The Pace

IIC Chair reflects on his career journey and offers advice to members, students and grads for a rewarding career in the insurance industry.

Tell us all a bit about yourself. How did you get your start in the insurance industry and how did you move your career forward?

I’ve spent more than 30 years in the insurance, risk management, and professional services sectors and it’s been an incredible journey — one defined by constant learning, collaboration, and transformation.

Early in my career, I was drawn to insurance because it combined two things I value deeply: the opportunity to help organizations navigate uncertainty and the ability to build trusted, long-term relationships. I quickly realized that this industry is not just about policies or premiums — it’s about people, insight, and creating clarity and confidence for clients when they need it most. That sense of purpose is what has kept me inspired for more than three decades.

Over the past 24 years at Aon, I’ve had the privilege of holding several leadership roles across our Canadian operations and beyond. Each role — whether leading teams, building client strategies, or driving enterprise transformation — offered new opportunities to learn, stretch, and shape the future of our business. I’ve always believed that growth comes from curiosity and courage: the curiosity to ask, “what’s next?” and the courage to take bold steps forward, even when the path isn’t fully defined.

The constant evolution of our industry has also taught me the importance of staying agile. From digital transformation to changing client expectations, every shift challenges us to rethink how we deliver value. My approach has always been to embrace change early and lead teams through it with transparency, collaboration, and optimism. I find tremendous energy in bringing people together around a common vision and helping them see the bigger picture — how their work contributes to something larger than themselves.

I’m also deeply committed to developing future leaders. Mentorship has played a significant role in my own journey, and I see it as my responsibility to pass that forward — to help others build the confidence and skills they need to lead in an increasingly complex world.

Beyond work, I’m passionate about contributing to my community through initiatives that support the arts, youth development, and local organizations — areas where I believe strong, resilient communities are built. For me, leadership isn’t confined to the workplace; it’s also about how we show up for others and the legacy we leave behind.

Were there any key lessons learned along the way?

Absolutely. Over the course of my career, I’ve learned that leadership is first and foremost about people — understanding what motivates them, helping them see their potential, and creating the conditions for them to thrive. You can have the best strategy in the world, but without a strong, engaged team that believes in the mission, execution will always fall short.

Early in my career, I was fortunate to work with leaders who demonstrated the power of listening and empathy. They taught me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about asking the right questions, surrounding yourself with diverse perspectives, and empowering others to contribute their ideas. Some of the best solutions I’ve seen emerge came from moments when we simply gave people the space and confidence to think differently.

Another important lesson has been the value of adaptability. Our industry — and the world around it — never stands still. Whether it’s new technology, economic uncertainty, or shifting client expectations, change is constant. I’ve learned that those who approach change with curiosity rather than fear are the ones who truly succeed. I try to bring that mindset to every challenge: view disruption not as a threat, but as an opportunity to evolve and grow stronger.

I’ve also learned that integrity and trust are non-negotiable. In a business built on relationships, your reputation is your most valuable asset. Delivering on your promises, treating people with respect, and doing the right thing — even when it’s difficult — creates long-term credibility that no title or metric can replace.

And finally, humility matters. The higher you go in leadership, the more important it becomes to stay grounded. Success is never the result of one person’s effort: it’s the outcome of teams, clients, and communities working together toward shared goals. Recognizing that — and showing gratitude along the way — is what makes the journey worthwhile.

What do you think will be the top drivers of disruption for the industry in the next 2 - 5 years?

The pace of change in our industry has never been faster — and it’s only accelerating. Over the next few years, I believe the most significant drivers of disruption will come from the intersection of technology, data, and evolving client expectations.

Artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and automation are already transforming how we understand, assess, and manage risk. These tools allow us to process information in ways that were unimaginable even a few years ago. The real opportunity lies in how we integrate these capabilities to enhance — not replace — human judgment. Data alone doesn’t create value; insight does. And when we combine technology with our deep client understanding, we can offer advice that’s more predictive, personalized, and powerful than ever before.

