The 2024 Insurance Business Canada Awards

Celebrating excellence in the insurance industry

This year’s winners on the importance of giving back and never giving up

The 2024 Insurance Business Canada Awards was a truly memorable celebration, uniting the industry’s top performers to honour outstanding achievements – from exceptional MGAs and brokerages to individual accolades recognizing both rising stars and seasoned professionals.

In addition to celebrating professional achievements, the Insurance Business Canada Awards also shine a spotlight on those who use their success to make a difference.

Among the evening’s highlights was the CNA Canada Award for Excellence in Philanthropy & Community Service, awarded to Northbridge Financial Corporation. Anchored in the ethos of “doing good by doing well,” the firm was awarded for its impressive commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Anchal Kumar, director, employee communications and corporate social responsibility at Northbridge, shared, “We believe our commitment to corporate social responsibility not only helps our communities but also makes us a better organization.”

“By giving back, we aim to make a positive impact that goes beyond our business and supports the causes and communities that matter to our people,” Kumar continued.

The company’s Northbridge Cares program pledged 2 percent of pre-tax profits to transformative causes, contributing $8.4 million in 2023 alone to initiatives spanning social, well-being, educational, and environmental sectors.

CNA Insurance Canada, the proud sponsor of the award, expressed its admiration for this year’s exceptional nominees. Erin Gattoni, senior vice president of human resources and operations, remarked: “The dedication shown by each of the nominees in this category has been above and beyond. We’re very proud to support Insurance Business Canada and this award.”

Resilience and determination were also important themes among the evening’s winners, exemplified by Harnoor Uppal of Amour Insurance Brokers, who received the PAL Insurance Brokers Award for Young Achiever of the Year. Starting her career in 2021, Uppal’s rapid ascent reflects her commitment to excellence. “For all the youth out there, insurance can be a very rewarding career. Once you start, don’t look back – just keep pushing through, and you’ll make it one day,” she advised.

This spirit of perseverance is also evident in the success of brothers CJ and Adam Nolan of Munn Insurance. Winning The Travelers Canada Award for Brokerage of the Year (10–100 staff) for the third time, their journey is a prime example of how persistence and reinvention can lead to remarkable achievement.

Reflecting on their legacy, the brothers shared, “Our company has been in business since 1904. From humble beginnings in a small town in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to being recognized as the best brokerage in the country, it’s taken countless steps to get here.

“We basically took a 100-year-old company and reinvented ourselves to be progressive and challenge how we do business. This award is a testament to our success,” they continued.

For Tyson Peel, vice president at Burns & Wilcox and sponsor of this year’s Big Brokerage of the Year Award (100 staff or more), the Insurance Business Canada Awards provide a special opportunity to celebrate the hard work and unique journeys of top industry professionals. Capturing the spirit of the evening, he said, “We must recognize success. If we don’t, what are we doing this for? We all strive to be the best at what we do, and nights like this celebrate that.”

Key Media would like to extend a special thank you to all of this year’s award sponsors including Allianz Global Assistance, Armour Insurance Brokers, Burns & Wilcox, Cansure, CNA, First Insurance Funding of Canada, PAL Insurance Brokers, Premier, ServiceMaster Restore, Steamatic Canada, and Travelers. A special thank you as well to our champagne sponsor, Specialty Program Group Canada, to our photo booth sponsor, Verisk, and to our social media sponsor, Royal Claims Services.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to our media partners for their invaluable support in helping us bring this event to life.

Congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 Insurance Business Canada Awards!

A word from the editor
What a year it’s been for the Canadian insurance industry.

It hasn’t been without its challenges. From navigating fluctuating market conditions and shifting regulations to managing the ongoing impact of global events, the path hasn’t always been clear. Yet, through it all, you’ve continued to serve your clients with unwavering dedication and resilience. The daily efforts to safeguard communities, protect businesses, and offer peace of mind in a world of uncertainty are no small feats – and this year has proven that more than ever.

Despite the hurdles, we’ve witnessed incredible adaptability and innovation. From brokers to underwriters, claims adjusters to insurers, the industry has shown time and time again that it’s capable of rising to the occasion. Challenges push us to think differently, to evolve faster, and to deliver even more value. This adaptability has allowed the industry to not only weather the storm but to emerge stronger.

