IBC Calls on Quebec's New Government to Make Climate Resilience a National Priority

EmitenTrust.com MONTREAL, Oct. 6, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) congratulates all members elected to the National Assembly and the new government on the trust placed in them by the people of Quebec. IBC stands ready to work with elected officials to strengthen Quebec's resilience and protect the financial security of Quebecers.

Over the past decade, insured losses resulting from natural disasters in Quebec have doubled, rising from $3.7 billion between 2006 and 2015 to $8.1 billion between 2016 and 2025. In 2024, Hurricane Debby alone caused $2.9 billion in insured losses. More recently, torrential rains in Montreal and neighboring municipalities on June 20 and 21, 2026, caused more than $442 million in insured losses, according to the latest estimates from Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ). Urgent action is needed.

A Key Proposal: A Minister Dedicated to Resilience

To steer and optimize the government's efforts, IBC recommends appointing a Minister of Resilience. Following the example of other jurisdictions, this appointment would ensure that responsibility for coordinating efforts in adaptation, land-use planning, infrastructure, civil protection, and support for communities affected by climate-related disasters is assigned to a member of the executive branch. Such a role would prevent resilience efforts from becoming fragmented and would allow for transparent monitoring of commitments made to the public.

Concrete Requests for the New Term

Among the initiatives this minister could pursue to protect Quebecers, their homes, their assets and their businesses, IBC reiterates the importance of the following:

1. Increased financial incentives for property owners –  Offering increased financial incentives to property owners encourages them to more readily adopt risk adaptation and mitigation measures, including installing backwater valves, improving property drainage and installing flood protection devices.

2. Strengthened support for municipalities – Municipalities need greater support with public infrastructure planning, maintenance and adaptation so they can better cope with ever-increasing climate risks and better protect local communities.

3. More stringent land use planning frameworks – Limiting new construction in areas most at risk of flooding or other natural hazards permanently reduces community vulnerability.

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"Extreme weather events continue to disrupt the daily lives of Quebecers. We are ready to work with the new government as soon as it takes office to protect our communities and businesses. Assigning responsibility for resilience to a minister will help optimize the government's efforts and the impact on the public, at a time when every investment counts." -- Laurent Fafard, Vice President, Quebec, Insurance Bureau of Canada

About Insurance of Canada 

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing the majority of Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. The organization offers various services to consumers to inform and assist them when purchasing insurance or making a claim. For all other information, please visit our website: https://bac-quebec.qc.ca/.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada