/R E P E A T -- Experience an earthquake at IBC's Multi-City ShakeZone Tour/

VANCOUVER, April 27, 2016 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is partnering with the Province of British Columbia as well as municipalities and universities throughout the Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast region for the 34-stop ShakeZone tour, a portable earthquake simulator that simulates an 8.0‑magnitude earthquake to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for an emergency.

Natural Resources Canada estimates there is a 30% chance that a major earthquake will strike BC in the next 50 years. In 2013, IBC commissioned a study that indicated that a major earthquake could result in $75 billion in overall economic losses.

The ShakeZone tour will launch at Science World on Friday April 29, in partnership with the City of Vancouver featuring the Honourable Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Emergency Preparedness; Kerry Jang, Deputy Mayor of the City of Vancouver and Aaron Sutherland, Director of Government Relations, IBC.

When

• Friday, April 29, 2016
• 10:30 a.m.

Who

• The Honourable Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Emergency Preparedness
• Kerry Jang, Deputy Mayor, City of Vancouver
• Aaron Sutherland, Director, Government Relations, IBC

Where

• Science World, 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver

For more information about ShakeZone and events across the province, please visit www.ibc.ca/bc/disaster/earthquake/shakezone/

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 $8.2 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 and @IBC_West 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.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

or to schedule an interview, please contact: Ariella Kimmel, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (office), 416-550-9062 (after hours), [email protected]