IIC Chair, Jason Storah: The only person responsible for your career is you.

Like many people who work in insurance, Jason Storah, CEO of Aviva Canada and new IIC Chair says he fell into this industry rather than deliberately planning to pursue a career in insurance. In his final year at university, when applying for a job, Jason was drawn to specific companies more than certain industries.

“I could just as easily have ended up in banking or FMCG based on the interviews I was doing. And while I decided to take a job in insurance, the truth is that I made that choice solely because it was a company that offered me the chance to travel and use my language (Spanish) skills. It just so happened to be insurance, but it wasn't insurance that was the deciding factor for me,” he shares.

His love for insurance grew as he worked in insurance in different countries in Europe, the US and South America. “I loved all of it, but especially my time in South America and within that, living in Buenos Aires, which was a fantastic experience (and not just because that's where I met my wife!).”

Jason knows his is a story that is all too common in our industry and wants to change that. “I hear lots of stories of people who didn't deliberately set out to work in insurance, but once they're in, they love it. That tells me we need to do a much better job of proactively telling people about our industry, the amazing things we do and the fantastic careers that people can have."

In 2002, Jason moved to Canada, and joined Aviva Canada two years later. “At Aviva, I've been fortunate to work across a number of different areas of the business. For instance, before taking the CEO role, I spent time as the Chief Risk Officer and Chief Distribution Officer which are two totally different roles and experiences,” says Jason. “I love to make a difference and I particularly love tackling problems that others don't think can be solved. I'm determined to leave things in better shape than I found them, both within Aviva and the broader communities we serve as an insurance industry.”

Asked to name the top drivers of disruption for the industry in the next two to five years, Jason cites several mini disrupters” including technology, market consolidation, heightened regulation, new entrants, new ways of working, strained reinsurance capacity, and driverless cars.

“But the most significant disruption facing our industry is climate change. Preventing the most catastrophic impacts of climate change is a challenge unlike anything this industry has ever faced,” he says.

The industry needs to do everything possible to promote resilience and better protect Canadians from the deadly and more frequent severe weather events that we are seeing, Jason adds. “This is a real problem and will take years to address, but if we don’t do something, there will be millions of Canadians who might find themselves in tough situations. That could mean being unable to buy insurance that’s affordable or offers meaningful coverage, or facing the aftermath of claims that can create havoc, or simply missing opportunities to better prepare and protect for the future. I think this is the challenge of a lifetime for our industry, and I'm determined that Aviva will make a difference.”

Insurance claims from severe weather have more than quadrupled across Canada since 2008. In the mid-80s, Canada’s insurance industry averaged about $40 million a year in losses due to natural disasters. The new normal for annual insured catastrophic losses in Canada is now $2 billion, most of it due to water-related damage. “If catastrophic weather events become the norm rather than the exception, our industry will see higher loss ratios, putting pressure on premiums, and this may well ultimately lead to certain parts of the country becoming uninsurable. Besides the financial impact of these losses, they also have a devastating impact on individuals, families and businesses.”

For Jason, navigating business challenges and growing a successful insurance career requires both technical and soft skills as well as the experience that different roles create. “I also think it’s helpful if you can narrow down your preferred career path sooner than later. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t change paths. In fact, I think it’s helpful to think through alternatives. I always found it easier to know what I didn’t want rather than what I did, and so just by eliminating certain roles/areas, I was able to focus my attention and outlook for my own career.”

Jason believes everyone can make a difference and that it is increasingly important to make sure that you can bring your own personal values into your workplace, to make it a more diverse and inclusive place. “That could be the role you are specifically doing, or the broader team/company that you’re working with, but it can make a real difference in terms of how challenged and fulfilled you might be in your career.”