Another key driver of disruption will be the growing complexity of the risk landscape. Issues like climate change, cyber threats, supply chain fragility, and geopolitical volatility are reshaping how organizations think about resilience. This will require a more holistic approach — one that connects traditional insurance solutions with emerging areas like risk analytics, alternative capital, and advisory services. The brokers and advisors who can bring this level of integration will set the standard for the next generation of our industry.

At the same time, client expectations are evolving rapidly. Businesses and individuals now expect the same level of speed, transparency, and digital experience they receive in other parts of their lives. That means we must rethink how we engage — simplifying the complex, delivering faster insights, and offering seamless digital interactions while maintaining the human connection that defines our profession.

Finally, I believe talent and culture will play a defining role in how we respond to disruption. The future belongs to organizations that can attract and retain people who are agile, curious, and purpose-driven. As leaders, we have a responsibility to create environments where innovation thrives — where people feel empowered to experiment, challenge assumptions, and contribute to shaping what comes next.

In short, disruption isn’t something to brace for — it’s something to harness. Those who can connect technology, talent, and trust will not only navigate change successfully but will redefine what leadership in our industry looks like.

How do people already in the industry grow their careers?

I’ve always believed that growth in our industry begins with curiosity. The most successful people I’ve met are those who remain students of the business — constantly learning, asking questions, and exploring new perspectives. The insurance and risk management sector is incredibly diverse, offering countless paths to explore, from analytics and underwriting to client strategy, innovation, and leadership. Staying open to those different experiences allows you to develop a broader view of how all the pieces fit together.

Another important ingredient is taking ownership of your own development. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you — seek them out. Volunteer for challenging projects, raise your hand when something new emerges, and step into the unknown. Some of my most formative career moments came from situations that stretched me beyond my comfort zone. Growth rarely feels easy in the moment, but that’s where real progress happens.

Mentorship also plays a vital role. Surround yourself with people who will challenge you, inspire you, and help you see things differently. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who believed in me and offered honest feedback when I needed it most. Now, I see it as a responsibility to do the same for others — to help them navigate their own paths and unlock their potential.

Finally, I’d say that purpose matters. The more clearly you can connect your work to something meaningful — whether it’s helping clients protect what’s most important to them or contributing to your team’s success — the more fulfilling and sustainable your growth will be. When passion and purpose align, that’s where excellence happens.

What advice do you have for someone looking to start their p&c career? What supports does the industry have to help them get up to speed and continue to grow and learn?

If you’re considering a career in the p&c industry, I would say: jump in with curiosity and an open mind. This is an industry with incredible depth and opportunity — one that sits at the intersection of business, economics, and human impact. No two days are ever the same, and the work you do has real meaning. You help clients prepare for the unexpected, recover from loss, and move forward with confidence.

For newcomers, there’s a strong network of support within the industry. Many organizations — including Aon — have structured training programs, mentorship opportunities, and professional designations that help new talent build the technical and relational skills needed to succeed. There’s also a rich community of peers who are eager to share knowledge and experiences.

My advice would be to embrace every learning opportunity that comes your way. Ask questions, shadow colleagues, and seek to understand the “why” behind decisions. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — they’re often your best teachers. Over time, you’ll build not only technical expertise but also the confidence and perspective that come from seeing the bigger picture.

And perhaps most importantly, bring your authentic self to the work. Our industry needs diverse perspectives — people who think differently, challenge convention, and bring new ideas forward. The future of insurance will be shaped by those who combine empathy, creativity, and insight to make the complex simple and the uncertain more manageable.

How does innovation in product, data/analytics, and underwriting, fuel growth opportunities and support the customer experience.

Innovation is the engine that drives progress in our industry. The combination of advanced data, analytics, and new product development is allowing us to reimagine how we serve clients and how we deliver value. We now have access to insights that help us predict risks before they materialize, design solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances and improve decision-making across the board.

In underwriting, for example, technology is enabling a shift from reactive to proactive risk management. By leveraging analytics, we can better understand patterns, quantify exposures, and model potential outcomes — leading to more accurate pricing, better coverage solutions, and faster turnaround times. This ultimately enhances the client experience by providing clarity, speed, and confidence.

