Insurance
4-H in Canada Insurance Overview
4-H Canada and provincial 4-H organizations maintain insurance policies covering the activities of their organizations. The Insurance Overview is intended to be a quick reference guide for 4-H Canada, provincial organization staff and boards, and 4-H leaders and volunteers across Canada, regarding the insurance program. Please read the 4-H Canada Insurance Overview.
Insurance and Activity Planning Reminders
4-H in Canada holds several insurance policies intended to protect members, participants, volunteers, staff and the organization. These policies include Participant Accident, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Non-Owned Auto, Abuse and Cyber Insurance. For more coverage information please visit the Youth Safety page.
For coverage to apply all activities must follow 4-H Canada Youth Safety Policies and an activity plan must be completed for any activities involve:
- Multiple clubs, or regional or provincial events.
- Transportation and/or accommodations organized by 4-H;
- Third-party service providers that require a waiver (i.e. archery, shooting range, etc.); or
- High-risk activities that are outside the norm for the 4-H project (i.e. a cooking club would not have practiced the skills to go on a trail ride, while an equestrian club would be developing the required riding skills).
The 4-H Canada Code of Conduct requires that all volunteer leaders adhere to the policies and procedures of 4-H Canada and provincial organizations. Not following all youth safety policies and procedures, including the completion of Activity Plans when required constitutes a breach of the Code of Conduct and will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of position.
Third-Party Contracts and Participant Waivers
In addition to requesting a certificate of insurance from 4-H, a property/premises owner or operator may request a signed contract. Contracts may include hold-harmless agreements, indemnity agreements, waivers, short-term leases, or temporary occupancy agreements that contain hold-harmless or indemnity clauses. These documents can contain clauses that affect the 4-H insurance policy and 4-H’s legal position in the event of a claim.
- Individual staff and leaders do not have the authority to sign contracts on behalf of 4-H. Only an officer of the organization (senior staff at the national or provincial 4-H office) has the authority to review and sign off on such contracts. Please submit any contracts with the Activity Plan at 4-h-canada.ca/youth-safety.
- Individual staff and leaders do not have the authority to sign waivers on behalf of participants. They must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Please attach a copy of the blank waiver when sharing the Activity Plan with members and parents.
Requesting a Certificate from a Third Party
4-H is concerned about accidents or incidents that may be the responsibility of the property/premises owner or the service operator. For example, an equipment failure, unsafe premises, or third-party staff acting in a negligent manner resulting in injury to a 4-H participant. It is highly recommended that a certificate of insurance be requested from service providers and facilities where 4-H activities are held. The following are some examples for reference:
- A bus company hired to transport members to camp;
- A caterer providing services for a function;
- A local arena where a skate-a-thon will be held;
- A truck driver donating his vehicle for a Santa Claus parade (see Primary Automobile Insurance Section);
- A fair or exhibition grounds where 4-H members will be showing or competing;
- Any activities for recreation run by a third party.
Provincial organizations will review submitted Activity Plans, consult with BFL as required, and give direction to the organizers on providing or requesting proof of insurance to third parties. Activity Plans can be submitted at 4-h-canada.ca/youth-safety.
Insurance Summary
Effective September 1, 2011, the 4-H Manitoba Participant Accident Insurance has been increased to include “Buddy Insurance” for non-member guests invited to participate in an activity or event approved by and under the supervision of 4-H.
The Participant Personal Accident Insurance is the policy that “insures the participants of the policyholder, including volunteers working on behalf of the Insured, who are participating in a sanctioned activity approved by and under supervision of proper authority of the club, organization or policyholder and for which coverage has been declared.”
Highlights of the PARTICIPANT PERSONAL INSURANCE: 4-H Manitoba Participant Personal Accident Insurance covers participants who have an accident, on a no-fault basis, regardless of whether 4-H was negligent. The insurance is in effect if an accident happens and one of the following gets hurt:
- Members,
- Leaders/Volunteers/Staff
- Non-member guests (buddy coverage). A “Buddy” is a non-registered guest, for example, a friend or sibling of a registered 4-H member, who is invited to participate along with all the members in a 4-H activity or event approved by and under the supervision of 4-H.
** Note ** Safety for all participants is always a priority so, for example, children under 8 should not be handling large animals. When in doubt about the appropriateness of an activity, please contact the Manitoba 4-H Council office.
However, as before, spectators are not covered by the Participant Accident Insurance. A spectator is a friend, family or other who is at an event to watch or cheer. So, if something gets out of control and a spectator is hurt (i.e. a horse gets spooked and runs through a crowd), the spectator can make a claim against the 4-H Commercial General Liability policy which covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties.
Any incident involving 4-H should be reported promptly to the Manitoba 4-H Council office (leave a voice message after hours). Generally, the Head Leader ensures this information is recorded, regardless of whether the incident seems minor and perhaps not requiring further follow-up. Please use the 4-H in Canada Incident Reporting Form