Aviva Canada has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 2025 by Mediacorp Canada Inc., marking its first appearance on the list.
The annual designation recognises employers that lead the country in creating a culture of environmental awareness. Selection is based on criteria such as unique environmental initiatives, success in reducing environmental impact, employee involvement and whether environmental values are reflected in day-to-day operations.
The recognition aligns with the insurer’s ongoing sustainability plans, including a commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2040.
In 2024, Aviva Canada expanded its environmental initiatives. One example is its net-zero supplier accelerator program, which offers suppliers free tools to help measure their emissions and prepare to set targets in line with the science-based targets initiative (SBTi). The program is part of the company’s broader approach to addressing emissions across its supply chain.
“Our customers are increasingly experiencing the devastating impacts of extreme weather events on their homes, businesses and communities,” said Tracy Garrad (pictured), CEO of Aviva Canada. “We have a responsibility to take action, including pursuing our net-zero targets and advocating for building a resilient Canada that is better prepared for what is to come.”
The company’s climate initiatives come against a backdrop of growing weather-related losses in Canada. Severe weather events in 2024 led to widespread claims activity across the industry and the company was not spared from their effects.
“It was a year of challenges, a year of growth, but also some really important achievements for us,” Garrad previously said. “Our primary focus has absolutely been on helping customers recover from extreme weather events.”
Despite higher claims costs, the company recorded growth in both personal and commercial lines. Personal lines grew 13%, driven by new business in Ontario and Quebec. Commercial lines rose 7%, supported by a combination of new clients and rate changes.
Garrad said the company worked to manage claims activity while maintaining service standards.
“I'm particularly proud of how our people have shown up for our customers. Against the backdrop of all those catastrophic claims, our teams did outstanding work to improve customer experience while also managing claims costs,” she said.
Garrad also pointed to the importance of maintaining pricing discipline in a challenging claims environment.
Aviva Canada is also investing in partnerships aimed at improving climate resilience. In 2024, the company launched a service with Wildfire Defense Systems to assist homeowners in Alberta and British Columbia. The initiative deployed on-site resources to reduce wildfire risks, which the company said helped avoid losses.
Other initiatives included pilot programs involving water leak detection devices and expanded outreach through organisations such as FireSmart and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction. Aviva Canada also joined a task force with the Canadian Home Builders Association and ICLR to explore more resilient construction practices.
The company plans to continue developing climate-related initiatives and remains focused on expanding its commercial lines business while addressing evolving risks in the Canadian market.
