EDMONTON, AB, September 26, 2024 /CNW/ – As Jasper residents commemorate the second anniversary of the devastating wildfire that destroyed a third of their town, the Jasper Insurance Bureau Canada (IBC) is providing an update on community recovery efforts and is urging all levels of government to take critical next steps to ensure the property and casualty insurance industry can get to work helping rebuild homes and businesses.
“The people of Jasper have shown tremendous resilience, and the efforts of emergency response officials and local government have been nothing short of remarkable as the community begins the recovery process,” he said. Aaron SutherlandVice President, Pacific and West, IBC.from alberta Insurers are here to help, working to assess damage, begin the claims process and clear the way for rebuilding.”
Since the start of the forest fire, from alberta Insurers have also been on the ground to provide financial support to their clients to cover additional expenses, such as evacuation and accommodation, for those forced to leave their homes. Insurers also coordinated the removal and disposal of more than 2,300 refrigerators and freezers from the community due to food spoilage due to prolonged power outages.
Looking ahead, insurers are working to facilitate a coordinated mass debris removal effort through a project manager for residential properties, a critical next step toward rebuilding destroyed properties.
In recent days, government officials released final guidelines for debris removal and permitting requirements. Insurers are in the process of issuing requests for proposals for contractors to perform this work and are engaging residents to obtain the necessary authorization forms to access damaged properties. Debris removal is expected to begin in the coming weeks as both property owners and insurers are eager to rebuild as quickly as possible.
Last week, the federal government presented Bill C-76, An Act to amend the Canada National Parks ActIf passed, this bill would allow for the transfer of land use planning and development authority from Parks Canada to the Municipality of Jasper. The bill received unanimous consent to advance to second reading and debate. The bill is expected to be passed in early October. Parks Canada and Municipality of Jasper officials are already working to complete the requirements necessary for the transfer of authority. At the same time, Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper are also working to streamline processes and remove administrative burdens for rebuilding under existing policy.
“IBC commends the federal government for this critical step,” he said. Craig StewartVice President, Climate Change and Federal Affairs, IBC. “Our industry’s experience shows that clear, local decision-making is necessary to enable homeowners and businesses to quickly rebuild their businesses. We are encouraged that all parties in the House of Commons appear to support this essential legislation; it must be passed as soon as possible.”
IBC will continue to urge all levels of government to establish a clear, effective and efficient decision-making process with concrete objectives to ensure that every Jasper resident has a clear understanding of the plan to rebuild or repair their home or business as quickly as possible.
“At this time, there is an urgent need to establish a redevelopment and rebuilding process to avoid delays in rebuilding and recovery efforts,” Stewart added. “The introduction of a bill to allow for the transfer of authority from the federal government to local authorities, which was announced last week, and the work currently underway between Parks Canada and the municipality to update existing policies are positive steps in support of Jasper residents in their efforts to rebuild.”
“IBC encourages Parks Canada and the Town of Jasper to continue working together to ensure a clear and simple development and redevelopment application process, while working to meet the requirements for an eventual transfer of authority.”
This summer has been the most challenging on record. Canada due to catastrophic weather events, with 228,000 insurance claims and on 7 billion dollars in insured damages. The Jasper wildfire caused on $880 million in insured lossesand the August 5th Hail storm in the Calgary The area generated more than 130,000 claims for a total of nearly 2.8 billion dollars in insured damagesWhile insurers continue to assist their customers with financial support, the high volume of claims, coupled with a shortage of skilled labor and continued strains on From Canada supply chain, means the claims process will take time.
Do you have questions about a claim?
Residents or business owners with questions about their claim are encouraged to contact their insurance representative. For general insurance inquiries, consumers can contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre by calling 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422) or by emailing askIBCwest@ibc.ca.
About the Insurance Office Canada
Founded in 1964, the Insurance Office of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing From Canada home, automobile and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of From Canada highly competitive property and casualty (P&C) insurance market.
As the main defender of From Canada As a private P&C insurer, IBC works with governments, regulators and stakeholders to support a competitive environment for the P&C insurance industry to continue to help protect Canadians from the risks of today and tomorrow.
IBC believes that Canadians value and deserve a responsive and resilient private property and casualty insurance industry that provides insurance solutions to both individuals and businesses.
For press releases, IN Focus articles or to book an interview with an IBC representative, please visit ibc.caFollow us on LinkedIn, unknown and Instagram, and give us like on FacebookIf you have any questions about home, auto or business insurance, please contact IBC's Consumer Information Center at 1-844-2ask-IBC. We are here to help.
SOURCE Insurance Office of Canada
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