2025 Underwriters of the Year | Martine Pelletier, Intermediate Underwriter, Personal Lines, Wawanesa Insurance

Martine Pelletier first joined insurance in 1989 as a secretary-receptionist for a brokerage, gradually taking on apprenticeship roles in billing, archiving, damage insurance, renewals, as an insurance broker, and eventually, as an underwriting clerk. Today, as an Intermediate Underwriter in Personal Lines at Wawanesa, Pelletier brings a wealth of experience and strong collaboration to every broker and client relationship.

Pelletier holds a high-school diploma and has completed a variety of on-the-job and industry training courses over the years.

When she’s not working, Pelletier enjoys camping, walking in nature, and travelling. A dog-lover and proud mom of two and grandmother of two, she shares her life with her partner of 19 years, and their two Yorkies, Max and Maggie.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful for this recognition,” Pelletier says of her award nomination by Fort Insurance, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. “Seeing my work appreciated by the brokers we work with every day is so gratifying.”

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


“Collaboration. We need to work together with the same goal of achieving a winning solution, and we achieve this through listening, respect, and communication.”

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


“I became an underwriter naturally as my career evolved — and because I love insurance. I enjoy interacting with brokers, being a resource, discussing files, evaluating risks, and sharing information about our products. It’s a role that requires analysis and communication, and I find that balance very rewarding.”

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


“Managing the evolution of climate risks. We’re seeing more extreme weather events, and that makes the underwriting process more complex. As underwriters, it requires thinking creatively and having a proactive mindset to find the best solution for insureds.”

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


“Expanding your experience and knowledge. The insurance market always requires qualified underwriters. If you’re willing to learn and open to adapting, underwriting offers great opportunities for advancement, specialization, and professional growth — especially in a sector that’s constantly evolving.”

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


“With a variety of available jobs and opportunities for advancement, the insurance industry is exciting, challenging, and anything but boring. Taking care of people is a very meaningful, rewarding career choice.”

Q: How do you see AI and technology impacting underwriting?


“These tools are helping underwriters save time on certain tasks, but underwriting still requires a personal touch.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?

“To work as an underwriter — especially if you’re aiming for leadership — you need to be curious and empathetic, and be a good listener and a strong communicator. It’s important to ask the right questions, be analytical, and work well in a team. Sharing knowledge and experience is also critical. Leaders must also understand that, because clients have so many choices today, we must work together to provide excellent service to our broker partners in a competitive market.”

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?

“Communication and collaboration are more important than ever. We need to help clients understand how to manage risks better and to make informed coverage choices so they’re not underinsured and not overinsured, but have the best insurance solution for their needs.”

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