2025 Underwriters of the Year | Eudora Gaskin, Senior Personal Lines Underwriter, Aviva Canada

After starting her career as an underwriting assistant more than 30 years ago, Eudora Gaskin has built a long and fulfilling journey in personal lines insurance — one grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a deep commitment to brokers.

Born in Barbados, Gaskin moved to Toronto in her early 20s, where she first entered the industry. Over the years, she worked her way up to become a Senior Personal Lines Underwriter. For the past 11 years, she has called Aviva Canada home — inspired to join by her spouse of 34 years, a longtime Aviva employee.

Outside of work, Gaskin enjoys travelling, spending time with friends and family, binge-watching shows, and unwinding with a game of Candy Crush at the end of the day.

She says she is both “thrilled and humbled” to be nominated by D.G. Bevan Insurance, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. “It’s wonderful to know my efforts make an impact. Every day I bring my best self to work. I truly enjoy being there to listen and understand what brokers need from Aviva and work collaboratively to find a solution with optimal outcomes.”

Q: What’s key to a great working relationship between underwriter and broker, and why is this more important than ever?


“It is key to make the broker feel you are fully committed to listening to what they’re asking, and working with them to find a solution for our mutual customers. This builds trust and respect between both the underwriter and the broker.”

Q: Why did you become an underwriter, and what do you love most about your role?

“I chose insurance because one of my sisters was working in claims and suggested I apply. There was an opening as an underwriting assistant and I got the job, launching my longtime career in insurance. I find underwriting extremely rewarding. I know that how I answer the phone — with a positive and pleasant disposition — sets the tone for how brokers feel about dealing with Aviva. I truly enjoy talking to brokers and working together to find the best possible solutions.”

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for underwriters in P&C today, and how can they overcome it?


“Attracting more young people to pursue a career in underwriting. Insurance is a rewarding career path with so many diverse opportunities. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have had effective and supportive leaders to guide me and help me grow in my role.”

Q: What’s one opportunity underwriters should focus more on today?


“The insurance industry has changed significantly over the years. There’s much more sophistication in underwriting and pricing. When I started, we still used paper manuals and physical files. Now, technology has transformed how we work — and that’s exciting. It’s an opportunity to continue growing and evolving alongside the industry.”

Q: Given that talent shortages remain a challenge, what would you say to encourage more people to join the insurance industry?


“More people need to be made aware of all the various roles available in our industry, whether it’s underwriting, claims, analytics, marketing, communications. There are so many areas that suit different skill sets and offer great opportunities for development and growth. It’s an industry that truly offers a rewarding and successful career, whichever path you choose.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?


“You need to understand the key role brokers play in the industry. It’s essential to foster an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration between underwriters and brokers.”

Q: Canada continues to face climate-driven catastrophes, auto theft, fraud, and more. How can underwriters and brokers collaborate to help Canadians manage their risks and improve outcomes?


“There are many challenges facing Canadians — from flooding, hail, and wildfires to fraud and tariffs, to name a few. All of these impact both the consumer and the industry. I believe the industry must work closely with governments and consumers to find solutions to help mitigate the impacts. I’m proud to work for a company like Aviva, which continually demonstrates our commitment to addressing these issues — from implementing fraud prevention initiatives to working to address severe weather losses. It’s rewarding to play a part in supporting our brokers and our customers when they need us most.”

The Canadian Broker Network Underwriter of the Year awards is a flagship program that CBN has been running on behalf of its members for over a decade. The program is exclusive to CBN in partnership with Canadian Underwriter magazine. The categories allow for each of our member firms, at their option, to select one commercial lines underwriter winner and one personal lines underwriter winner from a primary market, as well as a commercial underwriter from an MGA. The criteria includes underwriting excellence and risk knowledge; prompt and effective responsiveness back to CBN members; writing business that satisfies clients’ needs while creating a win-win for the broker and the insurer; a positive, helpful attitude; and investing time to develop trusting relationships with brokers.

Full list of 2025 Underwriter of the Year Award Recipients