CAILBA Newsletter 2025
Issue #2
CAILBA 2025 Conference: Your enthusiasm made it all possible!
A Conference So Hot, Even the Alarm Agreed!
2. Complaint Handling Regulation Takes Effect July 2025
A new standardized regulatory framework requires firms in Quebec to resolve client complaints within 60 days (with exceptions up to 80 days). The regulation mandates clear communications with clients throughout the complaint process and obliges firms to adopt formal complaint-handling policies. Regulators will provide guidance and tools to support industry compliance.
3. Reforms Support Workforce Mobility and Entry
Ongoing national reforms are streamlining licensing across provinces, reducing probation requirements for new agents, and supporting smoother workforce mobility. Some elements are already in effect, while others will roll out by 2026, easing advisor movement and enabling more accessible onboarding processes.
Key Takeaways from the CAILBA 2025 National Conference
The life insurance industry is navigating significant regulatory, technological, and market changes. Here are the most relevant insights drawn from the 2025 CAILBA National Conference:
1. Québec Launches Consumer Financial Protection Fund
Québec is implementing a Financial Protection Fund that offers coverage up to $200,000 to better protect consumers in the event of advisor misconduct or fraud. The move is part of broader legislative reforms aimed at strengthening consumer confidence and follows consultations with actuaries and oversight by the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers). The bill is expected to be adopted by June.
CAILBA Member Reviews:
- I am so glad for the networking opportunities and chances to talk with the regulators in person.
- The variety of presentation content was great. Great to see some AI content.
- A big thank you to the Chairs, both past and present, for their contributions to making such a neat platform of idea sharing & exchange.
- Congratulations to Clementine and her team - super well-done job, especially with the logistics challenges (Queen Elizabeth). BRAVO!
- This Conference is always educational, a great networking opportunity and a classy event.
CAILBA Welcomes 2025/2026 New Members
CAILBA warmly welcomes you! Your dedication to excellence drives our success. Let’s continue innovating, sharing insights and building strong industry connections together.
Thank You For Being A Member—we’re excited to have you with us!
CAILBA is pleased to announce its 2025/2026 Board of Directors. Leading the Board this term is Adrien Legault, President, supported by a strong team of experienced and dedicated industry professionals.
We are excited to welcome three newly elected Directors:
- Bassam El-Chami, Vice-President & Regional Sales Manager, Eastern Canada RBC Wealth Management Financial Services
- Barb Leighton , Vice-President, Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer, PPI
- Kirk McMillan President, The Gryphin Advantage Inc.
We are equally pleased to recognize and thank our returning Directors who continue to share their expertise and leadership:
- Phil Marsillo, President, IDC Worldsource Insurance Network
- Nina Kavalinas, Vice-President National Compliance, Financial Horizons
- Patrick Cloutier, Président, Groupe Cloutier Inc.
- Andrew Fink, President, HUB
- Ella Popescu, Compliance & Administration, Hunter McCorquodale
- Julie Martin, Senior Vice-President Operations, PPI
- Jamie Prickett, Co-founder & CEO, Experior Financial Group Inc
CAILBA looks forward to working with this outstanding group of leaders as we continue to strengthen advocacy, collaboration, and innovation in the independent life insurance industry.
Get Ready for the 2025 CAILBA Regional Meetings!
Thank You to Our 2025 Regional Meeting Sponsors
CAILBA 2026 NATIONAL CONFERENCE & AGM
Fairmont Empress 721 Government Street Victoria, BC
April 13th-15th, 2026
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month in Canada
Cyber incidents in Canada tripled in two years: QBE
Looking Forward
- Canada Sales Congress – September 30, 2025
- CLHIA Wealth and Retirement Conference – November 6, 2025
- CLHIA Compliance & Consumer Complaints Conference – May 13 – 15, 2026
...The Other Key Takeaways
4. Clearer Roles for MGAs and Insurers in Distribution
Regulators stressed the importance of defining accountability between MGAs and insurers. Reforms will clarify responsibilities, improve compliance oversight, and eliminate inefficiencies like duplicated audits. The focus is on a consistent national regulatory approach aligned with consumer protection.
5. Alberta’s Voluntary Undertakings Are Reducing Risk
Alberta’s introduction of voluntary undertaking agreements for advisors with secondary occupations is reducing conflict-of-interest applications. These agreements, along with collaboration across provinces, are showing positive results in managing risk while supporting advisor flexibility.
6. BC Practice Audits Improve Education
British Columbia is using practice audits not just for enforcement but as educational tools. These audits have helped identify gaps in client assessments, documentation, and privacy practices—leading to more targeted advisor education.
7. New Brunswick Licensing and Insurance Rule Revisions
New Brunswick revised Insurance Rule 001, aligning with other provinces to improve licensing clarity and make it easier for advisors to add lines of insurance. Advisors must also now list their MGA on their license to support transparency and ensure compliance.
8. MGA Licensing and Compliance Requirements Expanding
Upcoming changes will require MGAs to hold licenses, designate compliance officers, and implement robust screening and recruiting practices for agents. The changes are intended to improve industry oversight and ensure fair treatment of clients.
9. Climate, Cyber, and AI Trends Will Shape Regulation
Regulators are monitoring risks in areas like climate change, AI, and cybersecurity, working with stakeholders to develop guidance before setting new rules. These emerging issues are top of mind but currently remain in the awareness and engagement phase.
CAILBA President
Adrien Legault
Past-President
Phil Marsillo
Treasurer & Communication Director
Ella Popescu
Secretary
Jamie Prickett
Compliance & Regulatory Director
Nina Kavalinas
Compliance & Regulatory Director
Barb Leighton
Quebec Director
Patrick Cloutier
Western Director
Andrew Fink
Technology Director
Julie Martin
Director
Kirk McMillan
Director
Bassam El-Chami