About Us

FCA Insurance Brokers originated in 1919.  Two veterans returning from the First World War, James Gilpen and W. Harvey Doherty, found themselves sharing office space and common interests with Todd Dixon in Toronto. The three entrepreneurs merged their operations to form Gilpen, Doherty & Dixon.

With the addition of Ronald Firstbrook, the name changed to Doherty, Dixon & Firstbrook Ltd. After subsequent mergers, and the later arrival of James Cassie, the growing firm evolved to Doherty, Dixon, Bark & Firstbrook Ltd. and then to Firstbrook & Cassie Limited.

Donald Anderson became a partner in 1985 and the firm name emerged as Firstbrook, Cassie & Anderson Ltd.

During the 1980’s the partnership was extended to include John van Bilsen and Andrew Osbourne, and later, Jeffrey Smith.

Over the decades, FCA has continued to flourish. The company now has three branches with a total staff in excess of 80 experienced individuals. FCA is respected as an accomplished, professional organization, well-positioned and well-established within the Canadian marketplace.

Under the current leadership, FC&A has expanded across the Canadian marketplace, accessing a full spectrum of Insurer markets. Early in 2007, FC&A further consolidated its international capabilities, as one of two Canadian members of the Wells Fargo Global Broker Network

In 2009, marking its 90th Anniversary, FCA expanded its ownership and executive team to include R. Andrew Osbourne as President, John H. van Bilsen as Chairman, plus two new Vice Presidents, Partners and Directors Sean Anderson and Brenda Rose. Donald Anderson continues as Director and Treasurer.

Then, in 2013, the executive group extended to Warren Griffiths who joined as Vice President, Partner and Director.

The firm focuses on serving the needs of a wide spectrum of commercial and corporate clients, with attendant specialties in Private Client Personal Lines, and Financial, Health & Benefits Planning.

Licensed across Canada, the firms headquarters in Toronto with two branch offices, and offers full independent global capacity through a wide-ranging network of select international partnerships.

FCA is looking forward to the centenary year in 2019, and on to the next century!