Construction brokers in Western Canada have a new surety market to work with, as Approved Casualty & Surety rolls out a Calgary-based division focused on bonding support for contractors across the region.
The company has launched Surwest Surety Source, a unit that will write broker-distributed surety business in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. All bond placements will be issued through Approved Casualty & Surety as the licensed entity.
The new division is aimed at emerging and mid-sized contractors that need access to experienced surety support as they pursue public and private construction work. That includes contractors seeking their first bond programme as well as firms moving into larger jobs that require more structured bonding arrangements.
Surwest will handle contract surety for construction projects, including bid, performance, and labour and material payment bonds. It will also offer selected commercial and miscellaneous bonds.
Leading the division is Ralph Golberg, a veteran surety executive with more than 40 years of underwriting and management experience in Canada and the United States. His background includes senior roles with Canadian insurers, helping establish Canadian operations for U.S.-based surety companies, and building broker networks across the country.
“Western Canada operates on its own construction cycles and relationships. Brokers often need a surety contact they can call directly when a contractor needs bonding. That’s the role Surwest is designed to fill,” Golberg said.
The launch comes as construction bonding continues to play a central role in infrastructure and other project work across Canada, particularly where public-sector procurement requires contractors to secure bonds before moving ahead.
Approved Casualty & Surety said Surwest will be supported by its existing market relationships and digital distribution capabilities, while remaining focused on broker-only business.
“Surety at this level requires experience and direct involvement. This is not a transactional business. It’s about understanding the contractor, the project, and working closely with brokers to structure the right solution,” Golberg said.
