EVENT LOCATION
OMIA (Ontario Mutual Insurance Association)
350 Pinebush Road, Cambridge
SEMINAR DATE – September 9th & 10th, 2026 (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Registration: 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
Seminar: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Free parking at the facility
The International Association of Arson Investigators of Ontario recognizes the requirement for those requiring hours toward their professional education and training and will provide students with a certificate for 16 hours of tested education upon completion.
A link with the agenda and any specific instructions will be provided to all registrants closer to the date.
DAY 1
Mike Finlayson (Case Study)
A deliberately set fire destroyed a hardware store and several residential units. This presentation will outline the challenges, as well as the strategies used, to overcome those challenges leading to a successful decision heard by the Court of Appeal.
Presented by Mike Finlayson of Winnipeg, Manitoba, who received his law degree in 1983, after obtaining a Master of Arts in Philosophy. From the beginning of his career as a lawyer, Mike has done civil litigation, primarily acting for insurers and their insureds. This litigation has involved a wide spectrum of circumstances, including fires, construction issues, personal injuries and defamation, among many others. In addition to typical insurance matters, Mike has experience in commercial litigation, shareholders’ disputes and arbitrations. He has appeared as counsel in all levels of courts in Manitoba, before the Securities Commission, the Labour Board, the Workers Compensation Appeal Board, and arbitration panels.
Clive Hubbard (Photography & Scene Documentation)
50 Shades of Black: Fire Scene Photography
Presented by Clive Hubbard, CFEI, who is a certified fire and explosion investigator with 12 years of experience with the Office of the Fire Marshal. During his tenure, he investigated more than 400 fires and explosions, including fatal fires, serious injury incidents, and criminally suspicious fires. He has been qualified as an expert witness and has provided testimony in courts at all levels regarding the origin, cause, and circumstances of fires and explosions. This will address the challenges associated with photographing fire and explosion scenes in a manner that creates an accurate and comprehensive record. The presentation will examine how effective scene documentation supports the investigative process and assists in forming defensible opinions regarding origin and cause.
Following the presentation, attendees should have an enhanced understanding of fire scene documentation and the importance of using appropriate photographic evidence to support and defend investigative opinions.
DAY 2
Join several forensic engineering experts from across Ontario for a day exploring the causes and investigation of common appliance fires. Learn how fire investigators identify failure mechanisms, examine real-world scenarios, and gain valuable insights into fire investigation. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to inspect appliances involved in actual fire incidents, providing a hands-on look at fire damage and forensic evidence.
Speakers and topics for Day 2 include:
Raina Chamberlain: Electric Ranges
Mark Mason: BBQ’s
Steve Hawken: Laptop Computers
Michelle Bradley: Dryer Fires
Jason D’Ornellas: Electric Heaters
Maksym Tykhomyrov: Lithium-Ion Baeries + Fuse Holders
Scott Broad: Propane Tanks
SEMINAR FEE & REGISTRATION
The seminar fee of $425.00 + HST = $480.25 includes the program, lunch, and refreshments.
To register for the program, please complete the Seminar Sign Up below or send an email with the subject IAAI Request for Participation to Doug Lowther at doug@first-er.com and include the following info:
- First and Last Name of Attendee(s)
- Name of Employer
- Email Address(s)
- Contact Number(s)
In response to your Request for Participation, we will email an invoice to you, along with a link so you can issue payment via Credit Card or PayPal.
HOTEL INFORMATION
Cambridge Hotel
700 Hespeler Rd, Cambridge, Ontario
519-622-1505
$139.00/night
Block reserved under IAAI – Ontario Conference
Reservation Deadline is August 9th 2026
On behalf of IAAI Ontario, we look forward to seeing you in September!