The Pace

James Russell, President and CEO of TD Insurance and 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 a bit about yourself. How did you get your start in the insurance industry and how did you move your career forward?

My entire professional career has been in insurance. Before starting out in this industry, I went to school at the University of Waterloo where I studied Mathematics and Engineering. From there, I pursued an education in actuarial sciences, which of course, is integral to insurance.

I advanced my career by taking calculated risks, exploring different areas of the business, and working in different capacities within each role. Throughout my career, I've made it a point to learn as much as I could about other parts of the business, working at organizations that use both the broker and direct-to-consumer model. My experiences have given me a holistic perspective of the industry.

Reflecting on my career journey, I owe a lot of my success to the incredible peers and mentors around me. From peers who offered support and collaboration to my mentors who provided guidance and wisdom, each relationship has played a crucial role in shaping my path and moving my career forward.

Were there any key lessons learned along the way?

First, be an active listener. Listening is critical to fostering a work environment where everyone can thrive. When we actively listen to each other we demonstrate respect, creating a culture of openness and collaboration. It not only empowers teams to speak up, but it encourages diverse perspectives, innovation, and an inclusive workplace where people can bring their whole self to work.

Second, I've learned it's important to pay attention to what's happening in the industry, examine what your competitors are doing- or not doing, and try to anticipate what may be coming down the road. Staying ahead of trends will give you perspective to make strong educated decisions in your role.

And third, be adaptable. Insurance is influenced by various factors such as economic shifts, regulatory changes, emerging technologies and climate change. Adaptability is crucial to respond effectively to these factors. We can analyze data for better risk assessment and develop flexible products to meet evolving customer needs, but we can't predict the future. The best approach is to stay proactive so you can anticipate and adapt to change as it occurs.

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

Our industry is becoming more dependent on digital technology and finding better ways to connect with clients so that they can easily access our services. The ability to create state of the art, user-friendly digital tools that improve processes and make it easier for consumers will be the cornerstone for future success for any business.

For instance, how companies gather data, and find ways to create seamless experiences for clients, is another driver. The ways insurers use data will help create products that feel tailor-made and specific to each client's needs.

And finally, the increasing trend of severe weather events will continue to drive disruption in our industry. Insurers are taking more proactive measures to provide the best advice and products to clients who live in highly impacted areas.

How do people already in the industry grow their careers?

Growing your career in the insurance industry comes down to being intentional about how you want to manage your career. You should be open to learning as much as you can about the business as a whole and take on stretch-opportunities that will help you grow beyond your current skillset.

Our business thrives on collaboration; therefore, you should always look for opportunities to cross-collaborate on projects, which will provide networking opportunities to promote your personal brand.

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?

I believe professionals looking to start their careers in p&c should take the opportunity to reach out and connect with someone who has already built a career in insurance. Finding an established mentor who can guide you as you get started is a great way to accelerate your career and help you focus on areas that best suit what you're looking for.

Join an industry association. There are several associations devoted to people working in insurance. These organizations give professionals many opportunities to network and learn about what's happening in our industry.

Complete your Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) certification, especially if you plan on selling insurance or working in a capacity that requires you to advise clients. Having your CIP certification is an excellent way to learn more about the business, and industry, which will only help carry you further in your career.

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

Product innovation, using and analyzing data, and properly underwriting risks, all work together to successfully grow business. Through innovation customers have products available to them that best fit their lifestyle and needs, and in turn can help an insurer get ahead of trends in the market. The data that is gathered and analyzed informs insurers about how customers will use these products, and underwriting helps determine how to price the risks they're protecting against.

The market is constantly changing, and the ability of an insurer to balance these parts of the business will allow them to look at what's ahead and be prepared as circumstances change, or more importantly before circumstances change.

Usage Based Insurance is a great example of how these three components come together to grow a business and improve the customer experience. In creating this new product, insurers can gather and analyze detailed data from individual customers, which allows personalized insurance that rewards good driving behaviour through discounts on their premiums.

We are excited to feature two recipients of the CIP Society National Leadership Award in this edition of our newsletter. These outstanding individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication within the insurance industry.

In the following Q&A sessions, they share their insights, experiences, and advice for aspiring leaders, offering a unique glimpse into what it takes to excel in their roles. Join us in celebrating their achievements and learning from their journeys.

Established leader: Rohit Trivedi, FCIP, CSSC, CRM, CIM
Executive General Adjuster – Liability, Allianz Commercial

1. You are a recipient of the CIP Society’s National Leadership Award – congratulations! What does receiving this recognition mean to you?