But true innovation isn’t just about data or systems — it’s about mindset. It’s about encouraging teams to challenge the status quo and look for smarter, simpler, and more human ways to solve problems. When we combine the precision of analytics with the empathy of human insight, that’s when we deliver the greatest value.

Innovation also allows us to be more forward-looking with our clients. It positions us not only as brokers or advisors, but as strategic partners who help organizations navigate uncertainty and prepare for what’s next. That’s where growth happens — when we use innovation not just to optimize what we do, but to elevate the experience and outcomes we create for our clients and communities.

The CIP Society proudly congratulates this year’s recipients of the National Leadership Awards, recognizing outstanding emerging leaders whose professionalism, mentorship, and community spirit strengthen our industry.

Jason Court, CIP
Senior Business Development Manager, Travelers Canada

A trusted industry ambassador, Jason builds strong broker relationships across Atlantic Canada and Quebec. As President of the New Brunswick Insurance Professionals Association, he has led major events that connect professionals and support local causes.

Neal Jardine, FCIP
Chief Cyber Intelligence and Claims Officer, BOXX Insurance

A leading voice in cyber risk, Neal has transformed claims work through innovation and education. His accessible approach and mentorship have helped professionals across Canada navigate an evolving digital landscape.

Dylan Pinter-Findlater, CIP
Manager, Digital Underwriting Strategy, Intact Insurance

Dylan is known for his empathy, openness, and commitment to growth. A passionate mentor and lifelong learner, he shares his expertise widely while supporting community and youth programs.

Richard Sanchez, CIP
Senior Property & Marine Claims Specialist, Zurich Canada

Respected for his authenticity and leadership, Richard combines deep technical knowledge with a strong commitment to mentoring others. His volunteer work and advocacy reflect his purpose-driven approach.

Tomas Stryncl, FCIP
National Marine Strategy & Execution Leader, Aon Canada

Tomas leads with integrity and vision, fostering collaboration and development within his teams. His results-driven leadership and community involvement demonstrate his dedication to excellence.

Thomas Wright, CIP
Vice President & Partner, Avail Risk Management & Consulting

Thomas inspires through collaboration and service. His leadership in professional networks and community initiatives continues to strengthen the future of the profession.

Together, these six professionals exemplify the spirit of the CIP Society Leadership Circle. Learn more about the National Leadership Awards.

By now insurers, agents and brokers are aware that Ontario’s Standardized Auto Reform is coming into effect on July 1, 2026. In preparation, a powerful industry partnership has formed to develop a free, on-demand training program to support Ontario’s p&c auto industry. This comprehensive training program provides a standardized overview of upcoming regulatory changes, and helps ensure consistent knowledge across the industry, regardless of distribution channel or role. In addition, the Insurance Institute of Ontario will be following up on this program with a series of relevant seminars starting in February 2026.

The Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO), the Insurance Institute of Ontario (IIO) on behalf of The Insurance Institute of Canada (IIC), and the Ontario Mutual Insurance Association (OMIA) are well underway with course development which incorporates the input provided by many p&c industry subject matter experts. The efforts of these knowledgeable organizations will ensure that our industry’s brokers/agents and other p&c professionals are equipped to clearly guide Ontario’s auto insurance consumers through the coming auto insurance reforms.

What will the training program cover?

The course will serve as a prerequisite for any company or role-specific training. The initiative allows industry educators and training leads to ensure alignment, reduce duplication and build on a shared foundation.

When will the training program become available and will there be announcements?

• January 2026. There will be announcements in advance of availability.

When will the series of seminars become available through the Insurance Institute of Ontario and will there be announcements?

• February 2026. There will be announcements in advance of availability.

What are the course objectives?

• Establish a common knowledge base for all insurance professionals including brokers, agents and direct writers
• Support training efficiency by offering a shared starting point to brokers and professionals working with multiple insurers
• Enable educators to build on a unified foundation, streamlining the p&c insurance industry’s learning experience

Which topics are excluded?

• Insurer-specific products, bundles or pricing
• Workflow tools or distribution-specific technology
• Sales, marketing, claims or underwriting practices
• Workplace benefits or E&O related content

Other important training program details:

• Format: Online, On-Demand
• Access: Upon availability, on the IBAO, Insurance Institute and OMIA websites
• Accreditation: RIBO Accredited
• Cost: Free

What is changing?

