July 6, 2026 — Broker associations across Canada say auto insurance sustainability, catastrophe resilience, technology and regulatory oversight are among the most important issues facing brokers and consumers in 2026.
Thompson’s asked broker associations about files they advanced in the first half of the year and what broker-facing issues are becoming most urgent in their province.
Derek Lothian, president and CEO of the Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan, said the top issue has been the long-term viability of the SGI Auto Fund.
Mr. Lothian said claims have exceeded premiums in three of the past four years, before operational overhead is included. He said the result has been a declining rate stabilization reserve and a minimum capital test below target.
The Saskatchewan government’s 2026-27 budget projects an Auto Fund operating deficit of $242.5m, he said. That projection includes a 3.75% general rate increase effective June 1, 2026, and an increase to the minimum standard deductible from $700 to $950 effective Jan. 1, 2027.
“Without major changes, our modelling suggests that the program could be in serious financial peril within the next three to four years,” Mr. Lothian said.
He said IBAS has raised the issue with policymakers and in a submission to the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel.
In Manitoba, Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba CEO Grant Wainikka said IBAM has been working with stakeholders to help brokerages continue offering affordable coverage options across the province.
He said extreme weather events can strain the industry and that IBAM is working with stakeholders, including the Manitoba government, to clarify the line between insurance and disaster financial assistance.
Mr. Wainikka said technology, including artificial intelligence, is becoming a more urgent issue for brokers.
In Quebec, Éric Manseau, director general of the Regroupement des cabinets de courtage d’assurance du Québec, said the RCCAQ’s main first-half file was climate adaptation.
Mr. Manseau said the association pressed the province to support consumers who want to reduce residential construction risks and make homes more resilient.
He said Quebec’s finance ministry later introduced $425m in financial support for residential work.
For the second half of 2026, Mr. Manseau said, the RCCAQ is concerned about a recent report from the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators that encourages insurers to strengthen control and supervision over distribution, including independent broker networks.
He said the concern is heightened by an Autorité des marchés financiers consultation on firm management, governance and the role of responsible officers.
The RCCAQ is particularly concerned about the potential effect of the proposals on small and medium-sized brokerages. The association plans to file a submission by the July 8 consultation deadline.
Insurance Brokers Association of New Brunswick executive director Becci Taylor said the association has focused on catastrophic weather preparedness, mitigation and insurance affordability.
She said governments should increase investment in wildfire prevention, FireSmart programs, flood mitigation, infrastructure improvements and homeowner education and insurers, governments and broker associations should work more closely on public awareness campaigns.
Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia executive director Tracy Henry said the association has focused on the long-term strength and sustainability of the broker channel. She said the way consumers shop for insurance is changing quickly, with more people using direct writers, online platforms and AI-powered tools to research and buy coverage.
“For consumers, a strong broker channel means access to professional advice, multiple coverage options, and someone who can advocate on their behalf when it matters most.”
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