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Our Professional Relationships OMEX has forged alliances with selected professional firms that can deliver the high quality and diversity of services that our members want and deserve. Insurance Consulting
One of the ways OMEX keeps its operating costs down is to utilize consultants for their technical expertise only as required. Brokerage firms such as Marsh Canada provide expertise to OMEX in areas such as loss control, engineering, policy and coverage issues and large loss settlements, as well as providing access to the traditional insurance markets. OMEX works in partnership with Marsh Risk Consulting to provide site evaluation services utilizing Marsh's proprietory risk control software TrendTracker. Reinsurance Services
Marsh Canada has been retained by OMEX to provide expertise in the area of our reinsurance placement. Its solid position within global markets along with long-standing service to other public sector reciprocal and government programs in Canada makes it an ideal fit for OMEX and municipalities in Ontario. Actuarial Services
J.S. Cheng & Partners Inc. was established in 1992 to provide actuarial services and is actuary to over 30 insurance companies, including other insurance reciprocals. Mr. Cheng and his associates review the claims reserves of OMEX and certify that these reserves are adequate. This certification is presented annually to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. Investment Services
Investment services for OMEX are provided through the facilities of BMO Asset Management Inc., which provides investment portfolio management services, and Royal Trust/Royal Bank, which provides custodial, record keeping, and funds transfer services. All investments must adhere to a strict set of OMEX Board-approved investment guidelines, the provisions of which conform to municipal eligible investment regulations and the Insurance Act. Financial Integrity
The public accounting firm of BDO Canada LLP provides essential and independent financial services to OMEX. The firm annually audits our financial statements, including a review of the adequacy of the claims reserves. Rob Wilkes, the partner in charge, has considerable experience in the insurance industry. Legal counsel
OMEX utilizes the services of several well-respected law firms who specialize in municipal insurance defence. In 2009 as part of our ongoing commitment to streamline and improve the claims handling process, OMEX undertook a comprehensive evaluation of defence counsel and created a Defence Counsel Registry of legal firms across Ontario who are experienced in municipal defence. Many of these firms also assist OMEX in providing member education and seminars as well as actively support regulatory efforts to reduce municipalities' exposure to claims. Adjusting Services
The first line of defence in managing claims involves expert adjusting services. OMEX has been fortunate to work with teams of adjusters from both large and small firms that bring a high level of experience and commitment to the claims process. Cunningham Lindsey, Crawford Canada and RGM Claims Services provide excellent service to many of our member municipalities. Strategic Alliances
Over the years OMEX has developed relationships with several of the key municipal staff associations in Ontario notably the Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ontario (MFOA) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Since there are many similarities in structure and interests between OMEX and these associations, we regularly support their activities.
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