Wawanesa, a Canadian insurance provider, is driving climate resilience through community-centred action and long-term vision. Founded in 1896 by a group of 20 farmers, the organisation’s origins are rooted in mutuality, shared responsibility, and a commitment to caring for neighbours. This founding spirit continues to shape its approach today, serving over 1.8 million members with more than $4 billion in annual premiums and $11.5 billion in assets. Unlike shareholder-driven companies, Wawanesa exists to serve its members, enabling a long-term perspective that aligns naturally with climate resilience objectives.
The insurance sector faces the financial impacts of climate change directly, including the rising frequency and severity of claims, shifting regulations, and evolving market expectations. Wawanesa adopts the widely recognised TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) framework to systematically manage these risks, from policy and legal changes to technological shifts, market transitions, and both acute and chronic physical impacts. Yet, the organisation also sees opportunities to innovate in products and services that support energy and resource efficiency, while strengthening long-term resilience. This integrated approach is embedded in risk management and strategic planning, reinforcing financial performance and community impact.
Wawanesa’s community impact work mirrors its risk management logic, focusing on reducing vulnerability, empowering communities, and helping members adapt before crises occur. In 2023, the company launched the Climate Champions programme, committing $2 million annually to support people and organisations on the frontlines of climate resilience across Canada. This initiative builds on a heritage of mutual support, reframed for contemporary challenges, and aims to help communities reduce losses before disasters strike. The programme is structured around three pillars: environmental guardians employing nature-based solutions, community protectors preparing and recovering from extreme weather, and support for the next generation driving innovation and climate action. Together, these groups embody resilience led by communities.
Wawanesa’s partnerships span over 14 national and local organisations, including Fire Smart Canada, Red Cross, and WWF Canada, supporting more than 36 projects nationwide. Local solutions range from wildfire prevention in Alberta to flood restoration in New Brunswick, youth innovation in British Columbia, and tree planting and conservation projects across the country. The company’s role is to connect local expertise with national insight, scaling what works and evaluating partnerships through seven key dimensions: measurable impact, alignment with values, prioritisation of equity and inclusion, local knowledge, and opportunities for colleague engagement.
Case studies illustrate the tangible impact of this approach. In Edmundston, New Brunswick, repeated flooding has caused significant damage. Through a partnership with WWF Canada, Wawanesa has supported multi-year river and floodplain restoration, restoring over 3,230 metres of riverbank using natural vegetation and soil stabilisation to protect homes. This demonstrates how environmental restoration can deliver insurance benefits, reduce future losses, protect biodiversity, and restore community confidence. In wildfire prevention, the company has provided over $450,000 to 35 communities, supporting vegetation management, community engagement, and risk reduction education. These efforts not only protect communities but also strengthen local governance and awareness of emerging risks.
Wawanesa’s commitment extends to education, exemplified by the conversion of its former headquarters in Winnipeg into a centre for climate resilience learning, collaboration, and dialogue among insurers, home builders, municipalities, and residents. The facility, freely available for public use, aims to expand access to resilience knowledge and support education in local communities.
The results are significant: over 10,000 people supported after extreme weather events, active engagement from approximately 4,000 colleagues, support for Indigenous communities, and the deployment of nature-based solutions across more than 1.1 million acres. These achievements underscore the power of bringing local solutions to the communities that need them most.
Looking ahead, Wawanesa continues its journey of continuous learning, refining its approach, strengthening partnerships, and sharing lessons across the sector. The belief that resilience is nurtured generation after generation remains central, with mutuals uniquely positioned to lead on this issue. Ultimately, the success of such models depends on the wellbeing of people and the places they serve.
