Danielle Roy - Risk Advisor - Northern Insurance Brokers Inc.

01/26/2026

❄️ By this point in January, a lot of teams are just… tired. ❄️

Long days, short daylight, stretched staff, deferred maintenance, “we’ll deal with it in the spring.”

And honestly, that’s human.

But this is also when I see risk drift happen.

Not because people stop caring, but because good decisions start getting made under pressure, fatigue, and time constraints.

Things like:

• Inspections getting pushed

• Temporary workarounds becoming permanent

• Equipment being borrowed “just for now”

• Safety steps being shortened because everyone’s rushing

None of these feel reckless in the moment.

They feel reasonable.

If winter has shifted how your operation is running, it’s not a failure.

It’s just a signal that it might be time for a check-in.

A quick risk check-in can bring things back into alignment, before small shifts turn into bigger problems.

Sometimes awareness is the fix.

01/19/2026

One thing I've learned over the years in commercial insurance:

The best risk management doesn't start with coverage. It starts with understanding.

Understanding how a business actually operates.
How fast it's changing.
Where growth is creating new exposure.
Where processes haven't kept up.
Where risk is quietly accumulating.

Yes, coverage is important.

But insight is what makes that coverage effective when it's needed most.

01/12/2026

❄️ Winter Risk Isn’t Abstract. It’s Operational. ❄️

The icy conditions we’ve been experiencing across Northern Ontario lately are a good reminder that risk doesn’t always arrive as a dramatic event. More often, it shows up quietly; in small decisions, overlooked procedures, or assumptions that “it’ll probably be fine.”

For businesses and organizations, winter weather can affect:
• Employee safety during commutes and on-site work
• Slip-and-fall exposures for customers and visitors
• Vehicle claims and downtime from icy roads
• Delays, disruptions, and lost productivity
• Increased strain on already tight margins

Insurance plays a role, of course, but coverage alone isn’t the whole story. Clear snow and ice maintenance plans, documentation, staff communication, and understanding how your policies actually respond in real-world scenarios all matter just as much.

I’ve been having more conversations lately with clients who are realizing that the risks created by winter conditions aren’t unique. They’re shared across our community. And the good news is that many of them are manageable with a bit of foresight and the right support.

If this stretch of weather has you thinking differently about safety, liability, or continuity, it may be a good time for a quick check-in. Prevention and preparation are always easier than recovery.

01/08/2026

Feeling incredibly honoured to be nominated for the Professional Development Achievement Award of Distinction.

Being recognized alongside such a strong, inspiring group of women makes this even more meaningful. It’s pretty special to be “sitting at the table” with women who are doing impactful, community focused work every day.

Grateful for the support, the opportunities to keep learning, and the chance to grow alongside people who push our community forward!

The nominees for the Professional Development Achievement Award of Distinction are (clockwise from top left):

Danielle Roy
Taylor Jaehrling
Amanda Lambert
Stephanie Carrier

This award is generously sponsored by BrokerLink. Congrats to all of our nominees!

The winner will be announced Friday, January 16th at the Algoma Visionary Awards Gala! Tickets for the event are available here: https://www.ssmcoc.com/events/details/9th-annual-algoma-visionary-awards-1023

06/19/2025

Recently, I had a conversation with a client who wanted to insure his commercial building for less than 65% of its replacement cost value.

His reasoning? “I built it myself over a decade ago for way less than that.”

I hear this often—and I get it. But here’s why that approach can leave you exposed:

✅ Inflation doesn’t just affect groceries and gas—it dramatically impacts the cost to rebuild a structure.

Construction materials, skilled labour, equipment rentals, fuel surcharges—they’ve all increased substantially over the last decade.

✅ Replacement cost isn’t just about bricks and mortar.

A proper valuation also includes:

- Debris removal after a loss

- Updated building code requirements (bylaws)

- Professional fees (engineers, architects, permitting)

- Labour

✅ What happens if you underinsure?

Most property policies include something called a co-insurance clause.

If you insure for less than the required percentage of the replacement cost (often 80% or 90%), you could be penalized at the time of a claim. That means you become a co-insurer and could be responsible for covering a significant portion of the loss yourself—even if the damage is only partial.

The goal of insurance is to make you whole again, not to gamble on rebuilding costs.

👉 Insuring to proper replacement cost protects your investment, protects your business, and gives you peace of mind when it matters most.

Have questions about how replacement cost is calculated or how co-insurance could affect you? Let’s talk.

Northern Insurance Brokers

06/07/2025

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada.

This month, we honour the rich history, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across the country.

It is a time for reflection, learning, and listening—an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Indigenous experiences, both past and present, and to recognize the strength, resilience, and diversity of Indigenous communities.

Throughout June, we encourage everyone to take time to learn more about the stories, languages, and traditions that shape this land we share.

Explore resources and events from the Government of Canada: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1466616436543/1534874922512

06/06/2025

That’s a wrap on a fantastic week in Timmins for ! 🙌

It’s been an amazing opportunity to learn, and celebrate the progress being made across the mining and manufacturing sectors.

The connections we’ve made and the partnerships we’ve begun to build are truly exciting—and we can’t wait to see how they grow.

Huge thanks to CME, and all the sponsors who made this event such a success. And of course, a special shoutout to Sparks Pizza for helping us wrap up the week with an unforgettable meal. 🍕


Canadian Mining Expo Northern Insurance Brokers Women In Mining Timmins

06/05/2025

☕ Day Two of the Canadian Mining Expo is officially fueled up — thanks to Timmins Mechanical Solutions Inc for keeping us going with a much-needed coffee break!

After two long (and productive!) days of work events, this little pick-me-up from Noli Café was just what we needed.

Northern Insurance Brokers

06/04/2025

We had a fantastic time attending the MineConnect event last night! It was a great opportunity to connect with so many professionals who are driving innovation in the mining industry — from equipment and engineering to ESG and AI.

A huge thank you to MineConnect and Radical Gardens for hosting such a valuable evening.

Bonus highlight? A one-on-one with this four-legged AI marvel 🐕🤖. Technology never ceases to amaze.

Northern Insurance Brokers

06/03/2025

No trip to Timmins feels complete without a visit to Ciao Sandwich Co.! 🍋

Big thanks to Kennedy and the amazing team for consistently serving up delicious food and top-tier service. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or catching up with a colleague over coffee, Ciao hits the spot every time. 🙌

📍 If you’re in Timmins—make time for this gem. Your taste buds will thank you. 😋