Here are Jason’s top tips for a successful career in insurance:

• Understand your business. You should always be aware of the top 3-5 data points about your business. If you don’t know those, then you don’t know your business.
• Communications and interpersonal skills are always hugely important. If you build relationships based on mutual respect and trust through strong communication, you can achieve much more both individually and working with others.
• Really listen to people so that you properly understand what they're saying and the background behind why they're saying it.
• Always try to make a difference, no matter how big or small.
• Remember that the only person responsible for your career is you, nobody else. It's important to have sponsors and mentors, but ultimately, you need to take charge of what happens to you.
• Try to surround yourself with people who are better than you or who force you to raise your game.
• Keep learning, be willing to fail, and be prepared to adapt quickly.

Cultivating your personal CIP brand image

At every point in your career, it’s important to continue to cultivate your personal brand, to help others easily understand your unique value proposition.

A personal brand needs to be nurtured in the same way that an organization’s brand does. Organizations build brand recognition and awareness in ways that properly position the “4 P’s” of their brand’s marketing mix.

In fact, in building your personal brand strategy, you can leverage the basic building blocks of the 4 P’s to position your personal brand mix. Here are some tips to start:

• Product: You
• Be able to verbalize your key career assets in a 60 second Personal Brand Statement. Those who make this look easy have usually practiced, honed, and updated it regularly.
• Price: Your Personal Value Proposition
• Use all the features that LinkedIn has to offer. This can include everything from taking time to gather recommendations from colleagues, through to sharing digital badges of accomplishments representing academic achievements.
• Place: Where and Whom You Are Seen By
• Curate, post and engage with your favourite content on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Be sure to read everything you engage with to ensure that it aligns with your personal brand and demonstrates your premium thought leadership.
• Position: Your Career Message
• Tell your own authentic story. Your story has the power to take you exactly where you are supposed to be.

As a CIP you have the extra unique advantage of having the Insurance Institute of Canada in your corner, reminding Canada about your CIP brand value through its upcoming national ad campaign.

“The CIPs Are Prepared For More campaign is designed to convey your value as a CIP,” says Peter Hohman, MBA, FCIP, ICD.D., president and CEO of the Insurance Institute of Canada. “It will promote the benefits of working with CIP professionals to consumers as well as within the industry. Our entire advertising inventory has a new look and feel which we are excited about. These brand-new ads illuminate the significant value our grads bring to the industry, and their communities.”

The media in play during the impressive upcoming national ad campaign will encompass placements through: TV, Smart TV, Mobile and Digital efforts, via Canada’s major networks. Campaign activities include new TV commercials, billboards, digital video placements and highly targeted programmatic efforts.

Keep an eye out in January and February 2023 to see the new: CIPs Are Prepared For More ad campaign, on CBC, Bell Globe Media networks and more.

C39 makes fraud everybody’s business

C39: Fraud Awareness and Prevention is a crucial part of the CIP program. The course teaches students about the ways fraud can manifest during the insurance process and exposes them to the initiatives the insurance industry utilizes to counter such threats.

There is nothing new about insurance fraud, however, the methods perpetrators use are increasingly sophisticated making this course especially topical. Rebecca Stuart-Smith, a customer service broker at Aha Insurance, Josh Toombs, claims manager and in-house counsel at PEI Mutual Insurance, Lori Senecal, a personal lines underwriter at Algoma Mutual Insurance and Francis Frimpong, a claims assistant at SGI Canada shared their experiences on the course and the learnings they found valuable.

Lori chose C39 as an elective after coworkers recommended it. “They said it was interesting, relatable to the job and would be an excellent source of information for me.”

Francis says she had completed courses C11 and C110 which touched briefly on aspects of insurance fraud piquing her curiosity. “I wanted to learn more about the problem and how I could contribute to its solution. I became convinced C39 was the perfect course I needed.”

Rebecca had grown aware of increasing concerns around fraud and decided “the more knowledge I can arm myself with the better.”

Josh opted for the course because, “detecting and managing fraud risk is a primary component of my job, so learning more about managing this risk made sense.”

Josh added that he feels insurance is particularly vulnerable to fraud. He says, the threat “encompasses criminal instances of fraud including arson, and also extends to exaggeration of price for claimed personal property. It is crucial for insurance professionals to recognize the various forms of insurance fraud.”

