Review the survey and you find GIC rates provided by most insurance companies are consistently higher than those offered by banks and/or trust companies. 

The only exception to the "rule" is Manulife Bank who has the highest rates offered by any Bank or Trust company.   
 
We represent both the life insurance companies surveyed plus Manulife Bank; a subsidiary of  Manulife Financial.

Please refer to: Companies We Represent
 
There are "benefits to investing with insurance companies versus a bank or trust company".

Contact Ken MacCoy, RHU for details.