I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this prestigious award. To me, it reinforces the importance of hard work, perseverance, leadership with integrity, innovation, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Furthermore, beyond leadership, it also recognizes empowering others, fostering collaboration, and driving meaningful change within the insurance industry.

It will inspire me to continue to strive for excellence, to mentor and support others in their professional journeys, and to uphold the highest standards of service and ethics. Being recognized by my peers and leaders in the insurance industry is daunting yet motivating. It energizes me to tackle future challenges, and to further the growth and progress of the insurance industry.

I see this award not just as a milestone but rather a call to continue to lead by example, to advocate for the industry’s advancement and to make a lasting difference.

2. What do you believe are the most important qualities of a leader? In other words, as a mentor what would you like to foster in those following in your footsteps.

The most important qualities of a leader are integrity, empathy, vision, and the ability to inspire and develop others. Integrity forms the foundation – a leader must be honest, ethical, and consistent in actions and decisions since that builds trust within the team.

Empathy allows a leader to connect with others on a personal level, to understand their needs and to support them through challenges. This fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty. Vision is critical in guiding a team toward shared goals, and in motivating people to strive towards a collective purpose. Leaders do not shy away from hiring people who are better/smarter than they are.

I strive to instill these qualities in my mentees: a mindset of continuous learning and self-improvement, open communication, accountability, and resilience. Empowering others to think critically, to embrace challenges, and take initiative, fosters future innovators and leaders.

3. How has the CIP/FCIP designation helped you in your professional life?

The CIP/FCIP designation has significantly impacted my career by enhancing my knowledge, skills, and credibility within the industry. I have two fellowship majors which have provided me with a deeper understanding of complex insurance concepts, advanced risk management strategies, and evolving industry trends. This knowledge has enabled more effective decision-making, leading to greater business value.

This education has not only broadened my technical expertise but also improved my problem-solving and critical thinking skills. These skills have enabled me to address challenges effectively and to develop comprehensive solutions. The CIP/FCIP designation has strengthened my professional network with industry experts and peers. The commitment to earning the designation has also demonstrated to colleagues and business partners my dedication to continuous learning and professional excellence. It has empowered me to grow as a leader, reinforced my passion for the industry and motivated me to uphold the highest standards of integrity and expertise.

4. What message do you have for anyone in the industry considering getting their CIP/FCIP?

For anyone considering earning their professional designation in the insurance industry, I encourage you wholeheartedly. This designation is more than just a credential; it is an investment in your future. It will equip you with specialized knowledge, sharpen your technical knowledge, and enhance your ability to navigate the complexities of the industry. Gaining a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of insurance will not only make you more effective in your role but will also elevate your confidence when making decisions and advising business partners.

The journey toward achieving a professional designation builds discipline, commitment, and a mindset of continuous learning. These are essential for long-term success. It also opens doors to networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers, thus allowing you to expand your professional circle, exchange ideas and learn from the experiences of others. This community will support your growth and help you stay ahead of emerging trends.

Emerging leader: Emily Gray, CIP
Claims Manager, Peace Hills Insurance

1. You are a recipient of the CIP Society’s National Leadership Award – congratulations! What does receiving this recognition mean to you?

Receiving the CIP Society’s National Leadership Award is a tremendous honour and a significant milestone in my career. It symbolizes not just my personal achievements, but also the collective efforts of my team and mentors who have inspired and guided me. This recognition motivates me to continue striving for excellence and to contribute positively to the insurance industry. It reinforces my belief in the importance of leadership that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, empathy and integrity.

2. What do you believe are the most important qualities of a leader? In other words, as a mentor what would you like to foster in those following in your footsteps.

The most important qualities of a leader include empathy, vision, and adaptability. Empathy fosters trust and collaboration, allowing teams to thrive. A clear vision provides direction and inspires others to work towards common goals. Adaptability is crucial in an ever-changing industry; leaders must navigate challenges while remaining open to new ideas and approaches. As a mentor, I aim to cultivate these qualities in those who follow me, encouraging them to develop their unique leadership styles and make impactful contributions.

3. How has the CIP designation helped you in your professional life?

The CIP designation has been invaluable in my professional journey. It has provided me with a robust foundation of knowledge and skills critical for navigating the complexities of the insurance industry. This education has not only enhanced my technical expertise but also sharpened my strategic thinking and leadership capabilities. The networking opportunities and connections made through the CIP Society have also been instrumental in my career growth, allowing me to collaborate with other professionals and share insights that drive innovation.