Lori agreed saying that “fraud affects everyone. It is important to avoid the mindset that it will never happen to you. Education is key for everyone.”

Their thoughts were echoed by Francis who believes fraud can cause severe damage to the insurance industry. “Unlike physical commodities or other intangible services, the insurance business operates on a level of trust like none other. The promise to indemnify a customer for a future loss at a price (premium) today can feel abstract to most people and hence both parties (insurer and insured) are held to the utmost level of good faith to honor the insurance contract. What fraud does to our industry is erosion of this trust.”

The course covers a lot of ground with modules such as Managing Fraud Risk at the Point of Sale and Fundamental Elements of Investigation focusing sharply on specific issues, while others, such as Insurance Fraud Management in Canadian Society take a more bird’s eye view. The many angles offer something of interest to all students. Josh says: “I enjoyed the focus on real-world applicability of the fraud prevention principles, along with provisions of resources to allow insurers to investigate potential fraudulent activity.”

Lori found her favourite aspect of the course was that “you not only learn from the instructor but from the diverse backgrounds of fellow students who may work in different areas of the insurance industry. You learn their perspectives and how fraud may affect them differently.”

Rebecca discovered the situational examples used “helped relate the material to real life” making the lessons more memorable.

Francis says that the course highlighted how little she knew about the issue then empowered her with knowledge, skills and confidence. She especially liked how future-focused the course was. “Historically, insurers and authorities have been reactive to fraud. The course, however, is introducing a rather pro-active approach to countering insurance fraud. It exposed me to advanced and innovative ways, often using evolving technology, that insurance fraud can be perpetuated.”

Lori was pleased to discover the course had practical applications for her current role. “I felt this course helped me with my job. The course highlighted all the red flags that an underwriter should be looking for throughout the course of the policy, starting with the application, through to the insurance contract and renewals. It also taught me that having good professional relationships with brokers can help combat fraud.” Josh had a similar experience. “I have found the principles to be quite beneficial as I manage the fraud risk in our claims department.”

Francis was working as a Property Claim Adjuster when she took the course and says, “I became the ‘wise old lady’ by whom my team would run their suspicions of red flags, thanks to C39!” The benefits have carried over into her new claims analyst role: “Completing C39 better positioned me to identify, mitigate and counter fraud elements with confidence, while balancing the best interest of my customers (insureds) and my organization. The concepts from C39 have inspired my contribution to fraud prevention policies that have been developed in my organization.”

Rebecca feels the learning is useful to her current role and will continue to provide value in future positions “as it has given me tools to apply to my daily work and interactions that can safeguard me against potential fraud.”

When asked about advice for students considering taking the C39 course, Lori said they would find the content eye-opening. “Be prepared to see just how much insurance fraud affects everyone. It is something that you know goes on, but you don’t truly know all the effects of insurance fraud until you have taken the course.”

Rebecca agreed. “Fraud is all around; the more tools and knowledge people have the better they can protect themselves and in turn their employers. A win-win situation!” Josh advised anyone embarking on the course to keep an open mind. “The material is interesting and is useful to insurance professionals of all backgrounds.”

For employers he feels the message is simple. “Insurance companies that have professionals trained to recognize and mitigate fraud will experience better loss results which will ultimately maintain stable and affordable premiums for the insuring public.”

The definition of a win-win outcome.

Changes coming to CIP Independent Study mode

Beginning in 2023, students in the Insurance Institute’s CIP program will start to see changes in how Independent Study courses are offered and evaluated, with the introduction of enhanced online learning resources and new online assessments.

Students taking course C32 Bodily Injury Claims this winter through Independent Study will be directed to an online self-study course containing resources that they can work through at their own pace. Although some elements will be similar to what’s currently in the online tutorial, the new online course will replace the tutorial and provide enhanced resources, such as dynamic study summaries, additional interactive scenarios, and audio content in the form of podcasts.

