Gore and Unica have renewed their support for the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) as the two insurers integrate their operations under Beneva, reaffirming their commitment to independent broker distribution during the transition.
Both companies will maintain their Magenta Level sponsorship of IBAC’s Broker Identity Program (BIP) for 2026, while L’Unique General Insurance joins as a new partner. All three insurers are part of Beneva, extending the group's involvement in the national initiative.
The commitments come nearly a year after Beneva completed its merger with Gore Mutual on January 1, 2026. Gore and Unica are combining their operations during 2026, with the integration covering insurance systems, workflows and operating responsibilities.
The transition is also bringing changes to the insurers' corporate identities. Unica is scheduled to become Beneva General Insurance Inc. on January 1, 2027, but existing policy documents will remain valid and brokers will continue serving as the primary point of contact for policyholders.
Andy Taylor, executive vice president and leader of P&C Ontario and West at Beneva, said the companies would continue investing in broker distribution as their operations come together.
"Independent brokers play a vital role in helping clients access choice, expert advice and strong advocacy. As Gore Mutual and Unica continue to come together as part of Beneva, we remain committed to the broker distribution channel and will continue to invest in initiatives that help brokers grow, innovate and continue delivering exceptional value to their clients,” Taylor said.
The continued support comes amid wider consolidation in Canada's property and casualty insurance market. A 2025 market analysis by AM Best estimated that brokers and independent agents accounted for 56% of Canadian P&C insurance distribution, underscoring the channel's importance even as insurers pursue greater scale.
The Beneva-Gore merger brought together Gore's operations in Ontario and Western Canada with Beneva's existing P&C businesses, including Unica, which specializes in niche commercial and personal insurance distributed through selected Ontario brokers.
Meanwhile, L’Unique operates primarily in Quebec, offering property and casualty insurance and surety products through independent brokers. The insurer has been part of the Beneva group through its predecessor, La Capitale, since 2004.
“At L'Unique, we believe brokers play an essential advisory role, helping clients find the right coverage to protect what matters most to them. Supporting IBAC's Broker Identity Program is one way we can help Canadians better understand the value of independent brokers and the important role they play in protecting individuals, families and businesses,” said Guy Lecours, chief operating officer of L’Unique General Insurance.
The insurers' sponsorships will help fund IBAC's national advertising campaign, which promotes the role of brokers in providing consumers with insurance choices, advice and advocacy.
Contributions will also support the association's technology initiatives, professional development programs and federal advocacy, including its efforts to maintain restrictions separating banking and insurance activities.
IBAC chief executive Peter Braid welcomed the renewed participation of Gore and Unica alongside L’Unique's entry, describing the commitments as a sign of confidence in the association and the broker channel.
The announcement adds to the insurers backing IBAC's 2026 campaign, as the association continues its work on broker representation and distribution issues.
