On May 15, RCCAQ members had the opportunity to discuss a variety of issues with members of Quebec's National Assembly and political staffers on Parliament Hill in Quebec City while raising their awareness of industry issues and priorities.

Bottom row, left to right: Mathieu Brunet, board member; Maryse Rivard, board member; Louise Mathieu, board member; Sébastien Lévesque, board member; Jean-Pierre Tardif, board member.

Top row, left to right: Éric Manseau, RCCAQ executive director; Sylvain Turgeon, senior vice-president; Patrice Pouliot, RCCAQ chairman; Jean Bilodeau, technology committee chairman.

"RCCAQ members are entrepreneurs who play an active part in regional economic development and create high-quality jobs. I am very pleased we have raised MNAs' awareness of insurance issues and brokerage firms' priorities. We have received a very warm welcome and the new government is attuned to our concerns, as are the opposition parties," said Patrice Pouliot, RCCAQ chairman.

Mr. Manseau and Mr. Pouliot with Marie-Ève Proulx, regional economic development minister. Ms. Proulx gave a speech during the reception for insurance brokers that capped off Parliament Hill Day on May 15.

Recommendations

To mark the occasion, RCCAQ members reiterated the recommendations set out in the position paper submitted during the pre-budget consultations. These potential solutions are aimed at developing the broker profession while benefiting consumers:

• In light of the recent publication of the regulations, as well as the coming into effect of the provisions governing online insurance sales in the next few weeks, the brokers in attendance noted that for this new distribution channel must have the same level of advice and protection as that currently offered by certified representatives. The RCCAQ emphasized that a good deal of vigilance would be required during the implementation of online insurance sales.

• The RCCAQ is also requesting support from the Quebec government with a view to helping its members carry out a successful technology transition, in addition to calling for the implementation of measures aimed at supporting and facilitating the development of brokerage firms during their digital transformation.

• Amid the current shortage of qualified workers, the RCCAQ welcomes all initiatives aimed at bringing new workers to Quebec's regions.  

• Taking a proactive approach, the RCCAQ seeks to continue working collaboratively with the AMF and the provincial government to ensure balance between consumer protection efforts and industry development. For the RCCAQ, collaboration is essential in the face of changing economic, technological and climate-related risks.

The RCCAQ is calling for the creation of a permanent forum with the AMF and the government for the purpose of discussing the industry's future and related changes, as well as issues of current interest to consumers.

Following Parliament Hill Day, the RCCAQ will continue its lobbying efforts and will monitor the various issues raised during the event.

Lobbying activities continue in Ottawa

On May 28, another RCCAQ delegation will travel to Ottawa to represent brokers in discussions with federal MPs. As in past years, the RCCAQ will join forces with the other provincial associations for Parliament Hill Day in Ottawa, organized by the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC). A range of issues will be raised, including the Bank Act, which will be at the top of the agenda once again.

Even though the federal government has decided to wait until 2023 for its review of the Bank Act, this issue remains a key area of concern for the RCCAQ.

Given that Ottawa is in pre-election mode, Parliament Hill Day is an excellent opportunity to raise MPs' awareness of changes involving the separation of banks' and insurers' activities (and the resulting impact on voters) and to focus elected officials' attention on this issue, which directly affects consumer protection efforts.