News from Environmental Defence Canada, a not-for-profit group dedicated to protecting and preserving our environment
Posted June 2nd, 2026 on Niagara At Large
(A Brief Foreword by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – So you think that the climate crisis doesn’t impact you? If you pay property and car insurance, please read the following, then go back and have a conversation with those who argue that climate change is not a problem or it is a hoax.)
Climate impacts have added an estimated $533 to the average Canadian homeowner’s annual insurance premium since 2008, according to new research released today by Environmental Defence Canada.
The report, titled Mounting Costs: How Climate Change Is Costing You More than $500 Extra Per Year in Home Insurance, was conducted in partnership with the University of Toronto and analyzed data from Canada’s largest home insurer, Intact. The findings show that weather-related insurance claims have risen 11.9 per cent annually since 2008, far outpacing routine claims, which have increased just 1.97 per cent per year over the same period.
While the insurance industry has long been aware that climate change is driving up premiums, this report estimates exactly how much climate change is responsible for, versus other inflationary factors.
“We’ve watched the government create a national debate, pitting climate action against economic growth and affordability. When Canadians are being evacuated from their homes due to wildfires, or forced to rebuild their lives after a flash flooding event, we are reminded that climate change is not a debate,” said Alex Walker, Energy Analytics Program Manager.
“These numbers show that climate change is actively an affordability issue. Canadians are paying over $500 a year extra in home insurance costs as a direct result of worsening climate impacts. It is not climate action versus affordability. We cannot afford to pay more and more each year because of worsening extreme weather.”
Climate change is currently costing Canadians hundreds of dollars each year in insurance costs alone. Climate action is therefore one of the core pillars in protecting Canadians against rising financial burdens, and federal climate action is critical.
See here for the full report.
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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