Approved Casualty & Surety has launched Surwest Surety Source, a Western Canada-focused surety division headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. The division is led by veteran surety executive Ralph Golberg and built to serve insurance brokers placing construction bonding across the region.
The goal is straightforward: give Western Canadian brokers direct access to experienced, responsive surety support for emerging and mid-sized contractors.
Why Western Canada Needed a Dedicated Surety Division
Brokers in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have long faced a gap in the market. Responsive, hands-on surety support for growing contractors is hard to find outside of major Eastern Canadian centres.
Western Canada runs on its own construction cycles. Projects move fast, and brokers need a surety contact who picks up the phone when a contractor needs bonding. That is exactly the role Surwest is designed to fill.
“Brokers often need a surety contact they can call directly when a contractor needs bonding. That’s the role Surwest is designed to fill.” — Ralph Golberg
Who Is Ralph Golberg
Golberg brings more than 40 years of surety underwriting and management experience across Canada and the United States.
His background includes:
- Senior leadership roles with Canadian insurers
- Establishing Canadian operations for U.S.-based surety companies
- Building national broker networks from the ground up
This is not a desk-bound operation. Golberg’s approach is built on direct involvement with brokers and contractors, structuring bonding solutions project by project.
“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.” — Ralph Golberg
What Surwest Surety Source Offers Brokers
Surwest focuses on the core contract surety products brokers need to support their construction clients:
- Bid bonds, performance bonds, and labour and material payment bonds for construction projects
- Bonding support for emerging contractors seeking their first bond program
- Structured solutions for contractors increasing project size, including those stepping up from small to mid-market work
- Selected commercial and miscellaneous bonds
The division operates under Approved Casualty & Surety as the licensed entity for all bond placements. Every submission runs through established market relationships and disciplined underwriting standards.
Serving Brokers Across Four Western Provinces
Surwest’s coverage area includes Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, with particular emphasis on construction and infrastructure-related projects.
This matters right now. Infrastructure investment across Canada continues to grow, and construction bonding remains a requirement for most public sector projects. Brokers who can move quickly on bond placements have a real competitive edge.
Approved Casualty & Surety supports the division through digital distribution capabilities and market access, keeping turnaround times tight without compromising underwriting quality.
How to Submit a Contractor Bonding Request
Insurance brokers looking to place Western Canadian construction bonds through Surwest can reach Ralph Golberg directly:
- Phone: 647-913-9551
- Email: ralph@approvedcasualty.com
For brokers new to Approved Casualty & Surety, you can also contact the team here or learn more about the full range of surety bond products and insurance programs available across Canada.
All surety placements are subject to underwriting review and acceptance.
About Approved Casualty & Surety
Approved Casualty & Surety is a managing general agency providing specialized insurance and surety solutions to brokers across Canada. The firm focuses on disciplined underwriting, responsive service, and practical solutions for complex risks, including contract surety, commercial bonds, course of construction, and USA bonding programs.
