2026 Executive Outlook | Valerie Lavoie, Desjardins General Insurance Group

Climate change continues to be one of the most pressing challenges for the property and casualty insurance industry. But what will truly set 2026 apart is the way insurers respond, and not just with coverage but with comprehensive resilience strategies.

The future of insurance goes beyond just recovering losses. Next year, we’ll see a stronger focus on education, prevention, and operational resiliency to help clients and communities prepare for and recover from extreme weather events. This means expanding programs encouraging proactive measures such as installing sump pumps or using fire-resistant materials and providing resources that empower homeowners to make informed decisions about risk.

Initiatives such as ‘Build Back Better’ will play a critical role. By supporting reconstruction with stronger, more resilient materials after a loss, we can reduce future damage and keep coverage sustainable. Beyond individual actions, we’re also investing in the resiliency of our own operations to ensure continuity of service during and after catastrophic events.

Collaboration will remain key. We’re working closely with governments and industry partners on national resilience strategies, including climate adaptation programs and infrastructure improvements. These partnerships are essential to maintaining both coverage affordability and access for Canadians.

The challenge of climate change isn’t new, but the industry’s response in 2026 will be. It’s about shifting from a reactive model to a proactive one, where insurers help build stronger communities before disaster happens.