Most of this content will be optional, allowing students to work with the resources they find most helpful for them. However, Independent Study students will also complete three mandatory assessments in their online course: two tests and a midterm exam. Collectively, these assessments will count for 100 course marks, similar to the mark structure used in CIP Virtual Classroom and Classroom courses. These mandatory assessments will replace the optional test papers that were formerly used in Independent Study.

“Up until now, Independent Study students have had their overall grade based almost entirely on their final exam performance,” says Orville Andrews, director of learning innovation and technology for the Institute. “The optional written test papers from the textbook provide a few bonus marks, but the bulk of an Independent Study student’s grade has been coming from the exam. With the introduction of these additional assessments, Independent Study students will be able to earn a substantial portion of their marks before they get to the final exam. This puts them on a similar footing to students pursuing virtual or classroom study.”

The new assessments also offer more flexible completion timelines than the old test papers, plus the advantage of rapid results. The midterm exam and the two tests will consist entirely of multiple-choice questions, so they will be auto-graded with scores available immediately upon completion. And unlike test papers, which have to be submitted early in the term for manual marking, the new auto-graded tests can be completed at any point during the term, as long as all three are completed by the final deadline.

Although these changes will be most evident for Independent Study students, they are part of a broader effort to ensure a consistent learning experience for students across all three CIP learning modes.

“The online resources that Independent Study students see will also be made available to our virtual classes and as a supplement to classroom-based study,” explains Andrews. “The full set of resources will be housed centrally in our learning management system and pushed out to each individual online class space. Virtual and classroom instructors will still have the freedom to add their own resources and bring their own insights or assessments to their courses, but everyone will have the same starting point available to them.”

Regardless of mode of study, all CIP students will continue to write a final exam worth 200 marks.

Virtual classes have long been popular with students in the CIP program, and for many, they offer the best of both worlds: the option to attend live sessions and interact with an instructor, plus the flexibility to review classes on their own time if preferred (all sessions are recorded) and to log in from home or office instead of traveling to class.

But for other students who are comfortable studying on their own, access to an instructor and a class session is less important than being able to fully manage their own schedule throughout the term. Independent Study has long been the preferred approach for these students. With its new enhancements, students will continue to have the flexibility to study at their own pace but with enriched learning resources and a shared approach to earning marks towards their final grade.

The new Independent Study approach will be piloted with course C32 Bodily Injury Claims beginning with the Winter 2023 session. The approach is scheduled to be rolled out to other CIP courses in batches beginning in Fall 2023.

Further information: Independent Study

 

The Ethics of...File Splitting

We want to hear from you. What is your response to our latest ethical dilemma?

Through hypothetical examples we are engaging our members in a discussion to explore some of the grey areas inherent in ethical situations. In the last issue of The Pace, we published a selection of responses to a scenario related to doing business in a small community.

In this issue, we present a new dilemma for your feedback. We would like to publish some of the most considered and thoughtful responses we receive from our graduate community to share with the broader membership in the next issue.

Here is our ethical scenario:

A diligent claims manager had read in recent industry news of a file splitting court decision against an insurer including bad faith allegations for fraud, estoppel and failing to provide consumer protection. In this recent case, the insurer had assigned only one adjuster to the file, with the responsibility for defending the insured’s claim from third parties, as well as settling the coverage claim on behalf of the insured.

Issues had occurred when only one adjuster had been assigned to the liability file. After considering the defense and coverage issues, the adjuster might fail to provide a full defense to the insured against the claim with the knowledge that the company could later deny coverage or ultimately deny the coverage. The use of one adjuster also allowed that adjuster access to confidential or privileged information which could be used to the insurer's advantage and the insured’s disadvantage.

The claims manager was also up to date on regulator activity around improved market conduct laws prohibiting unfair and deceptive practices. Guidelines such as Fair Treatment of Customers had been introduced to reinforce the responsibility of insurers in putting the interest of the customer first through actions such as avoiding or managing conflicts of interest and ensuring fair claims settlements.

