Focusing on Quebec's shared official language (French), Bill 96 has been sparking fears in the damage insurance industry. At the most recent brokers' lunch in Laval (September 15), a number of individuals expressed concerns and asked the RCCAQ to look into the matter. In this regard, the proposed legislation is in the review stage with the participation of a sub-committee made up of elected RCCAQ officials.

The proposed legislation has been drawing concern for a number of reasons, in particular the requirement that insurers offer clients, including commercial clients, an initial version of all contracts in French. Needless to say, such a requirement would have a major financial impact for local companies, as well as for various insurers outside Quebec.

Under the current circumstances, with many companies having difficulty finding an insurer, the requirement to initially provide contracts in French and then in the client's language of choice, could certainly encourage some insurers to raise their rates. The potential drop-off in competition, in addition to higher translation expenses, might put additional upward pressure on rates.

The RCCAQ does recognize that the French language must be protected in Quebec. But protecting and promoting French in Quebec must be done while minimizing the impacts on Quebec companies.

Once again, the RCCAQ is lobbying the Quebec government and attempting to bring it up to speed on the real issues facing RCCAQ members and their industry. For the time being, the matter is under review. We certainly hope for a favourable outcome.