Alberta auto to remain top focus for brokers in year ahead

The lack of resolution to Alberta’s auto reform melee is going to keep brokers on their toes in the year ahead, it was noted at Monday’s annual general meeting of the Independent Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IIBAA).Dennis Gartner, assistant deputy minister of the Ministry of Finance, acknowledged the government did not expect the current reform process to become as “difficult, large and political” as it has. Nonetheless, he tells brokers, he expects final resolution of the reform initiative in the “next few weeks”. “The government of Alberta remains committed to the reforms announced last November,” he says.Auto has become a hot topic in the legislature of late, with opposition Liberals trying to drum up support for a public system. The Ralph Klein Tories, in the meantime, have wavered on when and how much consumers can expect in terms of premium reductions.When the new system, which is expected to include a “premium grid”, as well as a cap on “pain and suffering” awards, is in place, the association says it will set it sights on broker education. “We are committed to making sure auto reform is rolled out in a smooth manner,” says new IIBAA president Jim Harris. He says broker education is necessary to ensure members are completely aware of what the new system entails so they can best serve consumers.