Tech

B.C. Green Party leader to re-introduce ridesharing legislation in the fall

The leader of the BC Green Party said on Monday that he will re-introduce legislation this fall to enable ridesharing in the province. Andrew Weaver said in a press release that he has twice introduced the Ridesharing Enabling Act, once in April 2016 and again in February 2017. “All parties want to see B.C. be a leader in the emerging economy,” Weaver said in the release. “To do so, government must take a proactive, responsive approach that considers the wide ranging impacts of technological innovation. Vancouver is the largest…

By Canadian Underwriter | August 22, 2017

2 min read

Tech

Polled security professionals in U.S. find securing disconnected systems a challenge

Recently surveyed IT security professionals in the U.S. say securing systems that are disconnected from their corporate networks is a challenge, a situation that could worsen over time, reports Los Angeles-based Lieberman Software Corporation. Polled at Black Hat USA 2017, an annual security event held in July in Las Vegas, Lieberman Software surveyed attendees and […]

By Canadian Underwriter | August 21, 2017

2 min read

Accenture launches “Liquid Studio” in Toronto to help clients accelerate digital transformation

Global professional services company Accenture has opened a new “Liquid Studio” in Toronto to help clients “to turn ideas into innovative applications and solutions with speed and agility.” The Liquid Studio uses rapid development approaches, including agile methodologies and DevOps (a software development and delivery process), and then applies disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, […]

By Canadian Underwriter | August 18, 2017

2 min read

Tech

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to join BMW, Intel and Mobileye in developing autonomous driving platform

BMW Group, Intel and Mobileye (an Intel company) announced earlier this week that they have signed a memorandum of understanding with the intention for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to be the first automaker to join them in developing a “world-leading, state-of-the-art autonomous driving platform for global deployment.” The platform will be scalable for Level 3 […]

By Canadian Underwriter | August 18, 2017

3 min read

AI, “transparently immersive experiences” and digital platforms three megatrends that will allow businesses to survive digitally: Gartner

Artificial intelligence (AI) everywhere, “transparently immersive experiences” and digital platforms are the three distinct megatrends that will enable businesses to survive and thrive in the digital economy over the next five to 10 years, Gartner, Inc. has reported. The Stamford, Conn.-based research and advisory company released its Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies, 2017 report on […]

3 min read

U.S. protectionist trade sentiments top challenge cited by polled Canadian businesses, but optimism about Canadian economy way up: survey

Protectionist trade sentiments south of the border top the list of challenges facing the Canadian economy, a concern identified by almost a quarter of the 516 business leaders taking part in a new survey released Tuesday by Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. Protectionist trade sentiments in the U.S. was identified as the number one challenge […]

3 min read

Allstate Canada expands UBI program Drivewise into Nova Scotia after “great success” in Alberta and Ontario

The Allstate Insurance Company of Canada announced on Monday that it is expanding its usage-based insurance (UBI) program Drivewise in Nova Scotia “after experiencing great success in the provinces of Alberta and Ontario.” Drivewise rewards those who exhibit safe driving behaviours with lower auto insurance premiums, Allstate Canada said in a press release, adding that […]

3 min read

CSIO releases video on eSlips solution, expects product by year-end

The Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO) announced on Monday a video explaining digital proof of auto insurance (eSlips) to consumers and said it expects the solution by year-end. In June, the association announced what it called “an industry solution for the digital delivery of proof of auto insurance cards, or eSlips.” The product, […]

2 min read

Uber launches fleet of mapping vehicles in Vancouver ahead of fall rollout

VANCOUVER – A popular ride-hailing company wants to get the lay of the land as it gears up to hit the streets of Metro Vancouver by the end of the year. Uber Canada is launching an urban mapping program this week. Twenty-five vehicles will travel around the region gathering images and data about things like […]

By Jason Contant | August 10, 2017

1 min read

Global insurance M&A hits two-year low: Clyde and Co report

The volume of completed mergers and acquisitions (M&A) worldwide in the insurance industry continued its downward trend, with 170 deals in the first six months of 2017 compared to 186 in the preceding period, according to a new report from international law firm Clyde & Co. Activity is now down 24% from its recent high […]

4 min read