Tributary Public Risk (TPR), a new insurance provider specifically targeting public sector organizations, has officially begun operations, becoming the first insurance company registered in Canada and designed specifically for this market.
The company was created to meet the unique risk, governance and procurement requirements of municipalities, schools, Crown agencies and other public bodies. Working through licensed insurance brokers, TPR adopts a data-led underwriting model, underpinned by service standards that are in line with public sector expectations.
Its launch coincides with continued investment in public infrastructure across Canada. ConstructConnect’s forecasts indicate that civil construction will remain the main driver of the country’s construction market until 2027.
The industry is expected to grow around 26%, from US$32.6 billion in 2025 to approximately US$41 billion in 2027. Civil engineering is expected to account for nearly half of all non-domestic construction activity, underscoring the growing focus on the delivery of public infrastructure.
At the same time, public sector organizations face greater financial risks associated with extreme weather and natural disasters. Data from Catastrophe Indexing and Quantification (CatIQ) shows that insured losses from severe weather will exceed $2.4 billion in 2025, making it the tenth costliest year on record. published figures
The Insurance Bureau of Canada says insured losses from catastrophic weather events and wildfires nearly tripled between 2016 and 2025 compared to the previous decade, while the average number of claims nearly doubled.
TPR offers a suite of insurance plans tailored to the needs of the public sector. These include the Owner Controlled Insurance Plan (OCIP) for major construction projects, the Repair and Maintenance Work Order Contract Insurance Plan (JOCIP) offered through work order contracts, and parametric insurance products designed to provide rapid, pre-agreed financial support after a defined hazard event.
Drawing on experience in public procurement and municipal advocacy, TPR adopts a rigorous, procurement-led approach to insurance placement and project management. Its model prioritizes transparency, consistency and accountability in underwriting, documentation and service delivery.
The company is backed by Canada’s Canoe Procurement Group, which represents municipalities and other public entities across the country. Through this partnership, TPR combines insurance market access with a governance structure aligned with public sector values.
“Public sector organizations face risks that are fundamentally different to commercial risks,” commented Chris Lorne, CEO of Tributary Public Risk. “Tributary was built to serve this reality. Our focus is on clear planning, responsive service and insurance structures that fit the way public entities plan, procure and deliver services.”
Duane Gladden, Board Member, Tributary Public Risk, Executive Director and CEO, Canoe Procurement Group Canada and Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Adding: “Municipalities and other public organizations have been telling us the same thing for decades: their risks are different, and insurance markets do not always reflect this reality. Tributary Public Risks is built on this experience. It is for the public sector, developed by the public sector, and is rooted in a deep understanding of how public organizations operate, plan and manage.” And remain accountable to communities. “
The Tributary Public Risk is now operational. Public sector organizations are encouraged to contact their insurance brokers to explore the relevance of their schemes, and brokers can contact TPR directly for submission and scheme information.