4. What message do you have for anyone in the industry considering getting their CIP?

I encourage anyone in the industry considering the CIP designation to take that step. The commitment to ongoing education is essential in our fast-evolving field, and these designations provide a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and trends. Beyond the knowledge gained, you’ll find a supportive community of professionals passionate about advancing the industry. Investing in your education through the Insurance Institute of Canada will enhance your career prospects and empower you to make a meaningful impact in your organization and the broader industry.

In a bid to attract new industry talent, phase one of our multi-year, national, bilingual, multi-media, insurance career rebranding campaign has broken barriers. Running from January to May 2024, phase one surpassed all performance metrics building strong awareness and positive sentiment for the industry amongst career seekers.

Designed to awaken new audiences to the concept of dynamic p&c careers, while changing outdated perceptions, the campaign showcases insurance as a career of choice, meeting audiences with messaging where they live, work and play.

A task force summit group held with industry partners identified a need for myth-busting to reset long outdated perceptions of insurance careers. “This industry inherently commands a front row seat to drive the key issues of the day, while setting the pace in areas such as tech, AI, climate change, and it offers a vast selection of premium careers,” said Peter Hohman, MBA, FCIP, ICD.D, President, and CEO of the Institute.

Our own industry benchmarking demographic research, released last year, identified the predominant generation in the workforce to be those aged 35-44 at 31% of the workforce, with those aged 18-34 at 24%. With the Millennial and Gen Z cohort comprising such a large share of the industry’s workforce, this clearly dispels outdated myths about who is choosing p&c careers.

“We no longer want new entrants to fall into these life changing careers, we want them to make a purposeful choice to join this dynamic industry, where they will be welcomed and make a meaningful difference,” Hohman said.

Targeting career changers, new graduates and newcomers to Canada, phase one leveraged paid digital channels including LinkedIn, Meta, Instagram, TikTok Influencers, programmatic, retargeting and podcasting platforms. An extensive out-of-home network of high-resolution digital ad placements complemented the digital efforts with broadened reach. A special micro-site was created to engage interested audiences beyond the first encounter and a Toolkit for industry partners has been created to support industry amplification of the message.

Phase two planning for 2025 is underway. It will feature an array of digital and out-of-home campaign tactics, while amping up social media influencer contributions and adding new search engine marketing campaign elements, to deliver impressions comparable to 2024 plan.

Help us to take our industry’s narrative back! Join us in proudly supporting this industry milestone by liking, sharing, or commenting on our digital ads or social media posts when you see them. #PurposeMeetsPassion

Property and casualty insurance has a multitude of career opportunities in a variety of settings. And in connecting with insurance professionals, you soon discover that there are almost as many routes through the industry as there are people who work in it.

Continuing our series on the many roles available in the industry we recently chatted with Fatir Siddiqui, a Senior Actuarial Analyst at Zurich Canada.

Getting started

In high school I knew I liked math, statistics, and business, but I didn’t know which careers combined all three of these topics. Through a family friend, I heard about the actuarial profession and after doing further research, I knew this was a rewarding career that piqued my interest.

However, upon entering university and studying actuarial science, I still wasn’t fully clear about what an actuary does. There were various questions in my mind. What are actuarial exams? Do I have to choose to be either a life insurance actuary or a property & casualty actuary? Is being an introvert a requirement to being an actuary? Luckily, through university courses and p&c co-op roles, I was able to address all of my questions, and no – being an introvert is not a requirement!

What interested me about p&c insurance is that it’s dynamic and evolving. With so many changes impacting p&c insurance, such as COVID-19, inflation, usage-based insurance to name a few, I firmly believe my expertise matters and I’ll always have the ability to learn new things.

My Role

In my role as a Senior Actuarial Analyst, I support underwriters and other stakeholders by providing pricing for commercial accounts across Canada. Each program varies greatly; thus, I help our leaders to tailor coverages to meet the clients’ needs.

My work is driven by the projects and programs that I’m working on. If I’m working on pricing an account, my typical day is filled with various actuarial analyses as well as communicating with other actuaries, underwriters, and clients. While actuaries are sometimes seen to be “number-crunchers”, a significant portion of my work is also related to relaying and communicating the results of my analyses to other stakeholders.

Generally, the end goal of my work is to put a price tag on an insurance product based upon expected loss, expenses, and reasonable profit. However, insurance pricing isn’t an algorithm and there are many aspects that must be considered. This is where communicating with other stakeholders comes into play. As a result, one work week may look vastly different than the previous week.

