Card firm offering complimentary credit checks
Lowers debt ratings of Fairfax Financial
But dollar volume soars in 2002
Move follows Great-West offer for Canada Life
Problems concentrated in techs and telecoms
Move reflects increasing competition, reduced 2002 earnings
Commission to consider role credit rating agencies
Diverse product mix, sound underwriting practices
Downgrades far outnumber upgrades
New ratio assesses strength of life and health insurers