With all of this information, the claims manager identified that at least two complex liability files her team was working on had the potential for conflict of interest. Her leader, however, was putting pressure to keep adjusting and legal costs low. The claims manager knew that the best way forward was to consider separating the files in those two instances, but she did not know how best to communicate with her leader.

What would you do in the claims manager’s shoes?

Scenario prepared by Heather Winters, FCIP, CIP Society Council Member

Tell what you would do. Email us your responses and we will publish them in a future issue of The Pace. We look forward to hearing from you!

Mind Your P&Cs Podcast – fresh new content

The Institute’s recently launched Mind Your P&Cs podcast series is quickly becoming the “go to” podcast for Canada’s p&c insurance industry. It’s made even more distinctive by the multi-faceted approach to story telling through the lenses of:

1) Industry executive leaders, who skillfully impart their thought leadership on emerging issues and key topics
2) Our student/graduate voices, as they share their unique and fascinating journey stories
3) Strategic career focused content, providing guidance through insurance career enhancement segments

In a recent addition to our Industry Executive Leadership Series, the IIC interviewed Greg Markell, FCIP and President & CEO of Ridge Canada Cyber Solutions. Listen in as Greg chats with us on the topic of cyber risk and cyber security. Greg shines a light on the shadowy world of cyber crime, while weaving in first-hand insights about what does and should happen; before, after, and even during an attack.

In another new addition to our Student/Graduate Voices Series, we chat with the charismatic young insurance professional Ansha Greene, CIP at Gallagher Insurance. Ansha shares her enthusiasm for her insurance career and education and shouts out her strong work and family supports. Listen in to hear Ansha’s favourite e-learning study hacks too.

There are no costs or barriers to access our high quality Mind Your P&Cs podcast content, and it can be accessed via our website, SoundCloud and Spotify.

Stay tuned to our social media channels for more exciting announcements, as we continue to add fresh new content, tailored specially for Canadian insurance professionals.

Fun Facts about insurance

Think insurance is boring? Think again. Check out these fun facts.

• Cold Feet or Change of Heart policies are specific policies that cover the financier of the wedding (but not the bride and/or groom). These policies usually cost about 1-1.5% of the cost of the event. One big stipulation is that the claim must be made 365 days before the wedding date. So, you would have to realize well in advance that this isn’t the soul mate for you.
• Daniel Craig insured his body for $7.7 million while filming his first appearance as 007 in the 2006 movie Casino Royale. For the 2008 sequel, Quantum of Solace, his body was insured for $9.5 million. Craig likes to do his own stunts, taking the view his fans are paying to see him.

CIP Society Corner

2022 National Leadership Award Recipients

The CIP Society National Leadership Award celebrates the work and achievements of our insurance leaders. Each year the Society receives award nominations from those working in the P&C community. Award recipients demonstrate professional success, commitment to continuing education, and a strong dedication to the communities in which they work and live.

“We are honoured to have them as part of our membership and will look forward to the opportunity to celebrate their successes with the industry,” said Rosalind Staples-Simpson, Chair of the Professionals’ Council.

Established Leader
Carol Jardine, FCIP, CRM, ICD.D
Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company

“Everything Carol does in leadership and communication is grounded in her belief that insurance is a noble profession that makes lives better,” writes Carol’s nominator. Carol is an industry thought leader, a respected mentor, and has made an impact on all those who have collaborated with her during her four-decade long career.

Emerging Leader
Renée-Léa Soucy, CIP
Co-Operators General Group of Companies

“[Renée-Léa is] able to help us achieve shared goals, collaborate with others, and demonstrate team spirit by putting the group's success before individual success.,” writes her nominator. Renée-Léa’s colleagues value her commitment to putting people at the forefront of all that she does; she leads with enthusiasm and kindness.

This year’s winners will be presented with a one-of-a-kind sculpture and inducted into the CIP Society Leadership Circle at upcoming convocations. Carol at the Insurance Institute of Manitoba convocation on November 9, 2022, and at the Insurance Institute of Ontario - GTA on February 1, 2022. Renée-Léa will be presented with her award at the Montreal convocation in March 2023.

