2025 Underwriters of the Year | Sheila Briscoe, Senior Commercial Lines Underwriter, Intact Insurance

With decades of experience under her belt and a reputation for being collaborative, solutions-driven, and compassionate, Sheila Briscoe has become a trusted partner for brokers and a respected colleague among peers.

Briscoe got her start in insurance as a records clerk at Federated Insurance and has since built a solid underwriting career spanning property, commercial auto, and commercial P&C. In 2000, she helped launch Aviva’s commercial auto business in Saskatchewan and Manitoba before joining AXA (now Intact Insurance) in 2010, where she today focuses on property and casualty underwriting as a Senior Commercial Lines Underwriter.

Outside of work, Briscoe has raised three sons and spent years cheering them on in sports. These days, she enjoys travelling, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family.

“I was very honoured and truly pleased to be recognized,” she says of her nomination by Harvard Western Insurance, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. “It’s great to know that your hard work is noticed, and it’s even better to be acknowledged for it.”

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


“A positive attitude, trust, and good communication. I think my brokers know I genuinely want to help them write business. I listen to their needs and communicate what I can and can’t do after taking everything into consideration. I always try to find solutions that work for both sides.”

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


“A friend invited me to join insurance and the rest is history. I worked my way up from the bottom and eventually found underwriting. I love the people I work with and the variety of risks that come up. No two days are the same, and there’s always something new to problem-solve.”

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


“Keeping up with change, whether it’s driven by technology, competitors, or our partners. The key is being willing to embrace and adapt to those changes as they come.”

Q: How has the industry evolved since you joined?


“This industry has evolved tremendously over the years and offers a place for people with all types of interests and skill sets. There are so many roles and departments, and it’s a great field for people looking for a rewarding and meaningful career.”

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


“I’d tell them that this is a stable industry with great career paths, personal growth opportunities, and work-life balance. It’s a quality career — one that can be incredibly fulfilling.”

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


“Technology is speeding things up — fewer touchpoints, less data entry, faster processing. We need to balance automation with human contact and problem-solving. Tech is a tool; it’s not a replacement for the relationships we build or the nuance underwriting often requires.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?


“Strong people skills. Being a good listener, and having empathy, patience, and a desire to help others grow. Leadership is about sharing knowledge and lifting others up.”

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?


“Education is key. We need to share knowledge and help everyone understand one another’s perspectives, and work together to find solutions that benefit all parties —even in small ways.”

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