In the summer of 2024, Canada was hit hard. In just 24 days, four extreme weather events struck, triggering a quarter of a million insurance claims and nearly $8 billion in insured damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. It made 2024 by far the worst year for insured damage in our country’s history. It was a season of heartbreak and upheaval, with families displaced and communities forever changed.
In moments like these, the insurance industry’s most vital role comes into focus. Yes, we create good jobs, drive economic growth, and support innovation in financial services—but nothing matters more than being there for Canadians when disaster strikes. That’s the message at the heart of IBC’s latest consumer education campaign: “Protecting Your Tomorrow.”
Canada’s insurers have always shared an unwavering commitment to protecting Canadians – and being there for them in moments of challenge and crisis. Insurers take pride in being there for our customers, helping them get back on their feet – and we are consistently blown away by the resilience and courage that Canadians show during these times of crisis.
In many cases, Canada’s insurers are not rebuilding one home or one business but helping rebuild entire neighbourhoods and communities. Acting as the collective voice of the industry, IBC plays a crucial coordinating role between insurers, emergency management officials, governments, media, and other stakeholders. By acting as this central hub of information and communication, IBC’s efforts free up individual insurers and their adjusters to focus on what’s most important: serving their customers and managing claims.
Following last year’s extreme weather events, Canada’s insurers were immediately on the ground, and they continue to assist their customers and guide them through the recovery process. For example, during the wildfire in Jasper, Alberta, IBC deployed its Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (CAMP) program to provide immediate on-the-ground assistance to residents and business owners as they prepared to begin the claims process. Over the course of just eight days, insurance industry representatives met with more than 2,000 residents who were impacted by the wildfire. The industry listened, answered questions, and helped those impacted begin the long road to recovery.
The trend towards more frequent and severe weather is clear and undeniable, and we as Canadians are feeling it. A 2024 Leger poll found that one-third of Canadians have been personally affected by an extreme weather event.
We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. But whether it’s another wildfire, flood, wind or hailstorm, Canada’s insurers will be there — guiding people through loss, helping them rebuild, and advocating for policies that make communities stronger. That’s what “Protecting Your Tomorrow” is all about.