As a p&c actuary, there are numerous specialities one can choose such as pricing, reserving, regulation, and analytics to name a few. Working in Commercial Lines Programs Pricing means that I specialize in national large commercial risks. My role is unique as I don’t always have the breadth of data that a Personal Lines Pricing Actuary may have, but this provides me the opportunity to use my actuarial and communication skills to support my analyses.

Advice for young professionals

The most important way to learn about what being an actuary entails is through the actuarial exams. To become a fully qualified p&c actuary, you must successfully pass approximately 10 exams and a handful of modules/additional courses. These exams are offered by the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) typically two times a year and the topics of each exam vary greatly, including statistics, pricing, reserving, and even insurance regulation. Through these exams, I was able to prepare for my role as an actuary.

For undergraduate students, I strongly recommend that you begin writing actuarial exams while in university and apply for co-op roles to see which areas of p&c insurance you enjoy. Through the examination process, there can, and will be, many ups and downs. Failing an actuarial exam is common and, in fact, many of the smartest actuaries I look up to have also failed exams. However, what’s important to remember is that these exams are inherently difficult, and it’s not uncommon for an exam to have a 30% pass rate. This was a comforting thought when I failed my first actuarial exam since I knew I wasn’t the only person who failed. Overall, the exam process can be daunting, however, knowing that failure is part of the process and that there are many others in the same boat as myself made it easier to overcome this challenge.

For those starting their first actuarial roles, it’s important to get exposed to manipulating data, conducting different types of analyses, and getting comfortable with discussing actuarial analyses with non-technical audiences. The key is to figure out how you as an actuary can add value for other stakeholders.

Students will have the option of choosing C25 - Data in Insurance as one of their CIP electives in Spring 2025. The new course emerged as part of several key outcomes from the CIP Program Review, an extensive industry research and consultation process that leveraged feedback from thousands of stakeholders across the p&c industry landscape.

Insurance companies have always relied on data to spread risk and remain profitable. With the volume of available data increasing and more advanced analytical models to utilize that information, data is becoming an ever more powerful tool for the industry.

C25 will serve as an introduction to the uses of data in insurance. It will examine how insurers increasingly rely on data to transform processes such as customer service and sales, underwriting and rating, claims, risk management, and fraud detection and prevention.

Students who complete the course will be able to:

• Describe common ways data is used within property and casualty insurance.
• Outline data analysis fundamentals, including best practices for collecting and using data, the role of algorithms, and common types of analysis.
• Differentiate between artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning.
• Identify potential ethical considerations for digitized insurance.

The Institute’s Director of Academic Programs and Product Development, John Stathakos says: “We are excited about the upcoming release of C25. The course was created with the help and expertise of many subject matter experts from the p&c industry such as data analysts and scientists, actuarial and business intelligence leaders, and those in front-line and/or leadership roles. Their expertise was key in helping the Programs team to develop a cutting-edge course that will provide learners with knowledge of best practices and innovative approaches for how to use data. These skills will help to mitigate the frequency and severity of risk, identify efficiencies of scale, and analyze the efficacy of big data models to support solutions for emerging industry challenges such as Nat Cats. This knowledge can be applied to a variety of functional and organizational roles.”

The value of C25 is broad and thus the target audience is not limited to insurance professionals in data or technical roles, but rather designed for people engaged in all aspects of the insurance industry.

The course will be rolled out over the coming months. Early-bird registration for Independent Study will open in December 2024. Registration for instructor-led classes will open in January 2025 and actual classes will commence in April 2025.

If you have new team members to bring up-to-speed or are shifting to a new area within p&c, our new Accelerated Competence Series could be just the boost you or your team needs.

Designed as a quick and flexible learning option, these five self-paced online modules can serve as a knowledge refresher at any stage of an insurance career but are especially helpful for new hires with little prior knowledge of insurance.

Each module consists of short learning videos with an AI-generated virtual instructor, plus short, auto-graded assessments that provide feedback. Collectively, the bite-sized videos add up to about an hour or two of content per module.

There are five modules, with four purchasing options:

• Onboarding Competence – available free of charge, this module is relevant for all new hires, whether they will be in an insurance professional role (agent/broker, underwriter, adjuster) or a non-insurance role (human resources, marketing, information technology, data scientist, etc.).
• Core Competence Bundle – sold as a bundle of three modules: Claims Adjusters, Underwriters, Brokers. These products provide content to support all three of these key insurance roles and team members can benefit the organization and their careers by learning about each other’s roles.
• Commercial Competence for Brokers and Underwriters – available for purchase on its own, this product is designed to support those who are new to a role as a commercial broker or commercial underwriter.

