2025 Underwriters of the Year | Louise Doucette, Senior Personal Lines Underwriter, Aviva Canada

Louise Doucette got her start in insurance in 1985 by walking into a local Ecclesiastical Insurance office with her résumé in hand — and she hasn’t looked back since. What began as a maternity-leave cover at the front desk soon turned into a lifelong underwriting career, thanks to the encouragement of a colleague who saw her potential.

Today, Doucette is a Senior Personal Lines Underwriter with Aviva Canada, where she has spent the last 34 years of her career. Along the way, she has developed deep relationships with brokers and gained a reputation for thoughtful, solutions-driven underwriting that puts customers at the centre.

Doucette holds her CIP designation. She spends her free time with her family, husband of 36 years, Marc, and their two daughters. She loves doting on her two-and-a-half-year-old grandson and is excited about another grandchild on the way in 2026. A proud longtime Halifax Mooseheads season ticket holder, Doucette also finds joy in summers spent at their family cottage.

“Being recognized feels amazing and rewarding,” she says of her nomination by Bauld Insurance, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. “It’s a wonderful reminder that my efforts to find solutions by collaborating with our brokers is making a positive impact toward the partnerships that we’re building.”

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


“Trust, clear communication, and empathy for the client’s situation are essential. I try to look at each situation objectively, think outside the box, and provide a solution that fits both the business and the client’s needs.”

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

“I entered the industry fresh out of post-secondary studies. I walked into Ecclesiastical with my résumé the same day their receptionist was preparing for her maternity leave and I was offered the opportunity. It was a small office of just four people, but one of the underwriters encouraged me to pursue my CIP designation. From there, I moved into an underwriting role and later joined Aviva, where I’ve been ever since. Even after all this time, I still find underwriting full of learning moments. There’s never a dull day, and I love that.”

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

“The growing frequency and severity of natural catastrophes, from wildfires to severe storms, remains a critical challenge for our industry. Tackling this will require continued collaboration with government, reinsurers, and risk modellers. We also encourage brokers to help educate clients. By sharing data and insights, we can deepen our understanding of catastrophe risk and build stronger mitigation strategies.”

Q: How has the industry evolved since you joined?

“Since I began my career, technology has evolved dramatically, transforming so many aspects of the industry. One area that stands out is rate development. With access to vast amounts of data, we can now incorporate numerous variables in rate determination and set more accurate pricing based on exposure.”

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

“The industry offers a wealth of opportunity with no shortage of paths to explore. While I’ve always remained in underwriting, I’ve seen co-workers explore new paths, gain diverse experience, and grow into leadership roles.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?

“A mix of technical knowledge, strategic thinking, sound decision-making, and people skills.”

Q: Canada continues to suffer pressures like natural catastrophes, auto theft, fraud, and tariff impacts. How can brokers and underwriters better collaborate to help Canadian consumers manage risk?


“By pooling data, advocating together, educating consumers, and continuously innovating our products, we can build on the industry’s momentum in risk management and accelerate better outcomes for both the industry and its customers.”

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