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Ontario has outlined the changes coming to Ontario’s Auto Insurance product on July 1, 2026. FSRA also provides the list of forms impacted by SABS reform and a helpful Communications Toolkit with ready-made messaging for the insurer, agent and broker. Here is a high-level overview of what’s changing/staying the same:

What is staying the same?

Standard medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits will continue to be included in all auto insurance policies.

The option to purchase additional or increased benefits and coverages, such as supplementary medical, rehabilitation and attendant care, dependant care and indexation benefits.

What is becoming optional in the product?

• Income replacement
• Non-earner benefit
• Caregiver benefits
• Lost educational expenses
• Expenses of visitors
• Housekeeping and home maintenance
• Damage to personal items
• Death benefits
• Funeral benefits

Stay tuned for announcements on the new training program, and the new seminar series’ availability!

Since 2024, CIP students have had access to a new set of interactive learning modules called Enabling Skills for the Insurance Professional. These self-study modules complement the CIP courses by addressing key workplace-critical skills in a concise, flexible format.

The modules have been optional since their launch in May 2024, to allow students time to adjust their study plans. Next, in May 2026, the Enabling Skills modules will become a required part of the CIP program and a prerequisite for course C16: The Business of Insurance.

Students can take the short, self-paced modules in any order they wish, at times of their own choosing, and at no additional cost. Students can expect modules that address competencies vital to professionals in a wide range of property and casualty insurance roles:

• Critical Thinking
• Business Acumen
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Interpersonal Communication
• Customer Service Excellence
• Advising
• Ethics and Professionalism
• Ethics in Motion
• Information and Data Management
• Digital and Technological Fluency

The Enabling Skills modules were developed after a comprehensive analysis of the property and casualty insurance profession undertaken by the Insurance Institute. Drawing on extensive input from p&c professionals, the analysis highlighted the competencies needed for effective practice in today’s insurance industry. The resulting competency framework guides ongoing CIP curriculum development and underpins the Enabling Skills modules.

The Insurance Institute thanks the many experienced members who contributed their knowledge and expertise to this development.

After launching in 2024, the Insurance Career Connections’ IGNITE Insurance Careers Program continues to help bridge the talent gap in the p&c industry by providing pathways for internationally trained professionals, career changers, and newcomers who are interested in working in insurance.

The Insurance Institute has held previous IGNITE sessions in Toronto, Calgary, and Kitchener, and a fall 2025 session recently took place in Halifax. Seventeen students attended that five-week session, with industry guest speakers from Wawanesa, BrokerLink, Gates Insurance, Aviva, TD Insurance, AMG Claims, Zurich, Travelers, Aon, Intact, Munn Insurance, and instructors from the Institute.

Information sessions with industry professionals, plus networking, practice interviews, and tailored resume preparation are some of the benefits that the IGNITE curriculum offers. And several IGNITE alumni have already transitioned into new jobs in the industry after completing the program.

Kinnari Goradia attended the inaugural IGNITE session through the GTA Chapter in 2024, and started a new job later that year as a Multinational Service Specialist at Zurich Canada. While she had previous international experience working in life insurance, taking the IGNITE program was vital as she searched for roles that matched her skill set after she moved to Canada.

“Coming from a life insurance background, IGNITE helped me get a better perspective about the p&c industry in Canada,” says Kinnari, “It also helped me connect with like-minded individuals, which opened doors to new career opportunities.”

While working in the financial services industry, Vishal Thakkar attended the IGNITE session in Kitchener in early 2025. Not long after completing the program, he was motivated to transition into his new role as a Risk Broker, Financial Services Group at Aon.

“The IGNITE program can open doors you might not have considered before,” says Vishal. “It was a great opportunity to connect directly with industry professionals, hear their career stories, and understand the many paths available in insurance. Those conversations helped me clarify what kind of roles matched my interests and ultimately influenced the direction I chose to pursue.”