The Accelerated Competence Series five module bundle can also be purchased as a whole, offering the best pricing option on this already exceptionally priced value.

Access lasts for six months from date of purchase, and users can view the content as often as they wish during that period. Modules can also be completed in any order. They offer flexibility and can be done in one session or spread across several shorter sessions. They can be incorporated into existing onboarding programs or used separately.

This offering is part of the Insurance Institute’s talent gap initiative, a multi-year effort to support and attract new recruits to Canada’s p&c industry.

Further details here:
www.insuranceinstitute.ca/en/Programs/AcceleratedCompetenceSeries 

Exam season is here and having a study plan can increase your chances of success.

What to study

1. Focus on Learning Objectives: Review the learning objectives for each study session. They’re essential for understanding the exam material, as questions are based on them.
2. Utilize study aids: Take advantage of practice questions and online resources to reinforce your knowledge.
3. Learning Objectives: Aim to have a good general understanding of the material in all the studies and the learning objectives. The national exam will include questions from each study; refer to the course-specific blueprint to help you focus your study.

When to study

1. Create a study plan: List what you need to study in order of priority and stick to it. Commit to completing each session without interruptions.
2. Pace yourself: Allocate enough time for each topic and start studying well in advance. Reserve the last week for review to solidify your understanding.
3. Make use of spare moments: Use downtime such as lunch breaks or commuting to review study materials.

How to study

1. Make your own notes: Summarize the material in your own words. This personalization can help reinforce your understanding and link concepts to study objectives.
2. Explore all resources: Use textbooks and online tools to deepen your grasp of the content. The more varied your sources, the better your retention.
3. Create your own questions: Formulate questions based on the objectives. This practice encourages deeper engagement with the material.
4. Aim for understanding: Many exam questions assess comprehension rather than rote memorization. Focus on grasping concepts rather than just memorizing terms.

Writing your exam

1. Time management: Start with the easier questions to build confidence and free up time for tougher ones.
2. Prioritize quality over quantity: Where written responses are required, use concise, point-form answers. Pay attention to the marks for each question to gauge how much detail to include.
3. Demonstrate your understanding: When written responses are required, answer using key concepts, terms, and definitions to demonstrate your understanding of the question asked. If the question is providing a scenario, make sure your answer is applicable to the scenario. Answer the question to the best of your ability using our own words.

New Chair of the National CIP Society Council

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Renée-Léa Soucy as the new Chair of the National CIP Society Council. Renée-Léa brings a wealth of experience and passion for the insurance industry to this leadership role. We are also excited to welcome three new members who joined the Council in 2024: Alexandra Spence, Mary Iannone, and Brynn Tucker. Each of these accomplished professionals brings valuable perspectives and expertise to help guide the CIP Society forward. Please join us in congratulating them on their new roles!

2024 Rhind Bursary recipient

We are thrilled to announce that Ziyue (Cindy) Wu has been awarded the 2024 Rhind Bursary, making this her second consecutive year as the recipient. This prestigious award recognizes Cindy's dedication to professional development and her outstanding contributions to the insurance industry. Congratulations, Ziyue (Cindy) Wu.

2024/25 IIC Board of Governors

Chair: *James Russell, BMath, FCIA (TD Insurance)

Deputy Chair: *Stéphane Lespérance, CRM (Aon Canada)

Vice-Chair Membership-at-Large: * Nick Creatura, CPA, CA (CNA Canada, Continental Casualty Co.)

Immediate Past Chair: * Valérie Lavoie, BASc (Desjardins General Insurance Group)

Regional Vice Chairs:
* Kerry McLaughlin, CIP, CRM, ACS (Western Provinces)
* Tracy Krunic, BBA, FCIP (Ontario)
* Alex Stringer, FPAA, CRM (Quebec)
* Tricia Hashie, FCIP (Atlantic Provinces)

The chairs of the standing committees in 2024/2025 will be the following:

