Message from the President

Spring has come and gone. Winter did not seem to happen in much of Canada this year. We, in the Northwest Territories on the other hand, can attest once again to a full cold winter! The lack of weather in most parts of Canada certainly had an impact on the claims volume in many regions. Fortunately, CIAA assisted many member companies through acquisition of EMO work in regions of Canada that experienced slower than expected P&C claims volume. 

In February, I had the pleasure of joining our friends and colleagues from L’Association des experts en sinistre indépendants du Québec (AESIQ) for their annual sugar shack in St. Eustache, Quebec. AESIQ President, Elaine Savard and her executive team were especially gracious in hosting me at the event. There was, as always, a very large turnout to a well-planned and delightful event. Well done!

In April, I was pleased to join CIAA Pacific region for their annual CICMA/CIAA joint luncheon. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet many CIAA members and Claims Managers from the Province and discuss the current challenges faced by Independent Adjusters (IA’s) and Claims Managers in the region.

As reported in my last message, CIAA, Canadian Defence Lawyers (CDL) and Canadian Insurance Claims Managers Association (CICMA) have teamed up to deliver their respective memberships with valuable education seminars. The first seminar was held in Vancouver on April 11th and was very well attended. Several topical issues of the day in our profession were discussed. The seminars also provide continuing education (CE) credits, assisting members in meeting the continuing education component as part of their licensing requirements.

Congratulations to CIAA Ontario and Nova Scotia Regions for their efforts in hosting timely education sessions in their respective jurisdictions on May 11th. Both events received positive industry feedback and were very well attended.

Our Education Committee, chaired by Santo Carbone, has completed the work necessary to begin the roll out of on-line courses being offered through CIAA’s website. The courses are all claims specific and prequalified for CE credits in all jurisdictions requiring continuing education by IA’s. We are very excited to begin providing CIAA members with valuable training that is accessible and affordable.

The development of the new CLA designation program is on track and will be presented to members by the end of the year.

We have two new members on the CIAA National Executive Committee. Welcome to Russ Fitzgerald of Kernaghan Adjusters, Edmonton, who is the new Regional President of Western Region. Also, welcome to Georgiana Chen, of ProFormance Group, Pickering, our new Membership & Qualifications Committee Chair. Serving on CIAA’s board, committees and regional executives is rewarding work with subtle benefits such as networking as well as being in the loop on national issues of importance to our profession. I encourage all members to get involved at either the regional or national level. It is definitely worth the effort.

Remember, be safe out there. Take care of your health and your families. Remember what is important to you.