At the RCCAQ's most recent convention, we addressed the issue of change in various forms: legislative, technological, succession planning, etc. Building on those discussions, I would like to take a look at the main initiatives we have undertaken to help you develop in an industry in constant flux.

Bill 150

Tying in with the public consultation on ownership rights limitations in June and the introduction of Bill 150 in October 2017, we have lobbied governmental authorities on numerous occasions. We also launched a member mobilization campaign to ensure that this issue receives all the attention it deserves.

A parliamentary committee subsequently held hearings at which we presented a position paper setting out all of our recommendations. The following link provides a useful summary. 

Bill 141

As you know, the RCCAQ has taken numerous steps to defend brokers' primary role as the protectors of consumers' financial assets. These initiatives include position papers submitted as part of the lobbying process, press releases and member updates, as well as the mobilization campaign in which many RCCAQ members took part with a view to raising MNAs' awareness of key issues.

The public finance committee's in-depth look at the draft legislation is ongoing and is set to resume following the review of the provincial budget, which was tabled by the finance minister on March 27. In the meantime, we will be pursuing our lobbying efforts and discussions with the AMF with a view to promoting brokers' essential advisory and asset protection roles during the process of selling insurance to consumers.

Technological changes

Brokerage network actors are well aware of the transformations affecting the technological environment in which they operate. Many RCCAQ members have expressed a desire to find solutions aimed at seizing all available opportunities while capitalizing on this ever-changing backdrop. A committee of brokers was created at the RCCAQ's initiative. We will keep you informed about its deliberations and the progress made on these issues.

Listening to the next generation

As you may have read, we have created a junior brokers' roundtable geared towards individuals 35 years of age or younger wishing to discuss entrepreneurial issues of interest. Succession planning is one of brokers' central concerns and the RCCAQ has been listening to its members' views in this regard. The roundtable's inaugural meeting will be held in mid-April.

Market positioning tool

Tying in with efforts to support its members' day-to-day operations, the RCCAQ launched a study in January focusing on remuneration for insurance brokerage personnel. Thanks to the results of this study, brokerage owners and HR managers in charge of supervising RCCAQ members will be able to position themselves more effectively on the market. The results will be available in April.

Stronger together

To maximize the likelihood of benefiting from business opportunities and the new realities we are facing, we must strengthen our industry and work together. Thanks to your commitment to the RCCAQ, our profession is more solid and your voices are being heard.