George R. Milnes
Property Insurance Claims Dispute Resolution Consultant — Ontario
Experience when it counts.
George Milnes has been appointed by the Ontario Superior Court as both an Appraiser and an Umpire in accordance with Statutory Condition 11 of Property Insurance Policies and Section 128 of the Ontario Insurance Act.
When both parties agree, George also offers his mediation and arbitrator-neutral services, addressing in particular the extent of damage and the methodology of repair or replacement arising from an insured peril.
George is a former claims manager with the Ontario Home Warranty Program — now known as Tarion — and a founding member of the Toronto Home Builders Association Renovation Council.
Currently semi-retired, George offers an attractive fee structure for residential, industrial, commercial, and condominium property loss disputes through GRM Consultants.
His role as umpire, arbiter-neutral, or mediator is not to adjust claims or negotiate settlements — those functions belong to adjusters under the Act — but to provide a neutral, independent process that helps parties reach fair, efficient, and legally coherent outcomes.
Three commitments
Neutrality and restraint
Applying the statutory framework as written, with respect for the intended scope of sections 128 and 143 and the historical purpose of appraisal as a valuation-focused mechanism.
Professional respect
Insurers, adjusters, public adjusters, contractors, counsel, and policyholders each bring essential expertise. A principled process acknowledges those contributions.
Constructive engagement
Meaningful improvement — procedural or legislative — requires open dialogue among all stakeholders, including regulators and industry associations.