Although some have leveraged their previous skills from insurance and financial services to join the industry, Insurance Career Connections’ Senior Program Officer Beverly Lewis-Hunte reiterates that candidates do not need to have prior working experience from those industries to enroll in IGNITE or seek a career in insurance.

“The recent Halifax IGNITE session was attended by potential job seekers from a wide range of professions, including engineering, retail, and construction,” says Beverly. “A major component of the IGNITE format focuses on empowering and inspiring professionals from all backgrounds to recognize that their own transferable skills are highly valued in the insurance industry.”

Stay tuned for news about future IGNITE sessions in 2026. Interested candidates can visit the IGNITE page, or email Insurance Career Connections at IGNITE@insuranceinstitute.ca.

Each year, the Insurance Institute administers a series of scholarships and bursaries for insurance education. We asked this year’s recipients about how these accomplishments will help their p&c careers.

Established in 1992, the John E. Lowes Insurance Education Fund is offered to eligible Ontario residents studying insurance and risk management at specific universities and colleges. This year’s recipients are Breeanna Rainville and Sayed Ismail, who are both taking the Insurance program at Mohawk College, which enables students to complete CIP courses as part of their studies. Both are delighted that this scholarship will help their education and careers on their journey.

“The scholarship will help in my p&c career because it will contribute towards attaining my CIP designation,” said Breeanna Rainville. “Support to pay for these exams will better my education and future career opportunities.”

“This scholarship will not only help me pursue these professional designations but also motivate me to seek more knowledge, stay engaged in the field, and contribute effectively to the insurance community,” said Sayed Ismail. “It serves as both financial support and a strong inspiration to keep advancing my education and career in insurance.”

Established in 2023 on behalf of the Alberta Insurance Council, the Alberta Insurance Council (AIC) Grant is available to eligible Insurance Institute members in Alberta who are pursuing their CIP, ACIP, or FCIP, and do not receive financial support from their employer. This year’s AIC Grant recipients are Navjot Aulakh, Palak Patel, Harjinder Singh, and Odelle Oxley – who are observing the AIC Grant’s impact on their education and careers.

“I'm really grateful for the Alberta Insurance Council Grant for helping me build a strong foundation in property and casualty insurance by supporting my education and professional growth,” said Odelle Oxley. “It’s giving me the opportunity to gain the knowledge and confidence I need to succeed in the insurance industry.”

“The AIC Grant will help me financially and mentally because of the support it will provide during this crucial time of my life. It is a major help that will allow me to advance in my career,” said Harjinder Singh. “The AIC Grant has allowed me to study CIP courses. This financial help has created more opportunities for me.”

In addition, the Lloyd King Scholarship is offered to eligible students pursuing full-time studies at universities in Atlantic Canada. This year’s recipients are Memorial University of Newfoundland students Ava McDonald and Emily Spurell, which was announced at The Insurance Institute of Newfoundland & Labrador’s Convocation in November.

The annual Rhind Bursary is available to active CIP Society members and their dependants, and provides financial support for tuition, textbooks, and exams for one course within an IIC designation or certificate program. Up to two bursaries are awarded each year. Applications reopen in January 2026.

Interested candidates can find full eligibility details and application dates on our Scholarships and Bursaries landing page. Congratulations to all applicants and recipients on your accomplishments.

In our last issue, we asked readers to share their thoughts on the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in brokerage operations. Here’s one thoughtful response we received:

“Having worked on both the carrier side and the broker side of the business, the issues are really the same – transparency and fairness to customers. Basically, it’s the old-fashioned rule – treat others as you would like to be treated. So, this means having a privacy policy posted on your website and provided to prospects and customers which clearly articulates whether you or your carrier partners are using AI and how it is being used. When needed, obtain specific consent from your prospects and clients. Review your carrier contracts to ensure you are familiar with what you have agreed to contractually. Read and or attend Canadian AI and privacy webinars to understand what data belongs to the client. A good source is the Centre for Information Policy Leadership. Pursuing contingent profit commission opportunities violates Fair Treatment of Consumers guidance and would not meet the expectations under broker licensing Code of Conduct regulations. Apart from being against the regulations, it’s not the right thing to do.”

