While the global economy dominated the headlines in 2009, a great deal of activity—both globally and domestically—occurred within the P&C industry. From major acquisitions, to massive layoffs, to minister’s slapping proverbial wrists the year 2009 was an active year for the Canadian insurance industry. Here is CI’s Top Nine of 2009 list of stories—the news and views that impacted the industry over the last 12 months.       1 ING Canada Becomes Intact: The largest P&C player in Canada—a Dutch owned division of ING—changed ownership in late February, causing a stir across the country. • ING Canada’s Insurance Arm Becomes Intact Insurance   6 Federal Budget: Every year the government sets the economic tone for the country with their Federal Budget. In 2009, CI offered readers an opportunity to fully appreciate how this economic stimulus could help or hinder their business— from the pulse of the P&C industry after the release of the budget, to the budget benefits to brokers and business owners, to a client template letter. It was budget coverage specifically for the P&C industry. • Federal Budget 2009: An Insurance Professional’s Guide       2 Banks Reprimanded for Selling Insurance Online: Brokers, their associations and the banks got into it in 2009, when both sides began to argue the intent and application of the Bank Act—and whether or not banks could sell insurance online through branch websites. The result was a full slap on the wrist to banks by none other than Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. • Stop Web-based Insurance Sales: Flaherty to Banks • Banks Must Respect Insurance Regulations: Ont. Superior Court   7 Using social media to do business: Despite the focus on the economy, one topic that garnered quite a bit of attention was how to use social media to do business. Brokers, agents and other financial service professionals were encouraged to ‘get social’ while, carriers and adjusters found ways to use the medium to deliver results. Either way, the use (and abuse) of social media is still in its infancy, and we predict there will be more in years to come. • Following Facebook: Insurance Litigation Grows • Despite Downturn, Insurers Explore Smartphone, Social Networking Edge • Facebook a very useful tool in defending AB Claims • Heavy Reprecussion for YouTube Parents: Insurance Professionals       3 Credit scoring debate gets heated: One topic that got everyone talking—from global reinsurer, to a regional broker, to a large carrier—was credit scoring; while the issue has polarized the industry and has carriers on both sides of the debate, only one company had the dubious position of launching the topic into the public eye. • The Co-operators Turn to Credit History • Credit scoring debate heats up despite potential industry ignorance   8 Floods, a tornado and high frequency storms marked the catastrophe season: Manitoba and B.C. were hit with floods in 2009, Nova Scotia braced for a hurricane, while southwestern Ontario had to clean up after four F2 tornados touched down. • Bulletin: F2 tornado rips across southern Ontario • Tornado Clean-Up, Damage Tally, Continues in Ontario • Water damage prompts home insurance premium hike in Ontario • Storm Claims Hit Intact’s Q3 Results • As Floods Loom, B.C. Policyholders Should Protect Homes: IBC       4 Auto Reform: Across the country the auto product made headlines with court cases filed in various provinces—based on human rights violations and challenges to the constitutionality of a financial cap on damages awarded for minor injuries. In April and May CI: Canadian Insurance ran two special reports in an effort to provide clarity and direction the problems, and potential solutions, to the ailing auto product. CI followed up this coverage with reports on the Ontario Finance Minister’s acceptance of FSCO’s 39 recommendations, among other stories. • Report on Auto Insurance • Auto Insurance Reform: Ontario Proposals Focus on Cost, Choice • OSFI Memorandum Highlights Cap Challenge, HST   9 Manitoba made international headlines: • MPI, Police, Bust $1.2 Million Fraud Ring • Manitoba Auto Theft Initiative Earns International Recognition And one for good luck:       5 ITV Heats Up: Property lines grabbed attention from coast-to-coast as insurance-to-value models continued to garner criticism for reported inaccuracies and discrepancies. A number of industry representatives and companies weighed in—and a few even launched new or updated programs. • ITV and the Quest for Accuracy   10 The economy: Even as we wind down 2009, the economy and the impact it has had on regulation, legislation and business policy is still making headlines. From the launch of the provincial Harmonized Sales Tax, to rating downgrades for stalwart firms, the economy was certainly top-of-mind for most. • New Tax Will Boost Operating Costs: IBC • Ratings Downgrades for Kingsway, Subsidiaries • Swiss Re Trims Workforce • Aviva PLC Ratings Dip