UV Insurance

UV Insurance is a Canadian mutual insurance company headquartered in Drummondville, Quebec. Founded in 1889 as L'Union Saint-Joseph, it has grown over more than 135 years into a diversified provider of individual life and critical illness insurance, group insurance for employee health and well-being, and investment products. As a mutual, it is owned by its policyholders rather than public shareholders, and it positions itself as a trusted, socially responsible institution with exceptional financial strength. The company traces its origins to a joint fund created by François-Xavier-Édouard Demers and twelve citizens to support members in case of illness or death. It received its articles of incorporation in 1890 with 178 members. Originally a relief society with restrictive membership criteria, it gradually opened up, admitting women in 1915, and in 1957 transformed into The Union Life Mutual Insurance Company to gain administrative flexibility. The company later rebranded as UV Insurance (UV Assurance) and today operates under a mutual model. UV Insurance serves individuals, groups and advisors through a distribution network across Canada. Its product range includes life insurance, critical illness insurance, group insurance plans designed to promote employee health and well-being, and investment solutions suited to different risk profiles. The company emphasizes strong partnerships and collaboration to enhance the financial security, health and well-being of its members and communities. In 2025, UV Insurance celebrated its 135th anniversary and completed the largest acquisition in its history, doubling its number of policyholders in individual insurance in Canada. The company continues to pursue growth, innovation and improved customer experience. In 2026, Charles Guay was appointed CEO, succeeding Christian Mercier, signaling a new strategic phase focused on the Canadian personal insurance market.

UV Insurance was founded on December 29, 1889, under the name L'Union Saint-Joseph, initiated by François-Xavier-Édouard Demers and 12 citizens who wanted to create a joint fund to meet their needs in case of illness or death. When it received its articles of incorporation in 1890, it had 178 members. At the time, membership was restricted: future members had to be French Canadian, Catholic, male, aged between 18 and 40, from the working class, in good health, and of good reputation. The biggest challenge in the first decade was recruitment. Under the leadership of François-Xavier-Édouard Demers, Damase Benoît, and Honoré Gravel, who took turns serving as president between 1889 and 1899, significant efforts were made to promote the association, including printing and distributing a first version of its by-laws across the province. In 1900, Alexandre Mercure was elected to head the association and led it for over 40 years. From a struggling organization with only $2,400 in assets and 270 members in 1901, Mr. Mercure and his colleagues built a highly organized relief society. Over the following years, numerous changes were made to the by-laws, including one in 1915 that finally allowed the admission of women. To continue its growth, the organization had to abandon its status as a relief society and transition into a company. As a result, on April 1, 1957, L'Union Saint-Joseph became The Union Life Mutual Insurance Company. This change allowed for more flexible administration and marked a significant turning point. The company later rebranded as UV Insurance (UV Assurance) and continued to operate as a mutual insurer owned by its policyholders. Over the decades, UV Insurance expanded its product range to include individual life and critical illness insurance, group insurance for employee health and well-being, and investment products. It serves clients across Canada through a distribution network of advisors and partners. The company emphasizes strong partnerships and collaboration to enhance the financial security, health, and well-being of its members and communities. In 2025, UV Insurance celebrated its 135th anniversary, a milestone attesting to the strength of its mutual model and the enduring trust of its employees, partners, distribution network, and policyholders. That same year, it reached a decisive milestone with the largest acquisition in its history, doubling its number of policyholders in individual insurance in Canada and confirming the soundness of its investments and growth vision. In July 2026, the Board of Directors announced the appointment of Charles Guay as CEO effective September 14, 2026, succeeding Christian Mercier, who had announced his departure after ten years at the helm. This appointment marked a new strategic phase for UV Insurance, with a focus on driving growth, strengthening its competitive position, accelerating innovation, improving customer experience, and seizing new business opportunities in the Canadian Personal Insurance market.

• 2026

  Charles Guay appointed CEO effective September 14, succeeding Christian Mercier.

• 2025

  Celebrated 135th anniversary and completed largest acquisition in history, doubling policyholders in individual insurance in Canada.

• 1957

  On April 1, L'Union Saint-Joseph became The Union Life Mutual Insurance Company.

• 1915

  By-laws changed to allow admission of women.

• 1900

  Alexandre Mercure elected to head the association; led for over 40 years.

• 1890

  Received articles of incorporation with 178 members.

• 1889

  Founded on December 29 as L'Union Saint-Joseph by François-Xavier-Édouard Demers and 12 citizens.

A century-old Quebec-based mutual insurance company committed to social responsibility and renowned for its exceptional financial strength, offering tailored protection and investment products.

• Group Insurance

  A comprehensive range of flexible, affordable products designed to promote employee health and well-being.

• Individual Insurance

  A range of life and critical illness insurance products to suit everyone's needs.

• Investment

  Investment products suited to cautious, moderate, or adventurous investors.

1. 1UV Insurance - Insuring You for Over 135 Yearsuvassurance.ca
2. 2Our History - UV Insuranceuvassurance.ca
3. 3Charles Guay appointed CEO of UV Insurance - UV Insuranceuvassurance.ca
4. 4UV Insurance - Wikidatawikidata.org