TORONTO, March 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Last week, Canada hosted the Fifth Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas, held in Montreal. The three-day conference ran from March 7 to 9 and was supported by Public Safety Canada and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). More than 1,000 representatives from across the Americas attended dozens of sessions aimed at creating a more resilient world in the face of climate change. Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is a key supporter of the Regional Platform.
"On behalf of IBC and Canada's P&C insurers, I would like to congratulate Public Safety Canada on a very successful conference that has continued the focus on disaster preparedness," said Craig Stewart, IBC Vice President of Federal Affairs. "Our industry remains committed to being a full partner with the federal government as we work together to make Canadian communities safer, stronger and more resilient in the fight against the severe weather effects of climate change."
In his opening address, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced the launch of a national flood plain mapping framework. This initiative is supported by the P&C insurance industry and will help Canadian provinces, municipalities, and citizens better plan and prepare for floods.
IBC hosted a panel entitled "Engaging with the Private Sector to Understand and Reduce Risks." The panel brought together representatives from Canada, the United States, South America, and the Caribbean. The discussion focused on how public-private partnerships and private sector innovation can complement and assist government efforts to reduce climate and disaster risks. As part of its efforts, IBC signalled its support for the launch of a Canadian chapter of ARISE, the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies.
IBC also partnered with the Canadian Red Cross to host conference delegates at a reception on March 8. The evening featured an address from Mr. Mark Holland, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Mr. Conrad Sauvé, President and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross.
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About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.
P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 120,000 Canadians, pays $9 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $49 billion.
For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.
If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.
SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada
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Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC...
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