Read more about the 2022 National Leadership Award Winners.

Notice Board

2022/23 IIC Board of Governors

Chair: * Jason Storah, BA (Hons) Economics (Aviva Canada)

Deputy Chair: * Valérie Lavoie, BASc (Desjardins)

Vice-Chair - Governor-at-Large: *James Russell, BMath, FCIA (TD Insurance)

Past Chair: * Heather Masterson, BA, BEd, FCIP (Travelers Canada)

Regional Vice Chairs:
*Lisa Desgagné, PAA (Northbridge Assurance) (Quebec)
*Joanne Hampson, FCIP (Retired) (Western Provinces)
*Dave Smiley, BSc, FCIP (Ecclesiastical Insurance) (Ontario)
*Helen O'Donnell, CIP, CRM (Retired) (Atlantic Provinces)

The chairs of the standing committees in 2022/2023 will be the following:

Executive Committee: *Valérie Lavoie, BASc (Desjardins)
Academic Division: *Paul Croft, BA, BSc, CIP, CRM, CCIB (Aon Canada)
Professionals’ Division: *Rosalind Staples-Simpson, BComm, FCIP (Intact Insurance)

*= Executive Committee member

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

Newfoundland and Labrador:
Denise Roche, ACIP, CRM, CAIB (Anthony Insurance Inc.)
Tina Rowntree, FCIP, CRM (Wedgewood Insurance)

Prince Edward Island:
Sarah Dawson, CIP (Travelers Canada)

Nova Scotia:
Joe Gariepy, CIP, CRM (Totten Group)
Kelly Leydon, FCIP (TD Insurance)

New Brunswick:
Richard Ravn, FCIP, CRM (Asurion)
Marie Clifford, FCIP (Aviva Canada)

Quebec:
Alex Stringer, FPAA, CRM (DPA Assurances)
Mathieu Gagnon, FPAA, CRM (Vézina Assurances Inc.)

Ontario:
Andrew Steen, CIP (Berkeley Canada)
Tracy Krunic, BBA, FCIP (Canada Brokerlink (Ontario) Inc.)
Dave Penstone, FCIP, CRM (Kent and Essex Mutual)
Alana Halapija, FCIP, CRM (Intact)
Victoria Hanson, BA, RVP, RRP, CVP, CRM, ACS, CIP (Crawford & Company (Canada)
Zack Tisdale, BMath, FCIP, AIDA (Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group)
Thomas Watson, CD, CIP (Guardsman Insurance Services)
Lisa Vercillo, CIP, CRM (Magenta Insurance Professionals Inc.)

Manitoba:
Jennifer Scott, CIP, CIM (Manitoba Public Insurance)
Morgan Mackenzie, BA, CIP, CAIB (Western Financial Group Insurance)

Saskatchewan
Debra Bachek, FCIP (SGI Canada)
Lori Madsen, CIP (CAA Insurance)

Southern Alberta:
Christa Cole, CIP (The Cooperators)
Darius Delon, MBA, FCIP, CRM, RIMS–CRMP (Risk Management 101)

Northern Alberta:
Ingrid Butler-Sieben, FCIP (Aviva Canada)
Shelora Lopez, CIP (The Cooperators)

British Columbia:
Debra Copeland, BA, FCIP (Intact Insurance)
Vicki Rowan, FCIP, CRM (Optimum West Insurance Co.)
Janine Marchi, BSc, LLB, CIP (ICBC)

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

Recognize the governors who represent you and let them know of any comments you may 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
Sobia Chaudry
Peak Products Manufacturing Inc. (British Columbia)
Sanja Darman
International Programs Group (IPG) (British Columbia)
Joyce Deduque (British Columbia)
Komal Deep Kaur Josan (British Columbia)
Yong Hee Brian Lee
Municipal Insurance Association of BC (British Columbia)
Kurt Russell
Intact Insurance Company (British Columbia)
Jordan Stickley
Intact Insurance Company (British Columbia)
Ivy Tam
Northbridge Commercial Insurance Corporation (British Columbia)
Kim Tran
Economical Insurance (British Columbia)
Chontelle Kristen Tuck
BFL CANADA (British Columbia)
Sarah Jean Verwey
Insurance Corporation of BC (British Columbia)

