By Guy Parent

The RCCAQ's communications tend to place special emphasis on issues such as Bill 188, limitations on firms' ownership rights, the Bank Act and tax harmonization, all of which have an impact on our lives to varying degrees. However, we are also committed to dealing with operational matters in order to support you in the day-to-day management of your business.

RCCAQ Training and RCCAQ Insurance are on the front lines of our support services. But to ensure that you don't lose sight of the various situations in which we provide guidance and work tirelessly on your behalf, I would like to highlight a number of initiatives that we have carried out recently or are currently underway.

• We're committed to consultation! The RCCAQ's initiatives and positions are determined in light of our members' needs. That includes making amendments to our bylaws last fall or taking part in public consultations, such as the one recently launched by the provincial government concerning the 20% rule. In all cases, we are working on your behalf and your participation is essential!

• We're committed to informing the public about the products you carry! A recent radio ad campaign by the AMF implied that replacement insurance was only available via auto dealerships. In response, the RCCAQ lobbied the organization to adjust the message. (The campaign in question is now over.)

• We're committed to boosting your online visibility! Thanks to the "trouveruncourtier.ca" campaign, which is designed to increase the number of web referrals, the RCCAQ is giving you an opportunity to boost your accessibility and visibility among consumers. This is the first step in promoting the unique advisory role you play.

• We're committed to helping you recruit new staff! The RCCAQ attends nearly a dozen recruiting events each year with a view to promoting the broker profession. Don't forget that you can always inform us about any job vacancies you have; we'll be sure to promote them at the next job fair we attend. You also have the opportunity to join us at these events to meet with prospective employees directly. And you know what? It works! A few member firms have hired new staff thanks at job fairs.

• We're committed to giving you free advice on a wide range of topics! Every year, we receive nearly a thousand information requests. Brokerage-related information is normally handled by Richard Giroux, while questions about member services and training activities are handled by Catherine Rioux and Charlotte Leyre.

Here are some of our other recent activities:

• Collaborated on the review of Economical's brokerage contract.
• Carried out a legal review of the broker/client contract to make sure that it is still representative the realities you face.
• Lobbied the AMF on the topic of contingency. The AMF is expected to launch a consultation in this regard and we will be taking part.
• Participated in the AMF's consultation on electronic proof of auto insurance.
• Monitored major industry trends and issues through the organization of various discussion tables involving brokerage distribution, insurance banners and major firms.
• Tracked recent developments in the brokerage sector, particularly those involving technology.
• Consulted with our legal department in response to your queries on administrative management and professional practices, e.g. best practices when handling information requests submitted by CHAD's Office of the Syndic.
• Lobbied BMS suppliers with a view to evaluating possibilities for better system optimization.
• Identified and promoted new financing programs made available by financial institutions other than insurance companies.

Please feel free to share your comments and suggestions with us about any other issues you'd like see covered (communications@rccaq.com). Most importantly, be sure to get involved! Whether it's an industry-wide issue or a specific question you have about your profession, your future is at stake every single day. Let's work together to defend interests!