Thanks to the RCCAQ team's regional tour, as well as brokers luncheons and the advisory committee on the 2019 convention, there were multiple opportunities to network with brokers in 2018-2019 and to keep them informed about issues that could have a major impact on their profession. At the same time, RCCAQ members had the chance to discuss topics of concern to them. RCCAQ members' dedication to their professional association was on full display at each of these dynamic and inspirational get-togethers!

Successful tour

On April 4, the RCCAQ's senior management team set off on a tour to meet with brokers in all corners of Quebec. "For us, this activity is an essential part of efforts to stay in close touch with our members, as well as to determine brokerages' shared areas of concern and to identify their specific realities. This will enable us to devise strategies aimed at meeting the needs of Quebec's brokerage sector," said  Éric Manseau, executive director of the RCCAQ and member of the 2019 tour team.

The team has already made stops in Boucherville, Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Abitibi-Temiscamingue. The participating members have discussed the RCCAQ's various initiatives, completed a training activity (Your professional association within the insurance ecosystem, run by the RCCAQ's business development director, ) and provided feedback on topics of concern. One of the participants, Catherine Mainguy, CEO of Quebec City-based AccèsConseil, voiced her appreciation for the tour and noted that it is essential to "take the time discuss these issues of importance."

Key issues are really on the table!

Various get-togethers with brokers have also been held alongside the traditional brokers luncheons already in place. Sherbrooke, Joliette, Quebec City and Brossard are among the new locations where brokers can exchange views in an informal atmosphere.

"These activities bear witness to industry actors' commitment to their profession, and their success reflects people's real desire to get together to enhance the brokerage network. Having attended all these meetings, the RCCAQ is well aware of brokers' keen interest in issues that are changing the way we operate," said Mr. Manseau. The agenda at these meetings included issues such as online insurance sales, brokerage-related regulatory changes, technological innovations, worker shortages, market difficulties and the RCCAQ's current range of activities.

Annual convention: geared towards the brokers of the future

Technology continues to evolve at a break-neck pace. Brokers must be proactive in how they adapt to this ever-changing environment and in how they meet consumers' new expectations. Against that backdrop, it was decided to convene a meeting at which brokers could draft the outline of the programming for the RCCAQ's upcoming convention.

The brokers who responded to our call were given an opportunity to discuss major trends that are sure to have an impact on the profession, in addition to drawing up a list of key issues to raise at the convention with a view to capitalizing on these changes. The RCCAQ is very pleased to have benefited from brokers' interest in this regard. Thanks to their participation, content was identified that is sure to meet members' needs.

The RCCAQ is proud to be able to count on a membership that cares deeply about the success of our industry. Having now completed his first year at the helm of the RCCAQ, Mr. Manseau has no doubts about the importance of group strength: "Whether they are from large or small firms and regardless of their business model, each opportunity to meet with brokers only strengthens my conviction about the RCCAQ's role, which is to bring people together so we can represent their interests more effectively. Working together, we aim to shape the brokerage sector of the future."