Political representation: turning delays into opportunities

by Kathleen Ann Rake, RCCAQ Chair

The RCCAQ seeks to defend your socioeconomic interests in dealings with various government agencies and administrative bodies that invariably operate at their own pace and according to their own rules. As part of our efforts, we customarily focus on a handful of key issues embedded in specific political and legislative contexts. Lobbying is inherently a long-term process that may be interrupted and/or delayed by various different factors, including modifications to the political agenda, changes of government, etc.

At the present time, the strike involving Quebec's government lawyers and notaries is paralyzing a significant part of our provincial institutions. So I would like to reiterate: we are focused on long-term success as part of a marathon undertaking in which your support is essential.

Turning delays into opportunities

The delays we face may stem from exceptional circumstances or simply from the twists and turns of the political agenda. Whatever the case, our lobbying efforts often result in a bureaucratic "processing time" that can feel endless. Take, for example, the Bill 188 review, which is currently our #1 hot-button issue:

• June 2015: the provincial government issues a report on the Act respecting the distribution of financial products and services.
• Summer 2015: the RCCAQ consults its members and reaches a consensus on various positions it will adopt in its defence of insurance brokers' interests.
• September 2015: the RCCAQ submits a position paper.
• November 2015: the RCCAQ holds its annual convention organized around the twin themes of Bill 188 and member engagement.
• 2016: the RCCAQ rolls out Operation Bill 188. Large numbers of RCCAQ members send out letters designed to raise MNAs' awareness of the related issues. A regional tour is coordinated and the RCCAQ takes part a dozen conferences on the impacts of Bill 188. In short, the RCCAQ and its members are in a state of mobilization.
• May 25, 2016: the RCCAQ organizes Parliament Hill Day in Quebec City and meets with finance minister Carlos Leitão, in addition to the caucuses of the main political parties and other influential MNAs in the area of finance.
• November 2016: Mr. Leitão announces that new legislation will be introduced no later than December 9, 2016.
• As of today (February 20, 2017) the omnibus bill (including the new Act) had still not been introduced.

Nearly two years after the provincial government issued its report and despite the fact that a Finance Ministry spokesperson stated in an interview last December with the Journal de l'assurance that only a few minor adjustments still needed to be made, the legislation is still on the backburner. Why? Because the four-month-long labour dispute involving government lawyers and notaries has been holding up the process and preventing institutions from moving forward with various initiatives.

But that does not mean that we're taking a break, far from it! The delays we have faced may well be the result of exceptional circumstances, but our job is to turn these delays into opportunities to pursue our lobbying efforts with key decision-makers. We will also be raising other key issues that are crucial to the future viability of our profession. The Bill 188 review will continue to be our #1 priority.

Shaping the political agenda

The various priorities that a political party or government establishes are more commonly referred to as its "political agenda". As part of our lobbying efforts, the RCCAQ seeks to ensure that no political agenda is "imposed" on us; we prefer to shape it as much as we can and to seize any opportunities that arise along the way.

Consider the major issue of tax harmonization. After obtaining a significant gain of $20 million in tax credits in 2013, we know for a fact that this battle is not over and that our lobbying efforts will have to continue. Since those credits expired in 2016, the RCCAQ must demonstrate how much of a financial impact this measure had on brokerage firms; we will ensure that the government takes up this matter as part of its political agenda.

Until recently, the provincial government's austerity measures meant that we could not lobby effectively with respect to the tax credit situation. But now that Quebec has a balanced budget, the government can afford to be more attuned to initiatives aimed at stimulating the provincial economy, particularly in non-urban regions. The RCCAQ intends to seize this window of opportunity with a view to achieving a definitive solution.

Slow and steady wins the race

What at first glance may seem like our being placed "on hold" or having our efforts blocked is actually an opportunity for us to work on related issues and to do the necessary research to develop our positions properly. It's also a chance for us to listen to your concerns and to put together strategies aimed at providing you with the tools you need as we defend your interests. At the same time, we will be working on developing our contacts and staying prepared so we can take effective action when the time comes.

And how about yourself? What can you do to ensure that you're ready when we ask you to take action? As you know, the issues that are endangering the brokerage sector's future viability are numerous and all too real. Please take steps to develop your political network and to take part in community activities in your region. Regardless of party affiliation, the relationships that you maintain with your elected representatives (municipal, provincial and federal) are invaluable when the time comes to mobilize our efforts.

Political representation is a long-distance race. With each passing day, the RCCAQ builds on its experience and is better prepared to anticipate obstacles, to identify stakeholders who will help us maintain our momentum and to draw on the collective support of our members as we cross the finish line as winners!