DRG - MINUTES OF THE MAY 20, 1998 MEETING, AT THE ONTARIO INSURANCE COMMISSION
Attendees:
Terry Sherlock, Economical Mutual Insurance Company - Chair
Karen Lock, Cooperators General Insurance Company
Mavis Haws, Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company
Debbie Hastings, Ecclesiastical Insurance Company
Mary Wright, Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Companies
Brian Jarvis, The Halifax Insurance Company
David Carthy, Belair Insurance Company
Brad Barber, Allstate Insurance Company
Ron Bouwmeister, General Accident Insurance Company
Randy Bundas, Insurance Bureau of Canada
Dina Palozzi, Superintendent & CEO, FSCO
Jim Malcolm, Dispute Resolution Group, OIC
Jan MacKintosh, Arbitrator, OIC
Dragana Sivac, Arbitration, OIC
- Superintendent & CEO Dina Palozzi
Dina spoke on the review of operations as a whole. Effective July 1, 1998, three areas, Pensions, Insurance & Deposit Institutions will be structurally pulled together under the new Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO). This will be a transitional year at the Commission. Looking at how things can be done better and improving the working of the all areas.. Good opportunity for review of processes. This began with George Adams review and is continuing.
Looking at overall decision making process including cost recovery process and fees. How can the system become more efficient. Dina reviewed the make up of The Financial Services Tribunal. The Ombudsman's office will have a broader use. It will be used as a centralized focal group for the public's window into the process. Also looking at rate filing - making it easier and quicker.
Looking at expanding what the DRG group is presently doing Settlement of Casualty and Accident Benefit files together is being considered as well as just B.I. settlements. Looking to improve existing functions and see what else the group can do.
It was recommended that Dina's letter to the IBC and Insurer's be posted on the OIC's wedsite. Suggested that posting regular communications from the Commission on the wedsite would be useful.
- Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The Minutes of the November 26, 1997 meeting were circulated and adopted as drafted. The minutes will be posted at the OIC wedsite. An extended review of the topics from the November 26th meeting was held as the meeting for the first quarter of 1998 had been canceled.
- Jurisdiction Committee Report
A report was distributed to the members present dated February 19, 1998. Please note the report is for discussion and information purposes only and not to be distributed.
The work of the Committee is now completed and the Committee no longer meets.
- Pre-Hearings Backlog Project
We were advised that the project is now complete. Presently looking at an average of 5 -6 weeks for a pre-hearing. There are also early dates available to move hearings up into. The Commission has sent letters out to all counsel advising there are earlier dates available for hearing's and those that wish to move there dates forward are encouraged to do so.
- Practice Notes Amendments
With the review of the DRG and the upcoming two year review of the SABS, this item has been set aside for the time being.
- ADR Review of Dispute Resolution Group
George Adam's review is expected to be done the last week of May. George met with members of the DRG - Companies Forum on May 6, 1998 as part of his review process. It is suggested that Forum members send George a letter expressing any opinions they may want to add.
- Adding New Issues at Mediation
If a new Application for Mediation is received on the same file within 30 days of receiving the first Application for Mediation the OIC will send a letter to the parties advising they will be automatically added.
The present practice of adding issues on the date of the Mediation will continue. This allows for the issue only to be added with the other party's consent.
8. Self Administered Pre-Hearings Update
There has been virtually no up take on this issue. It remains an option for those counsel who are interested.
9. Chair
Karen Lock will take over as Chair and Brian Jarvis will become Vice-chair. The group thanked Terry Sherlock for his work as acting chair. Terry will be leaving the group after the next meeting.
11. Other Business
Releases and disclosure statements: looking at drafting a standard release for the industry. There will be consultation prior to any decisions.
12. Next Meeting
Meetings were set for the 1998 year as follows:
July 22, 1998
September 29, 1998
December 1, 1998
Meetings will continue to be at the OIC. Start time for the July meeting is 9 am.
Financial Services Commission of Ontario