International Raw Materials Ltd. v. Steadfast Insurance Company
International Raw Materials Ltd.
Law Firm / Organization
Clark Wilson LLP
Ironshore Speciality Insurance Company
Law Firm / Organization
Clark Wilson LLP
Steadfast Insurance Company
Law Firm / Organization
Dentons Canada LLP
Lawyer(s)

Ian Wachowicz

  • Facts: International Raw Materials Ltd. (IRM) experienced sulfuric acid spills in British Columbia and sought insurance coverage from Steadfast Insurance Company and Ironshore Specialty Insurance Company. Disputes arose regarding jurisdiction and the extent of coverage, leading to separate actions by IRM and Ironshore against Steadfast for breach of contract and equitable contribution.

  • Issue: The primary legal issue was whether the Supreme Court of British Columbia had territorial competence over the claims and, if so, whether it should decline jurisdiction in favor of a more appropriate forum.

  • Court’s Ruling: The court dismissed Steadfast’s applications, finding that it had territorial competence based on a real and substantial connection with British Columbia. It was held that there was no more appropriate forum than British Columbia for these proceedings, considering the connection of the insurance claims and incidents to the jurisdiction.

  • Costs/Damages Awarded: The decision did not specify the exact amount of costs or damages awarded. However, it was mentioned that costs of the applications would be in the cause, meaning the successful party in the overall claim (IRM or Ironshore) would recover their costs related to these jurisdictional applications.

Supreme Court of British Columbia
S219774 ; S224514
Insurance law
Plaintiff