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Insurers are universally recognized as key pillars of financial stability, but the dynamism of their influence is seldom acknowledged. With trillions of dollars in assets under their control and close ties to individual consumers and businesses, insurers hold immense, unrealized power—the potential to shape a better world. Western Financial Group is demonstrating what can be achieved when this potential is realized. Built on a foundation of community, innovation and purpose, it has cemented its position as Canada’s go-to insurance broker. With over a century of experience, it serves clients through more than 180 locations across the country. Its team of about 2,500 insurance professionals works with top insurance companies to deliver the right coverage at competitive rates. “We don’t just help businesses protect what they have built; we actively invest in the communities they operate in to reduce risk at its source and build long-term resilience,” says Grant Ostir, CEO. Through its Communities Foundation—a nonprofit initiative launched in 2001—it has made a lasting social impact. More than $9,000,000 has been contributed to community programs across Canada, including local initiatives, disaster relief and other key causes. This enduring commitment to social impact, combined with its innovative commercial insurance solutions, has earned Western Financial Group the trust of values-driven business leaders. Where Expertise Meets Personalization In the past, businesses had no choice but to accept a one-size-fits-all insurance policy. The approach was deemed convenient and efficient, but is now widely recognized as a corporate red flag. Such policies fail to account for the specific risks and objectives of individual businesses, leaving them either under-protected or paying for unnecessary coverage. Western Financial Group’s industry-specific expertise, spanning retail, hospitality, agriculture, commercial and residential realty and professional services, makes all the difference. It offers sector-focused programs tailored to the distinctive challenges of each market. These solutions provide targeted and cost-effective coverage by addressing risks businesses face on the ground. Beyond standard offerings, Western Financial Group provides exclusive in-house programs that offer one-of-a-kind coverage options. Its bespoke approach extends to risk management consulting, where experts work closely with businesses to identify potential threats and implement proactive strategies. A dedicated in-house claims department further streamlines the process, providing prompt and efficient support when it matters most. The ease and convenience of doing business with Western Financial Group is unmatched. Its suite of digital tools and platforms simplifies policy management, reporting and communication, making interactions seamless and efficient. Technology supports the work and boosts efficiency, but it’s the human connection that defines the company. Advisors embedded in communities across Canada bring local insight to deliver personalized service, ensuring every recommendation is informed, practical and relevant. A holistic approach to commercial insurance and coverage that matches the uniqueness of their enterprise empowers each business to thrive in an increasingly complex world. ... Read More
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Alex Stonkus, Senior Underwriting Manager, BCAA
Donna Carbell, EVP, Chief Strategy and Impact Officer, Equitable
Shari Starkey, Vice President, Claims, CorVel Corporation
Kevin Gallagher, Head of Operations, Credit and Insurance Asset Management, Bain Capital
Sebastian Ribbers, Senior Manager Vertical Strategy, Financial Services & Insurance, Adyen
Cecile Latimore, Director of Customer Experience and Advocacy, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
Canada’s commercial insurance brokers now act as strategic partners, offering tailored risk solutions, analytics, and proactive protection to support business resilience and national economic growth.
Commercial insurance brokers in Canada act as client advocates, simplifying complex risks, securing tailored coverage, and providing ongoing risk management to protect businesses and support their long-term success.
Shaping Canada’s Commercial Insurance Landscape
Brokers faced formidable challenges, including pricing pressures, regulatory scrutiny, and the dual demands of automation and human expertise. Yet the most successful firms responded with agility. They leveraged advanced analytics, AI-driven underwriting tools and data integration platforms to enhance client insight and response times, while doubling down on consultative service models that restored confidence amid uncertainty.
As 2026 approaches, commercial insurance intermediaries are charting a forward course focused on resilience and innovation. The coming year will test their ability to harness predictive data, strengthen ESG-aligned risk frameworks and deepen collaboration across insurers, reinsurers and clients. Those that continue blending digital agility with trusted guidance stand poised to define Canada’s next era of brokerage excellence.
In this edition, we feature some of the most influential figures in the market, including Roy Hock, Director of Risk Finance and Casualty Insurance at Valero Energy Corporation and Kimberly Clifford, Director of Claims Management at EMCOR Group, Inc. They share their insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping Canada’s commercial insurance brokerage landscape. We hope their insights help you make better and more datadriven business decisions.