As we look to the future, there’s a renewed sense of optimism. The challenges of yesterday are giving way to new opportunities, and the path ahead is full of promise. The 2024 Insurance Business Canada Awards recognized those who’ve paved the way, who’ve embraced change, and who’ve led with vision and integrity.

So let this be a moment of reflection – on your achievements, your growth, and the future you’re helping to shape. The work you do goes beyond policies and premiums; it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of Canadians.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. You’ve earned this moment, and now, let’s celebrate the difference you’ve made.
Paul Lucas
Global Managing Editor – Insurance Business
Event highlights
 

 

 

The 2024 Insurance Business Canada Awards

 

FEATURED AWARDEES

AWARD CATEGORIES
Winners and Excellence Awardees

BEST INSURTECH FIRM


WINNER

  • BOXX Insurance


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • APOLLO Insurance
  • Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc.
  • EcoClaim
  • FIRST Insurance Funding of Canada
  • Goose Digital
  • Opta/Verisk (Lightspeed Commercial)
  • Primaco
  • Rival Insurance Technology Inc.
  • Trufla
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER OF THE YEAR


WINNER

  • Jordan Aravena
    FIRST Insurance Funding of Canada


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Christine Young
    The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of British Columbia
  • Darren D’Aguilar
    HSB Canada
  • Jason Court
    Travelers Canada
  • Kiarash Soltani
    Special Risk Insurance Managers (SRIM)
  • Marius Van Reede
    Trinity Underwriting
  • Sam Capone
    South Western Insurance Group Limited
  • Samantha Dhaliwal
    Ecclesiastical Insurance PLC
  • Sharon Sharma
    CAA Insurance
  • Tracey Paish
    April Canada
THE ARMOUR-SONIC INSURANCE BROKERS AWARD FOR CEO OF THE YEAR


WINNER

  • Stuart Bruce
    FIRST Insurance Funding of Canada


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Brett Graham
    Agile Underwriting Solutions Inc.
  • Cameron Copeland
    Specialty Program Group Canada
  • CJ Nolan
    Munn Insurance
  • Colette Taylor
    Sovereign Insurance
  • Kenny Nicholls
    Western Financial Group
  • Lisa Giannone
    BFL Canada
  • Rob Marsh
    Liberty Mutual Canada
  • Valérie Lavoie
    Desjardins Group
EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION


WINNER

  • RAISE Underwriting


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • BMO Insurance
  • CNA Canada
  • Intact Public Entities
  • Liberty Mutual Canada
  • Medavie
  • PROLINK Insurance Inc.
  • Specialty Program Group Canada
  • The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of British Columbia
  • Travelers Canada
  • Zurich Canada
LIFE & HEALTH INSURER OF THE YEAR


WINNER

  • Medavie


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Canada Life
  • Desjardins Group
  • Manulife
MGA OF THE YEAR


WINNER

  • Cansure


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • ABEX Affiliated Brokers Exchange Inc.
  • Agile Underwriting Solutions Inc.
  • BOXX Insurance
  • Burns & Wilcox Canada
  • CHES Special Risk
  • PAL Insurance Brokers Canada
  • PREMIER
  • Special Risk Insurance Managers (SRIM)
  • Totten Insurance Group
  • Victor Insurance Managers Inc. (Victor Canada)
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AWARD


WINNER

  • Travelers Canada


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • APOLLO Insurance
  • APRIL Marine
  • Assumption Life
  • Intact Public Entities
  • Medavie
  • Northbridge Insurance
  • Red River Mutual
  • Stanley Mutual
P&C INSURER OF THE YEAR


WINNER

  • CNA Canada


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Aviva Canada
  • Definity Insurance
  • Ecclesiastical Insurance PLC
  • Intact Specialty Insurance
  • Northbridge Insurance
  • Red River Mutual
  • Sovereign Insurance
  • The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of British Columbia
  • Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company
THE ALLIANZ GLOBAL ASSISTANCE AWARD FOR DIGITAL INNOVATION IN A BROKERAGE


WINNER

  • Billyard Insurance Group


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Boardwalk Insurance
  • Fuse Insurance Ltd.
  • InsureLine Brokers Empire
  • Munn Insurance
  • OVC Insurance
  • Sharp Insurance
  • Surex
  • Western Financial Group
THE BURNS & WILCOX CANADA AWARD FOR BIG BROKERAGE OF THE YEAR (100 STAFF OR MORE)


WINNERS

  • Axis Insurance Managers Inc.


