Insurers in Canada are heavily regulated in the way they invest their capital because they must remain financially strong to pay future claims. Government regulations-federal for federally regulated insurers and provincial for provincially regulated insurers-set out specific investment restrictions, including prohibiting certain high-risk or illiquid investments. These rules protect policyholders by ensuring insurers maintain solvency and liquidity.
Insurers must invest prudently in order to meet long-term obligations, and therefore regulators specify the classes of investments deemed too risky or unsuitable. This includes limits on speculative investments or holdings that could jeopardize stability.
Option A is incorrect because insurers arenotrequired to invest in non-liquid assets; in fact, liquidity is important.
Option B is incorrect; although some foreign investments may be allowed, the statement is not a broad principle of regulation.
Option C is incorrect because insurers face significant restrictions, not complete freedom.
Thus, D is the correct answer.