Architects and Licensed Technologists OAA are required to maintain mandatory minimum coverage and claim limits
in accordance with the Architects Act and Regulation 27; your clients often demand additional coverage and limits as
well. This session will look at why you need Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) and the key features of the
coverage provided by the PLI policy you are required to maintain. Importantly, it will also address what is not covered
by your PLI policy and what the implications of uninsured risk mean to you.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand what Professional Liability Insurance is and why it is required;
- Be familiar with the coverages included in a Professional Liability Insurance policy for Architects;
- Understand the difference between a “Claims Made” and an “Occurrence” insurance policy;
- Be aware of common exclusions from coverage, and the implications of assuming uninsured risk;
- Be introduced to tools and approaches suggested by Pro-Demnity to help manage risks arising in
practice.
Speakers:
Bruce Palmer, Pro-Demnity Insurance Company
Bruce H. Palmer is President & CEO of Pro-Demnity Insurance Company, where he leads a team serving
the professional indemnity insurance needs for Ontario architects. Bruce is also active with the CIP
Society and Insurance Institute of Ontario, and an avid supporter of WaterAid and the arts. Originally from
Sault Ste. Marie, Bruce spent his high school and university years in London, Ontario before moving to
Mississauga in the late 20th century.
Over the past three decades, Bruce has worked in a variety of insurance roles as a broker, risk
consultant, director of insurance operations of a large Canadian general contractor, facilitated a global e-
insurance team, and worked for several insurers in different capacities. Prior to joining Pro-Demnity in
2019, Bruce worked for several years with medical professionals and their insurance needs.
Outside of work, Bruce is an avid traveller (most years) and explorer of new experiences. Whenever he
can, he includes cycling, hiking or kayaking in his travel or exploration plans. Most importantly, Bruce is
the very proud and happy father of two daughters, both Civil Engineers, and Grandpa to two wonderful
grandchildren.
Name:
John Hackett, Pro-Demnity
Bio:
As the Vice President Practice Risk Management at Pro-Demnity Insurance Company, John Hackett
counsels Ontario architects on questions about insurance and liability concerns. He has served as a
presenter for many Pro-Demnity Risk Education Events.
Prior to assuming his position with Pro-Demnity in 2004, he practised for 35 years with an Ontario
architectural practice that focused on publicly funded institutional projects. From 2005 to 2015, he served
as a member of the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC), the organization
responsible for oversight of the National Building Codes. John is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural
Institute of Canada (RAIC) and a licensed architect in Ontario. At various times, he was licensed to
practise architecture in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
John Hackett, Pro-Demnity Insurance Company
As the Vice President Practice Risk Management at Pro-Demnity Insurance Company, John Hackett
counsels Ontario architects on questions about insurance and liability concerns. He has served as a
presenter for many Pro-Demnity Risk Education Events.
Prior to assuming his position with Pro-Demnity in 2004, he practised for 35 years with an Ontario
architectural practice that focused on publicly funded institutional projects. From 2005 to 2015, he served
as a member of the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC), the organization
responsible for oversight of the National Building Codes. John is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural
Institute of Canada (RAIC) and a licensed architect in Ontario. At various times, he was licensed to
practise architecture in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Rosemarie Hurst, Vice President, Legal and Claims
Pro-Demnity Insurance Company
Rosemarie develops and oversees the strategic management of the Legal and Claims teams at Pro-
Demnity, who provide support to the architectural practices that are facing a claim or litigation. She brings
20+ years of insurance defence litigation experience in both Canadian and US jurisdictions, as well as in-
house legal experience in the Canadian financial services sectors, and is responsible for developing and
implementing Claims management and litigation management strategies and processes that meet the
needs of our clients. Rosemarie is a graduate of Northeastern University School of Law.
Moderator: Iliana Arapis MA, ABC
Vice President, Marketing
Pro-Demnity Insurance Company
Iliana leads the strategic development of Pro-Demnity’s marketing & communications activities with a
focus on enhancing client experience and amplifying brand awareness. She has 20+ years experience in
corporate communications, marketing and public relations, with expertise in the insurance, financial
services, healthcare education and agency sectors. Iliana is an Accredited Business Communicator,
member of the IABC/Toronto, and a graduate of Queen’s University.