TORONTO, The Ontario government has announced new partnerships with the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO), expanding Ontario Corps’ emergency response network to provide insurance expertise and assistance to communities affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.
The partnerships will strengthen the province’s ability to coordinate emergency services, distribute critical resources and help residents and businesses navigate insurance-related challenges following severe weather events.
The announcement was made by Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, during IBAOcon, the association’s annual gathering of more than 3,000 insurance brokers, insurers and industry professionals.
“Through our new partnerships with IBC and IBAO, we are ensuring that when an emergency happens, insurance help and expertise is available when and where it’s needed most,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Getting the right information to the right people at the right time can give Ontarians peace of mind during challenging times.”
Insurance Industry to Support Ontario’s Disaster Response Efforts
Under the agreement, IBC will make its Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (CAMP) available following catastrophic weather events.
The service connects affected residents and businesses with trained insurance professionals who can answer general questions about home, automobile and commercial insurance coverage, as well as explain the claims process.
Assistance can be delivered in person at emergency shelters and reception centres or virtually through IBC’s Consumer Information Centre.
Meanwhile, IBAO will use its communications infrastructure to reach its 370 member businesses and communicate provincial emergency response priorities.
The association represents approximately 18,500 insurance professionals across Ontario, including more than 16,600 licensed brokers.
Both organizations will also contribute industry knowledge and emergency-related insights to support provincial response planning.
Insurance Brokers Highlight Community-Level Support
“Ontario’s Insurance Brokers are pleased to join the Ontario Corps. Brokers live and work across the province in every community, providing critical and timely support to residents in times of natural catastrophes and crisis. IBAO will mobilize its network and provide direct lines of communication into the provincial government agencies and other industry partners to ensure a coordinated response is there when Ontarians need it most. Our ongoing guidance will also shape how the government can best respond to local emergencies and deploy its resources smartly.”
— Colin Simpson, CEO, Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario
Ontario Corps Targets Emergency Deployment Within 24 to 72 Hours
Ontario Corps is designed to mobilize personnel and essential equipment within 24 to 72 hours of an emergency.
Available resources include flood barriers, debris removal equipment, drones, emergency supplies and trained volunteers.
The organization has already supported several provincial emergency responses, including flooding in Niagara Region during the summer and operations associated with the 2026 wildland fire season.
Ontario is encouraging residents from different professional backgrounds and skill levels to volunteer. Participants will receive training and be matched with partner organizations according to their abilities, interests and availability.
New Emergency Headquarters to Strengthen Provincial Coordination
The government is also planning a new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters that will serve as Ontario Corps’ future operational centre.
The facility is intended to operate around the clock, providing technology and coordination capabilities for emergency management throughout the province.
The latest insurance partnerships add to an existing network that includes Bruce Power, The Home Depot Canada, Niagara College, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Uber Canada and several industry associations.
Insurance Partnerships Aim to Improve Disaster Recovery
The participation of insurance organizations adds a financial recovery component to Ontario Corps’ emergency response capabilities.
IBC, established in 1964, represents Canada’s private home, automobile and business insurance industry, including the majority of the country’s property and casualty insurance market.
“As severe weather events become more frequent and severe, strong partnerships are more important than ever to help communities recover. Canada’s insurers are financial first responders, helping families and businesses recover and rebuild. IBC is proud to partner with Minister Dunlop and Ontario Corps to bring the insurance industry’s expertise to the table and help Ontarians access reliable insurance information, understand the claims process and learn how insurance can help them recover and get back on their feet when they need it most.”
— Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Ontario and Atlantic, Insurance Bureau of Canada
The expanded network is expected to improve communication between government agencies, insurers and local communities during emergencies.
By incorporating insurance expertise into disaster response operations, Ontario aims to help affected households and businesses access information more quickly while supporting recovery efforts across the province.
Discover more from Wire Service Canada
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.