The CIA community grieves the loss of Cynthia Potts, whose commitment and spirit will be dearly missed. Cynthia died suddenly on December 21, 2025, at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, at the age of 70.
Born in Montreal in 1955, Cynthia’s early education began at The Study – a private, non-subsidized, bilingual school for girls – continuing at Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute when her family moved to Toronto. She graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston in 1978 with a degree in mathematics, launching a career that would see her become a consulting property and casualty actuary and a partner in one of Canada’s largest independent actuarial consulting firms. When Cynthia achieved Fellowship in the CIA and the Casualty Actuarial Society in 1986, she became only the sixth woman in Canada to hold both distinctions.
After graduation, Cynthia began her actuarial career at the Royal Insurance Company in Toronto. In 1988, she moved into consulting at MLH+A, focusing on property and casualty insurance. She joined Eckler in 1993, becoming a leader in the firm’s P&C practice until her retirement, in 2021. Cynthia specialized in appointed actuary work for some of Eckler’s largest clients, mentored junior colleagues, and served as the chief architect of Eckler’s valuation and financial condition testing software for P&C clients.
Those who knew Cynthia described her as steadfast, deeply principled and unfailingly supportive. Her integrity guided everything she did, and despite her demanding career, she always found time to help a colleague.
Cynthia’s contributions to the CIA were both significant and enduring. She devoted countless hours to volunteer service, completing 27 terms of service, chairing and participating in numerous volunteer groups. Her leadership roles included:
- Member of Designated Group for the Development of Standards Related to IFRS 17
- Chair of the Committee on Solvency Standards for Financial Institutions
- Co-Chair of the IFRS 17 Steering Committee
- Chair of the Joint Program Committee – Appointed Actuary Seminar – P&C Subcommittee
- Vice-Chair of the Compliance Committee
- Chair of the P&C Insurance Financial Reporting Committee – Taxation Subcommittee
Among her many contributions, Cynthia’s efforts during the profession’s transition to IFRS 17 left a particularly strong mark.
“The highlight of Cynthia’s service to the actuarial profession in Canada undoubtedly was her leadership on the development of guidance to P&C actuaries regarding the implementation of IFRS 17. Her work in that regard is worthy of high praise.” – Bill Weiland, a Fellow of the Institute.
Her commitment to advancing actuarial standards and mentoring younger actuaries earned her the CIA Award of Excellence. Cynthia will be posthumously awarded the CIA Lifetime Award in recognition of her outstanding service and dedication to the profession.
Beyond her professional achievements, Cynthia was known for her warmth, generosity and infectious laughter. She was a cherished wife, sister, aunt and friend; always thinking of others and offering support when needed. Her passions included curling, bridge, baking, travel and spending time at her cottage in Haliburton and her villa in Nevis in the Caribbean. She was a devoted “dog mum” and a dedicated volunteer baker for North Toronto churches, helping those in need.
Cynthia is survived by her husband, Nigel, her siblings – David, Katherine and Julie – as well as several nieces and nephews. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, leadership and service that will be remembered by all who knew her.
You are invited to share your thoughts and memories in the CIA Forum’s In memoriam section.