CEO reflections on the future of E&O
By Chris Johnston
March 2026
Before Leslie Howatt, E&O’s long-time CEO, retired effective January 31, 2026, she penned Reflections on life, lawsuits and liability, an excellent December 2025 Risk Report piece on her reflections from the past and the current state of the industry and E&O.
To give you insight into who I am as E&O’s new CEO, I am going to try using my crystal ball to share some thoughts on what I see in the future.
Building on strengths
First, E&O and the insurance fund are well managed, fiscally sound, and heading in a strong direction to the benefit of all licensees. The most recent reduction in annual fees — on top of a previous one in 2023 — speaks to the sound financial position we have achieved, and illustrates how we will continue to manage your funds into the future.
Second, the Board are subject matter experts, highly effective, and are poised to bring continued excellence in stewardship of the program and deal with the ever-changing landscape of the industry. The shift in coverage limit from $1 million to $2 million is a clear example of the Board knowing and advocating for the needs of licensees.
Last, but not least, E&O staff are recognized leaders and experts in the field of insurance and claims handling, bringing forth a number of recent changes to make the organization more efficient and effective, including adding social engineering coverage and going paperless, one of a number of operational efficiencies.
The future gets brighter yet
The E&O team has been strengthened by the recent well-deserved appointment of Oana Hyatt as our new Claims Manager. Oana brings 17 years of tough-minded litigation and insurance defence work to the benefit of all licensees. She has worked at a big law firm, a boutique law firm, and has been with E&O for about 10 years now. She is practical, approachable, and engaged, and excited for the new challenge and a chance to expand her considerable skill set adding:
“I am excited to step into this new role, and to continue Chris’ excellent work serving licensees across BC.”
Conclusions on the future
Based on the foundation we’ve established and the strengths that we’re continuing to build upon, the future looks bright and those of us at E&O look forward to serving all licensees in BC.
I can promise you that we will continue to improve how we protect and serve you, while exploring new ways of getting our loss prevention message out.
I personally look forward to expanding my involvement in the real estate community. I use that word because it is the best description of the industry I can think of. Since I became a part of the community 15 years ago, I have been welcomed by agents, brokers, members of various real estate boards, associations, and the regulator. I have always felt welcome and included in any consultation effort, feedback forum, or casual chat over a cup of tea.
As we move forward, I encourage you to always feel free to reach out to me for a conversation or to share the next cup of tea and expand our community.
