The Ontario Broker - April 2018 - 29

P

olitical advocacy is one of IBAO's
key functions. By working alongside
lawmakers we help protect the interests
of brokers and in turn, consumers. The
upcoming provincial election provides
an ideal opportunity to connect with politicians and
discuss where our positions could align with their
various party platforms.
It was with this intent that we organized caucus
meetings with each of the three major political parties
at Queen's Park. IBAO CEO Colin Simpson, IBAO
Board Members, YBC Team Leaders and member
brokers had the chance to meet with Members of
Provincial Parliament and convey what would best
serve brokers and consumers.
The three issues we focused on were Ontario Auto
Reform, cannabis legalization and autonomous
vehicles.
In the Ontario PC Party's platform, they promised
to eliminate territorial rating. A number of PC MPPs
including Vic Fedeli, Interim Leader of the PC Party,
attended and heard prominent brokers voice their
concerns with this position.
"The problem with leaping into rate regulation is
that it can create an unstable market for Ontario's
consumers," said IBAO President Brian Purcell.
"Removing territorial rating to reduce cost in the
GTA and not have other communities pick up that
difference would put some of the smaller insurers out
of business," explained IBAO Chair Traci Boland.
"I'm a Conservative, so I'm all about competition in
the market," said PC MPP Sam Oosterhoff of Niagara
West-Glanbrook.
"Outside keeping territorial rate setting, we also want to
reduce auto rates," said Traci. "We're in support of the
recommendations made in the David Marshall Report."
The impending legalization of cannabis will have
ramifications across many aspects of Ontarians' lives.
YBC Team Leader Sam Jazayeri outlined the role
IBAO can play: "Legalization will affect auto because
of impaired driving, it will affect home owners who
choose to grow marijuana in their homes and it
will affect the business sector with employment
practices. There's going to be a need for consumer
education about the laws themselves, not just the
insurance implications, and that's something we're
well positioned to do."
"We ask that we're given ample time to prepare
before the law goes through. When it does, we want
to be there at the table, ready to go with a consumer
awareness campaign," said Traci.

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