George R. Milnes
Appraisal Process Consulting & Appraisal Umpire Services
Experience when it counts.
George R. Milnes has been appointed by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice 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.
His career spans decades of property insurance work: as a licensed adjuster for insurers and for insureds, a regional claims consultant, a claims manager with the Ontario New Home Warranty Program (now Tarion), and an appraiser and umpire. He brings both an insurance and a building damage restoration background, and is a founding member of the Toronto Home Builders Association Renovation Council.
Now semi-retired, George limits his practice through GRM Consulting to two services for property insurance claims: consulting on the statutory Appraisal process under the Ontario Insurance Act, and appointments as Appraisal Umpire.
George does not provide claims adjusting, claims investigation, or settlement negotiation services. Those services are performed by licensed adjusters.
He is also the author of The Milnes Rule – A Unified Doctrine of Appraisal Law in Canada, a treatise currently in progress in which he proposes a unified doctrinal framework for Appraisal. It is expected around mid-2027.
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.