By Vincent Gaudreau, CIB, FCIP, CRM, Insurance broker & RCCAQ chair

Sometimes we forget how important certain things are. And sometimes we take things for granted, especially if they no longer seem evident. That's why I'd like to reiterate what the RCCAQ is all about.

The RCCAQ's primary mission is to represent and protect our members. We operate like a professional association or guild: we are committed to promoting our member firms and brokers and defending their socio-economic interests.

In recent months, the RCCAQ has been busy on various fronts and has undertaken a number of initiatives on your behalf. The issues we have been working on include the following:

• Tax increase on auto insurance
• Auto dealers' illegal business practices
• 20% ownership rule
• Tax harmonization
• Making supplementary remuneration programs more favourable to brokers
• Condo insurance

Other issues are currently being addressed:

• Bill 188 review
• Bill C-691 - family business transfers
• Online sales
• Monitoring developments relating to UberX

The RCCAQ also organizes various activities every year:

• Parliament Hill Day in Quebec
• Annual convention
• Regional tour

On an ongoing basis, the RCCAQ seeks to:

• Ensure the future viability of the broker profession
• Educate the public on the distinction between insurance agents and insurance brokers

RCCAQ members also benefit from various services, including our training activities and Courmark, which provides a full range of insurance products and services.

Those are a lot of good reasons to keep on supporting the RCCAQ! Please keep in mind that each dollar invested in the RCCAQ is used to assist you and protect your interests.