Manitoba
Daniella Lydia Garofoli
Manitoba Public Insurance (Manitoba)

Northern Alberta
Sarah Ashley Ainsley
Alberta Motor Association Insurance Agency Ltd (Northern Alberta)
Marisa Berezowski
Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc. (Northern Alberta)
Kevin Miske
MHK Insurance Inc. (Northern Alberta)

Ontario
Catherine Barnet (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)
Jennifer Begley
Victor Insurance (Ontario – Ottawa)
Apurav Bharti
Arthur J. Gallagher Canada Limited (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)
Joan Chau
Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Co. (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)
Simone de Souza Tavares
Aviva Canada Inc. (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)
Jesse Durkin
Brokerlink Inc. (Ontario – Conestoga Chapter)
Rayhanah Haffejee
Chubb Insurance Co. of Canada (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)
Natalie King
Algoma Mutual Insurance (Ontario – Cambrian Shield)
Anny Lamontagne
Intact Insurance Company (Ontario – Ottawa)
Kristyn Danielle Leeder
Intact Insurance Company (Ontario – Kawartha/Durham)
Michelle Lewis
Coachman Insurance Company (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)
Victoria Louise Josephine Lia
Aviva Canada Inc. (Ontario – Kawartha/Durham)
Sarah MacRae
Aviva Canada Inc. (Ontario – Hamilton/Niagara)
Sarah Jane Orford
Intact Insurance Company (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)
Mark Shlafshtein
Aviva Canada Inc. (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)
Rebecca Leanne Simpson
Intact Insurance Company (Ontario – Ottawa)
Jaswaran Singh
Brokerlink Inc. (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)
Deepak Singhal
Co-operators (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)
Shelly Vijan
RBC Insurance Agency Ltd (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)
Janice Zijlstra
Algoma Mutual Insurance (Ontario – Cambrian Shield)

Quebec
Stéphanie Beaupré
Co-operators (Quebec)
Karina Colagrosso
Aviva Canada Inc. (Quebec)
Roxanne Gagnon
Prysm assurances générales (Quebec)
Johanne Lussier
Intact Assurance (Quebec)
Geneviève Racine
Intact Assurance (Quebec)
Valérie Savary
Northbridge Assurance (Quebec)

Congratulations to these outstanding graduates.

Scholarships: lending a helping hand to students

The Institute manages three scholarship programs: the Lloyd King Scholarships, the John E. Lowes Insurance Education Fund, and the Toronto Insurance Conference Scholarships.

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 2022 award recipients are as follows:

John E. Lowes Scholarship
Michelle Baillie
Mohawk College
Joshua Lourenco Owen
Wilfrid Laurier University

Lloyd King Scholarship
Isabella Burry
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Kendra Whitten
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 on our website of the virtual 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.

Don’t forget to pay your membership dues

Many students are not aware that they must pay their annual local institute membership fees to obtain their final grades for most of our programs. Students with unpaid membership fees who go to our website for their grades or student records will find they have no access to them.

Graduates of our designation programs are also required to renew their memberships in order to maintain and use their designations. Graduates with unpaid membership fees may lose access to their benefits and services if their memberships are not renewed on time.

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 Profile” from the top menu and then “My Membership Information” from the left-hand menu. If your membership fee has been paid, you should see an expiry date of May 31, 2023 (or later). If your membership fee has not been paid, click “Purchase/Renew Membership” to renew your membership for the current year. If you are enrolled in a course or exam and you want to see your grades, click “Education,” followed by “My Courses.”

Don’t be disappointed—remember to renew your membership each year.

’Tis the season—Exam season, that is!

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

Starting with the July 2022 exam session (spring semester), students now have the option 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 1 through December 15. You should schedule your exam immediately after registration.

For more information about examinations, please visit our website.

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