Thomas Gendron, Impact Public Affairs
Impact Public Affairs works alongside IBAO leadership, as their Government Relations partner, to connect Ontario’s insurance broker network with their MPP candidates across the province to highlight industry issues. Bringing the perspectives of community brokers to our future policymakers fosters a relationship between the future representative and both their broker and IBAO as a trusted industry partner. Throughout the campaign, we focused on delivering these messages.
“Advocacy work is essential. It ensures our high-priority issues continue to be on the table in front of key policymakers. Our conversations put issues like insurance availability and pricing top of mind post-election and eventually turn into legislation.”
Ensuring Auto Insurance Pricing is Evidence Based
We bring region-specific issues to local candidates to ensure they understand the future of fair auto insurance in Ontario, specifically in the areas where Ontarians face some of the highest rates. We spoke with candidates across the GTA about moving forward with the Blueprint for Auto Reform and how to tackle high insurance rates with an evidence-based approach. Ensuring our future policymakers understand the factors that influence the cost of insurance for drivers will make for informed policy in the legislature as we work together to tackle high premiums.
Insurance for Businesses
Some industry sectors and individual businesses are facing difficulty obtaining insurance, or affordable policies. Connecting these businesses with a local broker can save their businesses with a customized insurance solution if they are informed of our services.
Climate Change
Climate change is a significant issue for many Ontarians and we understand the insurance impacts and consumers. Barrie’s tornado in July of 2021 and more recently the derecho that happened in May 2022 is one of many examples of how destructive weather events can be in Ontario.
We engaged with candidates to discuss the short, medium and long-term effects on insurance premiums. A range of policies devoted to infrastructure upgrades and financial initiatives will help mitigate the effects of climate events and support stronger climate adaptation, better serving brokers and consumers.
Employment
There is a current shortage of availability of employees to fill vacancies in the insurance industry. We are bringing forward this industry challenge and encouraging parties and their candidates to take steps to increase support for local education establishments and businesses that both train and employ new staff. Increased support for training and employment will support efforts to get Ontarians back to work and help to drive our industry forward.
Why Advocacy Matters
Advocacy work is essential. It ensures our high-priority issues continue to be on the table in front of key policymakers. Our conversations put issues like insurance availability and pricing top of mind post-election and eventually turn into legislation.
Additionally, our advocacy efforts allow candidates to connect with the insurance brokers in their communities, representing their future constituency. These conversations will influence the next government mandate, ensuring it includes what Ontario brokers need.
Fostering strong local relationships will ensure that our brokers have direct lines of communication with the individuals who will represent them in the Legislature. Candidates have a strong desire to make meaningful local impacts, and hearing from community-based insurance brokers will allow them to do just that.
Our conversations with local candidates from all parties and ridings across Ontario have been influential and meaningful and IBAO will continue these conversations on behalf of Ontario brokers every step of the way.