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Brokers Trust Insurance
  • Greatway Financial Inc.
  • InsureLine
  • Orbit Insurance Services
  • OTIP
  • Surex
  • Westland Insurance
  • Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services Inc.
  • Youngs Insurance Brokers Inc.
THE CANSURE AWARD FOR INSURANCE BROKER OF THE YEAR


WINNER

  • Aneeza Ahmad
    KASE Insurance Inc.


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Denis Landry
    Wilson Insurance Ltd.
  • James Clay
    J.T. Insurance Services (Canada), Inc.
  • Karim Chandani
    Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services Inc.
  • Nikki Keith
    Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services Inc.
  • Pauly Thoppilan
    Prairie Centre Insurance
  • Rose Freeman
    Willow Insurance Corp.
  • Sheri Clay
    J.T. Insurance Services (Canada), Inc.
  • Tara Khodaparast
    Connect Insurance
  • Terence D. Cairns
    Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services (Alberta) Inc.
THE CNA CANADA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PHILANTROPHY & COMMUNITY SERVICE


WINNER

  • Northbridge Financial Corporation


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • APRIL Marine
  • Assumption Life
  • Brokers Trust Insurance
  • Desjardins Group
  • Ecclesiastical Insurance PLC
  • Greatway Financial Inc.
  • Munn Insurance
  • Red River Mutual
  • Saskatchewan Blue Cross
  • Specialty Program Group Canada
  • Zurich Canada
THE FIRST INSURANCE FUNDING OF CANADA AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY


WINNER

  • Lynn Oldfield
    AIG Canada
THE PAL INSURANCE BROKERS AWARD FOR YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR


WINNER

  • Harnoor Uppal
    Armour Insurance Brokers Ltd.


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Catherine Sinclair
    Sharp Insurance
  • Hans Choi
    Cansure
  • Joe DiGravino
    Lyon & Butler Insurance Brokers Ltd / Navacord
  • John Zonio
    ZAG Insurance (A Division of Oracle RMS)
  • Matthew Calvin
    PROLINK Insurance Inc.
  • Rhys Doiron
    Youngs Insurance Brokers Inc.
  • Rob McLeod
    Axis Insurance Managers Inc.
  • Sarah Bacon
    Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services (Alberta) Inc.
  • Zac Isfjord
    Western Financial Group
THE PREMIER AWARD FOR BROKERAGE OF THE YEAR (FEWER THAN 10 STAFF)


WINNER

  • We Talk Insurance


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Atlas York Insurance
  • ELCO Insurance
  • Fuse Insurance Ltd.
  • InsureLine Brokers (Premier)
  • SN Insurance Brokers Inc.
THE SERVICEMASTER RESTORE AWARD FOR BEST CLAIMS MANAGEMENT FIRM


WINNER

  • Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc.


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • DSB Claims
  • Royal Claims Services
  • Specialty Claims Canada
  • Sedgwick
THE STEAMATIC CANADA AWARD FOR WOMAN OF DISTINCTION


WINNER

  • Heather Matthews
    Crawford & Company (Canada) Inc.


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Andrea Falcioni-Drew
    PROLINK Insurance Inc.
  • Anna McCrindell
    Wawanesa Insurance
  • Carole Bissett
    Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services (Victoria) Inc.
  • Carrie Bernardo
    We Talk Insurance
  • Gillian Noble
    BMO Insurance
  • Jurenda Landry
  • Kadey B.J. Schultz
    Schultz Law Group LLP
  • Katherine Gauthier
    Intact Insurance
  • Sindy Houle
    FRISS
  • Sonia Kundi
    Zurich Canada
  • Taryn Vaughan
    Special Risk Insurance Managers (SRIM)
THE TRAVELERS CANADA AWARD FOR BROKERAGE OF THE YEAR (10–100 STAFF)


