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Segmented Information - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018 CAD ($) segment | Mar. 31, 2018 CAD ($) | Dec. 31, 2017 CAD ($)
--- | --- | --- | ---
Disclosure of operating segments [line items] |  |  |
Insurance contract liabilities | $ 121,923 |  | $ 117,785
Number of operating segments | segment | 5 |  |
SLF U.S. |  |  |
Disclosure of operating segments [line items] |  |  |
Insurance contract liabilities | $ 26,186 |  | 24,410
SLF Asia |  |  |
Disclosure of operating segments [line items] |  |  |
Insurance contract liabilities | 21,525 |  | 20,257
Individual non-participating life and health |  |  |
Disclosure of operating segments [line items] |  |  |
Insurance contract liabilities | 37,528 |  | 35,028
Individual non-participating life and health | SLF U.S. |  |  |
Disclosure of operating segments [line items] |  |  |
Insurance contract liabilities | 13,239 | $ (10,000) | 12,024
Individual non-participating life and health | SLF Asia |  |  |
Disclosure of operating segments [line items] |  |  |
Insurance contract liabilities | $ 12,463 | $ 0 | $ 11,449

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