CatIQ Connect 2023

8:45 am - 9:00 am
Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:00 am - 9:15 am
2022 CATs in Review

The conference will begin with an overview of catastrophes that occurred in 2022. This comprehensive review will include a chronology of events, geographic footprints of impacted areas, related media and insured loss estimates provided by CatIQ.

9:15 am - 10:15 am
Modelling Risk in the Future Climate

This panel will focus on catastrophe modelling issues under climate change. The panel will open with an overview of climate model projections and their limitations, and discuss how these projections can inform views of catastrophe risk under climate change scenarios. Key use cases for business decision making will be highlighted. A brief overview of non-modelled perils and extreme events will close the session along with next steps in the modelling world. Panelists will include industry experts in reinsurance, climate science and catastrophe modelling.

Morning Concurrent Session A
10:45 am - 11:45 am
Catastrophe Claims in the New Economy

Claims processes for major events like Hurricane Fiona and the BC floods would have looked quite different had they happened prior to 2020. The many variables that go into resolving a claim are much more dynamic than they were just a few short years ago. How have inflationary pressures altered the claims landscape? The panel will consider supply chain, duration of settlement, claims satisfaction, negotiation and other top-of-mind topics.

Morning Concurrent Session B
10:45 am - 11:45 am
Innovations in Canadian Flood Modelling

Flood is one of the most impactful perils each year for Canadian communities. This session will include presentations on how flood is evolving in the changing climate, short-term forecasting, monitoring improvements, and flood risk modelling.

Afternoon Concurrent Session A
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Atmospheric Rivers, Derechos, and Other Scary Things - Meteorology 101

Derechos and atmospheric rivers and heat domes, oh my! Weird, wild weather phenomena have made a tremendous impact on the Canadian CAT world in the past couple of years, but what do all these terms mean? Join us for a fun, interactive session that will test your knowledge of Canada’s weather and offer a look back at notable examples of some of the worst weather has to offer.

Afternoon Concurrent Session B
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Indigenous Communities and Insurance

With the fastest growing demographic in the country, Canada’s Indigenous communities refer to First Nations people, Métis and Inuit. The Indigenous population averages 8.2 years younger than the non-Indigenous population overall. Why then is this group underserved by Canada’s insurance industry? What are the barriers to extending protection to Indigenous households and businesses? This panel will explore some of the challenges and exciting opportunities to serve Canada’s original peoples, and promote Truth and Reconciliation at the same time.

Afternoon Concurrent Session A
2:35 pm - 3:35 pm
West Coast Earthquake - The Known Unknowns

For Canada, the next big Quake isn’t a matter of “if” but a question of “when”. The science is evolving. The models are getting more accurate. And the consequences are now better understood. This panel will cover what every engaged Canadian needs to know…before it happens.

Afternoon Concurrent Session B
2:35 pm - 3:35 pm
The Lytton Recovery

Canada’s hot spot in 2021, Lytton, BC, recorded a temperature in excess of 49 degrees. In late June of that year, a wildfire tore through the community, destroying most of the residential and commercial buildings throughout the Village. This area is of significant historical importance as Indigenous people have occupied the area for over 10,000 years. This panel discussion will walk us through the recovery challenges and lessons learned as our industry addressed the damages from this very unique community.

4:05 pm - 5:05 pm
The BC Floods - Local Perspectives

The 2021 BC flood is arguably the most impactful event ever to occur in Canada. This panel will review the preceding conditions and atmospheric mechanisms that led to the devastating flooding, and dive into local perspectives on impact and response.

5:05 pm - 5:30 pm
Student Delegate Presentations

Winners of our Student Delegate Program representing universities from across Canada will offer brief presentations of their work relating to catastrophes.

Session Sponsor

8:30 am - 9:30 am
Morning Keynote - Federal View on Disaster Risk

Day Two kicks off with a fireside chat featuring exclusive insights into the federal government’s initiatives related to disaster mitigation and adaptation.

Morning Concurrent Session A
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Insurance Adjusting Challenges and Opportunities

Canada is no stranger to major floods and fires, but events of the past few years have taken place against a different economic backdrop than previous catastrophes. Being boots on the ground in this new environment brings some unique challenges – but new opportunities as well.
This panel discussion will speak to the latest challenges that have surfaced but also potential avenues to continue to serve the policyholder in the best way possible.

Morning Concurrent Session B
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Getting Out of Harm's Way with Managed Retreat

Being reactive after major disasters like floods can be costly to community members, both financially and emotionally. When does it make the most sense to move away from the risk? This session will cover what managed retreat looks like in Canadian communities.

11:05 am - 12:20 pm
The BC Floods - Claims Perspective

Though it was one of the most impactful catastrophes to ever occur in Canada, the 2021 BC Flood resulted in a relatively small insured loss total. This panel will discuss how claims, incurred and uninsured, were handled amid supply chain disruptions, inflation, lack of labour and fragmentation of cover.