AWP P&C S.A. seeks Canadian branch

Summary#

AWP P&C S.A., an insurer incorporated in France, says it will apply to open a Canadian branch. It plans to file with the Superintendent of Financial Institutions on or after August 17, 2026 to be allowed to insure several types of risks in Canada.

What it does#

• The company intends to apply under the Insurance Companies Act for approval to insure risks in Canada.
• It would operate in the following insurance classes: accident and sickness; property; automobile; boiler and machinery; and other approved products insurance.
• The insurer’s head office is in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France. Its Canadian chief agency would be located in Cambridge, Ontario.
• The insurer’s ultimate parent is Allianz SE, a company incorporated in Germany.
• The notice in the Gazette is dated July 25, 2026 and was filed by Gowling WLG on behalf of the company.

Who's affected#

• Businesses and people looking for insurance in the listed classes (accident and sickness, property, automobile, boiler and machinery).
• Insurance brokers and agents who place or sell those types of coverage.
• Other insurers competing in these markets in Canada.
• Federal regulators and anyone watching foreign insurers entering the Canadian market.

If anything is unclear: this notice says the company intends to apply. It is not the same as approval to operate in Canada.

Why it matters#

• If approved, Canadians would have another insurer offering these lines of coverage, which could affect choice and competition.
• Companies that buy commercial, auto, or specialty coverages might see a new option for policies.
• The filing triggers federal oversight steps by the regulator that determine whether a foreign insurer can legally insure risks in Canada.