The Surety Association of Canada (SAC) is pleased to present a coffee chat webinar series with executive leaders. Each webinar will be a 45-minute open discussion covering a wide variety of topics, including an overview of the leader’s career journey and development, innovation and adaptability, balancing work and life, and mentorship.

Our next coffee chat webinar will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (ET) and will feature Steve D. Ness, President & Chief Operating Officer of the Surety Association of Canada.

Steve Ness began his career in the surety industry in 1981 and is currently the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Surety Association of Canada having assumed the post in August 1994. He is also one of the founders of the association and one of its original directors.

In 1992, Steve joined forces with five industry “renegades” to form what would become the Surety Association of Canada (SAC). As a founding member, he established the new association by inducing all sectors of the industry to join. The association is the de facto voice of the industry and represents 99.2% of surety writers from coast to coast.

In the 34 years since its formation, SAC has worked closely with stakeholders to foster an understanding about the suretyship products and process. It has become the go-to resource for owners, contractors and design professionals and has been instrumental in the development of new and responsive surety products that meet the needs of the non-residential construction industry in the 21st century. In addition, the association has been a strong voice for commercial surety products. As a result of this combined effort, surety premium writing has more than doubled in the last 15 years.

There is no cost to register; however, registration is open to individuals who are employed at SAC member firms only. Note that this session will not be recorded and will be held in English only.

Registrants are encouraged to submit their questions for Steve, in advance to membership [at] suretycanada.com or through the registration form.