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null Weathering Climate Change in Canada

Natural Global Disasters By The Numbers

  • In 1984, there were fewer than 275 natural weather-related events.
  • In 1994, the number more than doubled to almost 600 natural weather-related events.
  • In 2014, we saw a slight decrease from the previous decade, though there were still in excess of 500 natural weather-related events.
  • In 2014, we saw a massive jump to nearly 1,000 natural weather-related events.

Catastrophic Weather Hits Canada Hard

  • In 2015, a total of 423cm of snow fell on Saint John, New Brunswick; beating the 1962 record by 4cm.  That equates to 33,000 truckloads of snow.
  • In 2013, flooding 30 Southern Alberta communities forced 100,000 people from their homes to the tune of $6 billion in damages.
  • In 2014, lower-than-normal rainfall contributed to the worst fire season in 30 years in the Northwest Territories – 3.4 million hectares burned and $55 million dollars were spent fighting the fires.
  • In 1998, Quebec and Eastern Ontario endured a six-day ice storm that deposited 80mm of freezing rain, stranding millions without power and leading to $1.6 Billion in insurable losses.

Insured Damages Continue To Rise

  • Year-over-year weather-related claims have increased by 32%.
  • Canadian Insurers paid out $3.2 billion in 2013.
  • The amount of insured damage resulting from extreme weather in Canada grew from $200 million in 2006 to $1.2 billion in 2012.

Weathering Climate Change in Canada

Extreme weather events used to happen every 40 years; now in part to climate change they are now expected to happen every six years.

These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and Desjardins Insurance cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice.

In Quebec, Desjardins Insurance refers to Desjardins General Insurance Inc. In Ontario and Alberta, Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Direct Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance.

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