The Canadian insurance brokerage industry has evolved dramatically, shifting from independent, family-run offices to a sector where large corporations and multinational firms are acquiring most local brokerages. These large corporations and multinational firms are mainly focused on short-term corporate profits and achieving a high rate of return on their investment. This shift results in a loss of local identity, decision-making, and local risk advisors in our communities.

For decades, insurance brokers built close relationships with clients, understanding their unique needs. However, increased competition and industry consolidation have led many independent brokerages to merge or sell to national firms. This shift has made it difficult for small brokerages to compete, as large corporations leverage their scale to influence insurers.

At Northern Insurance Brokers, with 80+ years serving Northern Ontario, we decided to go against the shift in industry trend and continue to invest in local Risk Advisors through a collaboration with other like-minded Canadian brokers, while preserving our values and community-focused service. Instead of selling to a multinational firm, we partnered with Navacord—one of Canada’s largest multi-line brokerages. This partnership allows us to maintain local decision-making while benefiting from national-scale resources.

Who’s Really in Charge? Local vs. Multinational Brokerages. Why it Matters.

When brokerages are acquired, changes extend beyond a name or logo. Decisions once made locally shift to distant head offices, sometimes outside of Canada. Priorities often move from community support to profit maximization, leading to service reductions, call center outsourcing, and a disconnect between brokers and clients. New investments, in people or services, are often made in regions that have larger populations, or growth potential.

Northern Ontario has unique insurance needs shaped by industries like forestry, mining, construction and manufacturing, as well as recreational activities such as snowmobiling and boating. Property policies often require specialized coverage for camps, woodstoves, and saunas. When insurance brokerage ownership loses sight of these regional needs, clients may receive impersonal service and inadequate protection, as advisors do not understand your situation.

At Northern Insurance Brokers, we prioritize hiring and retaining local staff who understand our clients’ needs, and believe that a broker who lives and works in the same community builds stronger relationships. Our doors are always open for face-to-face interactions because our clients are more than just policy numbers. We want to help you find the best solutions, and guide you through the claims process.

Strengthening Our Communities

As a company with all management, staff and decisions made in Northern Ontario, and a Navacord Broker Partner, we are committed to reinvesting in local communities. We work with hundreds of insurers, many of which are Canadian owned, and support our local economy by prioritizing regional businesses and causes.

For example, rather than focusing on national sponsorships, or large urban centers, we direct our contributions toward local healthcare, education, and community development. Our team, born and raised in Northern Ontario, is dedicated to keeping jobs in the region and expanding across the North while maintaining expertise, and high-quality service.

While friendly rivalries exist between communities—like Soo Greyhounds vs Sudbury Wolves—we all share the goal of economic growth in Northern Ontario. We want to see businesses thrive across Northern Ontario for generations to come and take pride in helping businesses grow and build their workforce in Northern Ontario.

As Canadians place more emphasis on supporting local businesses, we encourage clients to consider where their insurance broker is based and how they invest in the communities they serve.

Experience the difference with Northern Insurance Brokers—Northern Ontario’s fastest-growing commercial brokerage and a leader in personal insurance solutions. Working with NIB means working with local experts who prioritize your needs and provide trusted, community-focused service.

Contact us to Experience our Local Touch and National Strength Today ➧