Executive Committee: * Stéphane Lespérance, CRM

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:
Tina Rowntree, FCIP, CRM
Thea Baird, CIP, CAIB

from Prince Edward Island:
Karen Bernard, CIP

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

from New Brunswick:
Marie Clifford, FCIP
Alison Brown, CIP

from Quebec:
Mathieu Gagnon, FPAA, CRM, FCIP
Josée Roy, PAA

from Ontario:
Melanie Muise, BScMath, MBA, FCIP
Greg Smith, MBA, FCIP, CRM
Sandra Cameron, CIP
Jordan Bilkas, MBA, CIP
Jennifer L. Hamu, BSoc, CIP, CRM
Raymond Rowe, CIP, CRM
Cathy Laurin, BComm, FCIP
Steven Moro, FCIP

from Manitoba:
Morgan Mackenzie, BA, CIP, CAIB
Mitchell Gusway, CIP, CRM

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

from Southern Alberta:
Darius Delon, MBA, FCIP, CRM
Anthony Lim, BA, FCIP, CRM

from Northern Alberta:
Shelora Lopez, ACIP
Nicholas Fonseca, CIP, MBA, CTAJ

from British Columbia:
Vicki Rowan, FCIP, CRM
Cam Mitchell, BA, CIP
Heather Anderson, CIP, CAIB, CRM

Your Board of Governors is comprised of members from all provinces and industry sectors, demonstrating highly representative governance.

Active membership is encouraged. Identify the governor who represents you and let them know of any comments you may have about the Institute’s programs.

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

Stephanie Lynne Fitness
Insurance Corporation of BC (British Columbia)

Nicholas Alexander LeBlanc
Intact Insurance Company (British Columbia)

Kamil Tugrul (British Columbia)

Nova Scotia

Erin Casey Tucker
Agile Underwriting Solutions (Nova Scotia)

Ontario

Michael Stuart Banks (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)

Rily Byrne
Definity Financial (Ontario – Conestoga)

Paul D. Côté
Co-operators (Ontario – Conestoga)

Miki Hoshina (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)

Kamaldeep Kaur
Marsh Canada Ltd. (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)

Sarah Klatt
Heartland Farm Mutual Inc. (Ontario – Conestoga)

Kathleen Kresky
Gore Mutual Insurance Co. (Ontario – Conestoga)

Tarun Kumar
Allstate Insurance Co of Canada (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)

Denny Manoj Mathew
Brokerlink Inc. (Ontario – Hamilton/Niagara)

Asif Neaz
Arthur J. Gallagher Canada Limited (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)

Sathyanarayan Parthasarathy
CAA Insurance Company (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)

Tejaswini Phatak
Sedgwick (Ontario – Conestoga)

Robert Pluto
Desjardins General Insurance Group (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)

Shauna Poston
Palladium Insurance Group (Ontario – Ottawa)

Ruvani Kanchana Ranawake
Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Co. (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)

Sam Shafiee - (Ontario – Hamilton/Niagara)

Vinita Tanwar
Allstate Insurance Co of Canada (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)

Thi My Nhung Lisa Truong
Definity Financial (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)

Mary Wu
Desjardins General Insurance Group (Ontario – Greater Toronto Area)

Quebec

Mélanie Athénion
Aviva Compagnie d'Assurance Générale (Quebec)

Nadia Lapierre
Lemieux Assurances (Quebec)

Valérie Pelletier
St-Hyacinthe (Quebec)

Saskatchewan

Huiying Shi
SGI Canada (Saskatchewan)

Southern Alberta

Chantel Louise Eretta Gaslard
Intact Insurance Company (Southern Alberta)

Jill Hacker
Allstate Insurance Co of Canada (Southern Alberta)

Kristen Neuhaus
Intact Insurance Company (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 2024 award recipients are as follows:

John E. Lowes Scholarship

Campbell Schnurr
Wilfrid Laurier University

Alexis Szalai
Mohawk College

Patricia Allado
Mohawk College

Lloyd King Scholarship

Logan Crews
Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners!

Convocation ceremonies

Our graduates have worked long and hard for their designations and deserve our full recognition. Convocation ceremonies are underway and being planned by your local institutes and chapters. Mark your calendar to take part in the 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, 2025 (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

Students have the option to write their exams through virtual proctoring, or in person at one of the Institute’s examination centres.

Always schedule your exam immediately after registering for your course(s). Upon exam 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.

Virtual proctoring involves 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 at a select few additional third-party centres. Select your exam centre when you book your exam. Book early if you wish to write your exam in-person as capacity at these centres is limited.

Three hours is allowed for CIP subjects, and two hours for GIE subjects.

Examinations in either format will be offered December 2 through December 13.

For more information about examinations, please visit our website.

Good luck!