What’s new: In brief (September 28, 2004)

Former Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC) president Brian Gilbert was the recipient of the “Jean-Charles d’Auteuil Memorial Award of Merit” at the association’s recent agm in Regina. IBAC Chair Ken Orr presented the honor to Gilbert in recognition of his long-time service to brokers. Gilbert started on the board of the Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba nine years ago, and joined the IBAC board in 1999, taking over as president for the 2003 term. “His leadership has helped to enhance a sense of cooperation in IBAC and increase the profile of the insurance broker distribution system to government, industry and consumers,” states an IBAC release.

Also at the IBAC agm, the first ever Charity Golf Tournament in memory of Cyril MacKinnon was held, raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, with the cheque presented to Cyril’s widow, Diane. MacKinnon passed away suddenly earlier this year, but was a long-time supporter of brokers, serving on the IBAC board as well as president of the Insurance Brokers Association of PEI.

Hopes for an asbestos litigation solution in the U.S. have again been dashed, with the rejection of a Democrat plan for an asbestos fund. Senate Majority Leader Republican Bill Frist said in a letter that he rejected the proposal to set up a US$140 million trust fund because of the condition that the fund be established within 90 days of the legislation being enacted, as well as what he saw as holes in the plan to deal with cases already before the courts.