Climate change is weighing heavily in the insurance industry, worldwide. In 2024, Canada experienced a record number of insurance claims following four major natural disasters. Floods in southern Ontario and Quebec, the Jasper wildfire, and a hailstorm in Calgary resulted in 228,000 claims, a significant 406% increase from the previous 20-year average.
In July 2024, Montreal was hit by severe flooding as the remnants of Hurricane Beryl brought heavy rain to southern Quebec.
In some areas, the flooding was so intense that vehicles were submerged, forcing Transport Quebec to reroute traffic, which led to gridlock on city streets. By Wednesday afternoon, the rain intensified, flooding intersections and affecting local businesses.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada highlighted the challenges of processing these claims due to labor shortages and supply chain issues. Severe weather events continue to stress the insurance industry, with 2023 already recording $3.1 billion in insured damages.
Read More on GlobalNews.ca