WINNER

  • Munn Insurance


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Begin Insurance
  • BMS Canada Risk Services Ltd. (BMS)
  • KASE Insurance Inc.
  • Leibel Insurance Group
  • Prairie Centre Insurance
  • RH Insurance
  • SCU Insurance Services Ltd., a Vancity company
  • Sharp Insurance
  • Strong Roots Insurance Brokers Ltd.
  • Summit Commercial Insurance Solutions
  • Wylie-Crump
UNDERWRITER OF THE YEAR


WINNER

  • Moya Campbell
    HSB Canada


EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Anja Duess
    Allianz Commercial
  • Atef Shah
    Burns & Wilcox Canada
  • Cody Mahood
    Wynward Insurance Group
  • Fabian Rojas
    Unica Insurance
  • Gabriel Morneau
    CHES Special Risk
  • Julie Thompson
    Peace Hills Insurance
  • Megan Peters
    Sovereign Insurance
  • Regen Chan
    RAISE Underwriting
  • Stacy Goddard
    Agile Underwriting Solutions Inc.
  • Stephanie Banning
    BOXX Insurance
  • Teri Bourne
    Wawanesa Insurance

Methodology

Stage 1 – Nominations

The call for nominations was open to all insurance professionals and organizations – brokers, brokerages, insurers, underwriters, MGAs, risk managers, and service providers – from across Canada.

Nominations were open May 13 – July 19, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET.

To submit a nomination, visitors went to the Nominate page of the website, then provided the nominee’s contact details and a brief reason for nomination within a 300-word limit. There was no fee to submit a nomination.

Stage 2 – Research

The Insurance Business Canada Awards team conducted research and drew on knowledge and information gained through Insurance Business Canada to support and supplement nominations received, ensuring that no one deserving of recognition was missed. Excellence Awardees were determined from both pools of information.

Stage 3 – Excellence Awardees

Once all nominations were considered and research was complete, Excellence Awardees were selected in each category (except the Lifetime Achievement category) and notified via email or phone.

All Excellence Awardees were then invited to complete a detailed submission, which was an opportunity to address the category criteria in more detail. All submissions remained confidential unless otherwise marked and were not shared with any third parties other than the judges.

Excellence Awardees were officially announced in September 2024 on the website and promoted in Insurance Business Canada magazine and online channels. Promo packages to leverage achievements across marketing and promotions were available for purchase.

Stage 4 – Judging

All submissions from our Excellence Awardees were forwarded to the independent judging panel comprising industry leaders and senior representatives. The panel assessed and voted for winners in each category according to the relevant category criteria.

Voting commenced in September 2024, and the judges’ decisions were impartial, balanced, incisive, and fair. Any judge with a conflict of interest in a category recused themselves from judging that category.

Stage 5 – Winners

Using a simple points system to aggregate judges’ votes, the finalist with the top score in a category was named the winner.

Winners were announced at the awards show on November 13, 2024, and on the website. They were also promoted in Insurance Business Canada. Promo packages to leverage achievements across marketing and promotions were available for purchase.

 

2024 Judging panel

  • Teresa Drijber, FCIP
    Retired, Arbitration Director, CICMA Ontario Chapter
    Special Projects Director, CICMA National Chapter
  • Vinita Jajware-Beatty
    President,
    Toronto Insurance Women's Association
     
  • Keith Martin
    Executive Director,
    Canadian Association of Financial Institutions in Insurance
  • Steve Masnyk
    Managing Director,
    Canadian Association of Managing General Agents 
  • Catherine Smola, FCIP
    President and CEO,
    Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO)
  • Justina Ikwu
    President,
    Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals (CAUFP) 
  • Dionne Bowers
    Co-Founder/Chair,
    Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals (CABIP)
  • Christopher Aloussis
    Co-Chair,
    Link Canada: 2SLGBTQ+ Insurance Network
  • Margaret Wasserman
    Vice President of Operations, 
    Insurance Institute of Canada 
  • Lindsey Schroeder
    President, 
    Edmonton Insurance Association
  • Jody Lohr
    VP - Operations, Excel & Y Insurance
    Services 
  • Nicole Hackney, CIP
    Team Leader Business Operations,
    Farm Mutual Re 
 

2024 SPONSORS

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