael Gregory, Deputy Chief Economist & Managing Director, BMO The Canadian economy has fared better than expected in the face of U.S. tariffs. While certain sectors have been hit hard such as autos, steel, aluminum, and lumber, the tariff shield provided by the USMCA for most other compliant goods has been a big benefit (when U.S. tariffs were first introduced on February 1, 2025, the USMCA was not going to be honoured). Major support from the federal and provincial governments has also helped along with the ‘Buy Canadian’ wave. But the USMCA is due for review and probable renegotiation by July 1, which casts a cloud of uncertainty over the Canadian economic outlook. In the meantime, efforts at trade diversification, investment in energy, mining, and infrastructure projects of national significance, along with increased defence spending are being relied upon to mitigate the mounting risks. GENERAL SESSION Grounded in Policy: A look at the Insurance Industry after the 2025 Federal Election Back by popular demand, this returning government relations panel builds on last year’s conversation to examine the realities facing the Canadian insurance industry following the 2025 federal election. Panelists will explore the practical implications of evolving economic conditions, trade dynamics, and ongoing political uncertainty. This session translates post-election developments into real-world considerations for underwriting, claims, and market strategy. Attendees will gain grounded, actionable insights to help navigate an increasingly complex political and economic environment with clarity and confidence. Moderator – Maximilien Roy, Vice President, Strategy, Insurance Bureau of Canada. Presenters – Karin Ots, SVP, Regulatory and Government Relations, Aviva Canada Lynn Whitehead, Director, Environment, Government & Industry Relations, TD Insurance Evan Stubbings, Director, Government Affairs, Desjardins Group BREAKOUT SESSION 1 Breaking the Trend: Preventing a Home Insurance Affordability Crisis in Canada Home insurance affordability in Canada is under growing pressure as rising claims, climate impacts, and market challenges continue to drive costs higher. While coverage remains broadly available today, emerging protection gaps and affordability concerns signal the need for action. Anchored in the 2026 CIP Society Emerging Issues Research Report, this session brings together policy and mutual insurance perspectives to explore what it will take to keep home insurance affordable, adequate, and available in the years ahead. Speakers will examine the shared responsibilities of insurers, governments, and homeowners, offering grounded insights into strengthening resilience and supporting a sustainable insurance market. Presenters – Maximilien Roy, Vice President, Strategy, Insurance Bureau of Canada. John Taylor, President & CEO, Ontario Mutual Insurance Association Moderator: Beth Milner, Manager, CIP Society Operations, IIC BREAKOUT SESSION 2 People First: Building Careers in the Age of AI AI is transforming the insurance industry—reshaping roles, redefining career pathways, and raising important questions about the future of work. This session examines the people side of AI adoption, moving beyond technology to focus on its impact on recruitment, retention, development, and workforce pathways, including the potential loss of traditional entry-level roles. Through practical discussion and real-world perspective, speakers will explore how leaders and organizations can support employees through change, maintain trust, and foster resilience. Attendees will gain grounded, people-first insights to help build a confident, adaptable, and future-ready insurance workforce. Presenters – Gerald Legrove, President, DGA Careers Randy Dhillon, Senior Vice President, Chief People & Culture Officer, Wawanesa Danish Yusuf, CEO & Founder, Zensurance UP CLOSE & PERSONAL This is a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders in a less formal, small group setting with time for Q&A. This year, these executives will share how to tackle uncertainty and inspire their teams to embrace new opportunities. Presenters – Nav Dhillon, CEO, Aviva Canada Melissa Bajwa, Regional Managing Director, Operations for Eastern Canada, Acera Insurance & President, RIBO Jolee Crosby, CEO, Resinsurance Canada & English Caribbean, Swiss Re THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Media: Canadian Underwriter Prestige: Aviva Canada Sompo Canada Pro-Demnity Insurance Silver: AXIS Informco Inc. Wawanesa Reception: Sinistar Reserve a Table—The Best Way to Experience Symposium! Make the most of Symposium by attending with colleagues, clients, or industry peers! Tables of 4 or 6 are available—no additional requirements, just an IIC account. Creating an IIC account is easy and free—Get your table before they’re gone and experience the best in networking, learning, and industry insights! Questions? Contact gtaevents@insuranceinstitute.ca