Message From the President

Since taking over the helm of the Canadian Independent Adjusters’ Association (CIAA), my travel schedule has certainly ramped up. In September I travelled to the Risk and Insurance Management Society Canada (RIMS Canada) conference and AGM in Ottawa.  CIAA was well represented by many members in attendance. I found it to be a very worthwhile experience, not only as the president of CIAA, but also as an individual owner of an independent adjusting company. I made some very good contacts both for the CIAA and my own firm and I strongly recommend to members of CIAA that if they have the opportunity, they should certainly attend a RIMS Canada conference and AGM.

I travelled through Atlantic Canada this fall and met with members both in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Luc Aucoin has put quite a bit of time and effort in leading the New Brunswick chapter of CIAA, both through their educational programs as well as through their EMO agreements. Congratulations Luc.

Regional president, Grant King in Nova Scotia, as always, puts significant time and energy into CIAA’s objectives. I also had the opportunity to meet with Richard Van Horne our chair of emergency measures committee. Richard was kind enough to explain to me the relationship of the federal government to the provincial government with regards to the disaster financial assistance arrangements. Richard then provided a briefing note for CIAA national, which will be of significant assistance in guiding us forward through our relationships with the provincial and territorial EMO offices in Canada. Thanks Richard.

Thanks to Miles Barber who was instrumental in negotiating with the Government of Manitoba respecting their 2011 Lake Manitoba financial assistance program. Miles successfully negotiated an agreement on behalf of CIAA member firms. Manitoba CIAA member firms are in the process of conducting the financial assistance program in that province. Miles, your efforts for CIAA do not go unnoticed. I thank you for all your hard work on behalf of Manitoba members as well as the national membership.

A teleconference with our regional presidents across Canada was very productive in brainstorming ideas towards moving forward on a regional basis in areas such as membership development, CICMA/CIAA meetings, EMO strategies and, catastrophe claims response effectiveness. These teleconferences will be held quarterly and will allow us to share ideas and visions across the regions.

In October, Patti Kernaghan chaired a meeting with the CIAA National Insurance Industry Advisory Board. I want to thank all of the members of the board for sharing their expertise and experience, providing our national organization with focus on industry trends and needs.

I read with interest some excellent articles in our last issue of Claims Canada. The quality of these submissions is first rate. In fact, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice quoted an article by Glenn Gibson in Reasons for Judgement. The court used the contents of Mr. Gibson’s article to support the judgement. Obviously, the bench thinks highly of Mr. Gibson and Claims Canada articles to use them in this way. Well-done Glenn.

Remember; be safe in your vocation and daily activities. Your individual health plays a very large factor in your profession.  Encourage those around you to work safe and play safe. Be careful out there!