IBC congratulates Ontario Government for increasing investment in critical infrastructure

TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) supports the Ontario Government's  announcement that it is increasing support for critical road, bridge, water and wastewater projects under its Municipal Infrastructure Strategy. Up to $90 million will be available over the next three years for critical infrastructure projects for communities across Ontario that are having difficulties funding those projects.

"Our infrastructure will continue to face challenges due to the effects and impact of severe weather," said Ralph Palumbo, Vice President, Ontario, Insurance Bureau of Canada. "The Canadian insurance industry has seen substantial increases in property claims costs, partly as a result of infrastructure that was never designed to cope with the weather trends we are seeing today, and we fully support sustained investments that help build resilient communities and a secure economy."

IBC has also sponsored extensive research into severe weather.   Earlier this year - "Telling the Weather Story" - a research paper from Dr. Gordon McBean - looked at the impact weather could have in Canada in the future.   The report helps Canadians better understand severe weather as a factor in the increasing damages to personal and commercial properties that we are seeing in many parts of Canada.

Palumbo added "It is imperative we continue to see momentum on this file and that we work together - governments, industry, communities and individuals - to recognize the weather risks we are facing and to enter discussions about how to reduce their effects on our lives and the communities we live in".

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 114,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion.

To view media releases and information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca and for IBC on Twitter follow @insurancebureau.

SOURCE: INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA

Helen Lialias 
Media Relations Officer
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-362-2031 ext. 4312
[email protected]