Pamela Derksen
Deputy Chief Compliance Officer, Canada
NFP, and an Aon Company

New Council Members Join the CIP Society Professionals’ Council

The CIP Society is pleased to welcome Kamran Afshar, CIP (Intact Insurance), and Deanne Taylor, FCIP (Burns & Wilcox) to the Professionals’ Council. Both bring extensive experience and fresh perspectives that will support the Society’s work in research, professional development, and member engagement.

Read more about our National Council members.

Fun fact:

Appraising art for insurance is an art. Consider the satirical stencil work of London-based graffiti artist Banksy, titled “Girl with Balloon.” In 2018 the piece was auctioned off at Sotheby’s in London. The moment the hammer fell on the private buyer’s offer of about US $1.4 million, the painting was shredded. The artist had installed a shredder into the frame and activated it during the auction. Now titled “Love is in the Bin,” in 2021 the art sold at Sotheby’s for US $25.3 million.

Fun fact:

Did you know that according to a recent Statistics Canada survey, among businesses that reported using AI tools in the last 12 months, 30.6% of finance and insurance businesses were most likely to do so. To learn more read the recent issue of the CIP Society’s Quarterly review titled: Generative AI tools. How is it impacting employee recruitment, learning and retention?

2025/26 IIC Board of Governors

Chair: *Stéphane Lespérance, CRM (Aon Canada)
Deputy Chair: *London Bradley, MBA, BSc (Allstate Insurance Company of Canada)
Vice-Chair Membership-at-Large: *Barbara Bellissimo, BA, FCIP (HSB Canada)
Immediate Past Chair: *James Russell, BMath, FCIA (TD Insurance)

Regional Vice Chairs:
*Chad Shurnaik, BComm, FCIP, CRM (Western Provinces)
*Melanie Muise, BSc Math, MBA, FCIP (Ontario)
*Mathieu Gagnon, FPAA, CRM, RIB (Quebec)
*Matthew Robblee, CAIB, CIP (Atlantic Provinces)

The chairs of the standing committees in 2025/2026 will be the following:
Executive Committee:
*London Bradley, MBA, BSc (Allstate Insurance Company of Canada)
Academic Division:
*Paul Croft, BA, BSc, CIP, CRM, CCIB
Professionals’ Division:
*Renée-Léa Soucy, PAA
*= Executive Committee member

The balance of the Board of Governors is comprised of representatives of local institutes and chapters:

from Newfoundland and Labrador:
Thea Baird, CIP, CAIB
Ian Stamp, BCom, CIP

from Prince Edward Island:
Karen Bernard, CIP

from Nova Scotia:
Kelly Leydon, MBA, MSc, FCIP
Pamela Sullivan, CIP

from New Brunswick:
Alison Brown, CIP, CAIB
Alan Batten, BAA, FCIP

from Quebec:
Bouthaina Mechici, PAA
Marie-Josée Lefebvre, FPAA, CRM, MBA

from Ontario:
Melanie Muise, BScMath, MBA, FCIP
Greg Smith, MBA, FCIP, CRM
Sandra Cameron, CIP
Weslee Simpson, CIP, CRM
Sebastian Rybarczyk, CIP, CRM
Kevin Foster, BACS, FCIP, CRM
Barb Dinnage, CIP, CRM
Cathy Laurin, BComm, FCIP

from Manitoba:
Morgan Mackenzie, Bus. Admin., CIP, CAIB
Mitchell Gusway, CIP, CRM

from Saskatchewan:
Debra Bachek, FCIP, CBRM
Chelsea Materi, FCIP, BAC

from Southern Alberta:
Anthony Lim, BA, FCIP, CRM
Heather McKim, CIP

from Northern Alberta:
Shelora Lopez, ACIP
Phillip McDougall, ACIP

from British Columbia:
Cam Mitchell, BA, CIP
Jill Blacklock, FCIP, CRM
Trish Wolfe, CIP, CAIB

Again this year, your Board of Governors is comprised of members from all parts of the country and all sectors of the industry; it would be difficult to imagine a more representative group.

Take note of the governors who represent you and reach out with any comments you have about the Institute’s programs. Members must be active in a membership association. We need to hear from you!

