2015
Election Campaign Kit
2015 Federal Election
A great time to make the consumer case and have your voice heard!
Insurance brokers have a long and proud tradition of fighting for the consumers. Our advocacy work on behalf of the consumer also includes making sure that federal banking rules protect consumers. The coming federal election is a unique opportunity for every insurance broker to build on this proud tradition and make sure our future federal government leaders understand the role of brokers and our case for the Canadian consumer.
In fact, 2015 is the first year that a federal election has been set by federal election law during a majority government. This means that with 95 percent certainty that the federal Parties will go to the polls on October 19, 2015. The implication of this time line is that not only will the parties have a well-planned and coordinated year building to election platforms and policy commitments, but advocacy groups also enjoy a clear flight path to advocate for policy commitments prior to the election.
Historically, having a policy enshrined in a winning party's election platform is an enormous step towards the policy being adopted by the next government. Not coincidentally, pre-election periods also find parties and politicians seeking re-election in the most receptive mode to workable policy ideas that may bring niche voter or public support. Over the past decade IBAC has worked with political leaders to support platform commitments that became post-election law.
Regardless of which party and candidate you will be voting for, this campaigning period presents a great opportunity for you to be heard as the voice of your consumers. In fact, this is the time when candidates are at their most attentive level as they are eager to listen to their constituents and learn about the issues that impact them. This year, more than ever, it will be very important that you take an active role during this campaigning period because if elected (or re-elected), these candidates will be the ones who will shape public policy that affects you and other brokers across the country.
Over the years, we have had much success in achieving IBAC’s advocacy goals because of the strength that we have in numbers and due to our ability to mobilize on behalf of consumers. In this time of great political uncertainty, we cannot afford to be complacent and we must seize this opportunity to get involved. There are many ways to impact a federal election on the local level, and this kit will outline ways for you to do so. Most importantly, the kit will also provide you with the necessary tools to ensure that consumer issues are a priority in this campaign.
- Obtain contact and background information on your candidates by visiting the party websites:
- Volunteer for a candidate in your riding. This can take as little as 2 hours a week, or as much time as you can afford.
- Ways to volunteer. Go door to door with the candidate. Put up lawn signs. Volunteer at the campaign office. Offer in-kind services to the candidate.
- Make an individual contribution to a political candidate/registered association/registered party.
** For details see Federal Electoral Rules on page 5 in this kit**
- Attend events the candidate will be at. To find out about upcoming events, contact your candidate’s campaign office or keep informed from the local newspaper. Your association will be sending you notices of events that are taking place in your riding for all parties.
Create your own event! Offer your assistance to political candidates to host an event discussing issues that are important to the community and your organisation (i.e.: Luncheon invitation for candidates to hear their positions on the insurance brokerage industry or a breakfast panel discussion).
Key Messages
Introduce who you are, what you do, what your brokerage does, what the profession is all about
Most candidates running for office will not be familiar what a property & casualty insurance broker does. This is your opportunity to explain to them what the profession does on consumers’ behalf, the difference between a p&c insurance broker and a life agent, and the difference between a brokerage and the insurance companies.
It is important for candidates and returning MPs from all parties to know what the profession is all about and how your business represents the interests of your customers.
It is also important to explain to them the role you and your brokerage play within your community; employment wise, purchasing goods & services, volunteerism levels…
Banks in Canada and the insurance business
It is completely unfair to consumers for credit granting institutions to be dealing in insurance at the point where credit is applied for. Consumers are vulnerable to be coerced and unjustly influenced when they apply for credit. During this process insurance should not be discussed as this may influence them to accept a product that is not appropriate for their needs.
The Bank Act is the law that governs banks in Canada and allows them to engage in certain lines of business. The law is clear, and says that banks shall not be in the business of insurance. This is the right principle for consumers and should be maintained. The Act will be reviewed during 2015 and 2016 and IBAC’s position is for the prohibition to remain as it currently stands since it works well to protect consumers from coercion and undue influence when it comes to their insurance needs.
CREDIT GRANTING INSITUTIONS OUGHT NOT TO SELL INSURANCE AT THE POINT OF GRANTING CREDIT
Electoral Finance Rules
Recent modifications to the Canada Elections Act have meant significant changes have been made regarding who can make political contributions and how much they are allowed to give.
Businesses
Corporations, small- and medium-sized businesses, trade unions, and unincorporated associations are not permitted to make political contributions. Please note that this restriction includes a prohibition on non-monetary contributions, such as the donation of goods or services.
Individuals
In any calendar year, individual Canadian citizens and permanent residents may contribute $1,100 to each registered political party, and a total of $1,100 to the various entities of each registered political party, including constituency associations, candidates, or individuals seeking a party’s nomination.
Individuals may also donate up to $1,100 to the campaign of each non-affiliated or independent candidate and a total of $1,100 annually to the various leadership contestants of a particular contest.
It is important to note that limits are calculated annually, so any donations made earlier in the year will reduce what you are able to contribute during an election. It is the responsibility of the contributor to ensure that they do not exceed donation limits. Contributions of more than $200 will be listed in Election Canada’s electoral contribution database.
As an example, an individual would be allowed to make a $400 donation to the Conservative riding association in Toronto Centre, give $500 to the Conservative candidate in Ottawa South, and an additional $200 to a Conservative nomination contestant in Halifax West. This individual would be unable to make further donations to Conservative candidates or riding associations during the year, but would still be able to donate up to $1,100 directly to the Conservative party and make a similar series of donations to the other parties.
FEEDBACK FORM
Please print!
Your name and brokerage: ______
Brokerage address: ______
Name of candidate you met with: ______
Candidate’s political party: ______
Date of meeting: ______
1. Was the candidate familiar with the issue of banks retailing insurance?
Yes SomewhatNo
2. Was the candidate supportive of the insurance brokers’ position?
Yes SomewhatNo
General comments and feedback from the meeting
______Please fax this form back to (416) 367-3687
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