The Honour Roll
A CIP designation is impressive enough in its own right. Even more impressive is an Honours CIP — eight of ten CIP courses passed with honours. The following Honours graduates were elected this year:

British Columbia

Agnieszka Gulbinowicz
BCAA Insurance Corporation (British Columbia)

Jocelyne Leung
Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Co. (British Columbia)

Sangwook Park
FM Global (British Columbia)

Laura Sherer
Westland Insurance Group Ltd. (British Columbia)

Lu Te Sun
Cansure (British Columbia)

New Brunswick

Esther Mak
Co-operators (New Brunswick)

Stephen Leuman Yap
Intact Insurance Company (New Brunswick)

Newfoundland & Labrador

Krista Thorne
Burns & Wilcox Canada (Newfoundland & Labrador)

Ontario

Merlinda Dsouza
Definity Insurance Company (Ontario–Greater Toronto Area)

Alexandre Gagnon
Chubb Insurance Co. of Canada (Ontario–Greater Toronto Area)

Mohammed Khan
Definity Insurance Company (Ontario–Greater Toronto Area)

Rebecca Mak (Ontario–Greater Toronto Area)

Dean Mizzi
CAA Insurance Company (Ontario–Greater Toronto Area)

Dionnisios Xenos
Definity Insurance Company (Ontario–Hamilton/Niagara)

Southern Alberta

Anh Doan
Wilson Insurance (Southern Alberta)

Diagnorah Subero
Acera Insurance (Southern Alberta)

Shivani Upadhyay
Co-operators - Claims Office (Southern Alberta)

Congratulations to these outstanding graduates!

Scholarships: Lending a helping hand to students

The Institute manages two scholarship programs: the Lloyd King Scholarships and the John E. Lowes Insurance Education Fund.

Each of these programs offers students a financial boost as they pursue their education. We are pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s scholarships. The board of trustees chose exceptional recipients for the Scholarship Programs. The 2025 award recipients are as follows:

John E. Lowes Scholarship

Breenanna Rainville
Mohawk College

Sayed Ismail
Mohawk College

Lloyd King Scholarship

Ava McDonald
Memorial University of Newfoundland

Emily Spurell
Memorial University of Newfoundland

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners!

Convocation ceremonies

Our graduates have worked long and hard for their designations. They deserve our full recognition. Watch for details of the convocation ceremonies being planned by your local institutes and chapters. Mark your calendar and take part in a special occasion. Let’s support our local graduates!

Congratulations to all graduates.

Membership dues – pay to view

Students with unpaid memberships who go to our website to review their student records will find they have no access to them.

If you are unsure whether your membership is current, go to www.insuranceinstitute.ca, then click “Login” and follow the instructions. Once logged in, select “My Account” from the top menu, click on the “Overview” tab, and then view your membership details on the left side. If your membership fee has been paid, you should see an expiry date of May 31, 2026 (or later). If your membership fee has not been paid, click “Purchase/Renew Membership” to renew your membership for the current year. Remember to renew your membership each year.

It's exam season

Since spring 2017, all courses in the CIP and General Insurance Essentials (GIE) Programs have had in-person, computer-based examinations. In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, examinations for the CIP and GIE Programs have also been offered online with virtual proctoring.

Students can now choose to write their exams either through virtual proctoring or in person at one of the Institute’s examination centres.

Virtual proctoring works by a live virtual proctor observing you taking your exam through your webcam. The virtual proctor will also help you troubleshoot any technical issues if necessary.

In-person exams can be written at your local institute office or a select few additional third-party centres. Exam centres are selected at the time of exam booking. If you wish to write an in-person exam, book early, as capacity at these centres will be limited.

Once you are registered to write the exam, you can select a date and time from the dates below. Upon registration, a booking confirmation email will be sent to you. Your exam details can be found in the exam portal once you have scheduled your exam.

Examinations in either format will be offered December 2 through December 16. You should schedule your exam immediately after registration.

For more information about examinations, please visit Exams.

Three hours are allowed for each CIP subject and two hours for GIE subjects. Good luck!