Impacts of recent Alberta Life Insurance Council decision

Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) has recently learned that the Alberta Life Insurance Council has issued decisions affecting several municipal elected officials throughout Alberta. These individuals hold certificates of authority that allow them to act as both life insurance, and accident & sickness insurance agents. According to the Council’s ruling, councillors are not permitted to retain their certificates of authority as insurance agents while serving on municipal council. The Council is concerned that this could lead a Councillor to coercion or undue influence used to control, direct, or secure insurance business. This may also place the Councillor in situations where a conflict of interest could arise. 

Effect on Elected Officials 

ABmunis is aware that impacted elected officials can appeal the decision of the Life Insurance Council to the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance within 30 days of the decision. We understand the seriousness of this issue, as it could lead elected officials to choose between retaining their certificates of authority to act as insurance agents or maintaining their positions on municipal council. 

Advocacy & Support 

ABmunis has prepared a letter addressed to the Life Insurance Council, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, and the Minister of Finance, outlining concerns about this decision and its implications. If you are an elected official impacted by a similar decision of the Alberta Life Insurance Council and are being required to resign from Council to retain your certificates of authority, please contact advocacy [at] abmunis.ca (subject: Alberta%20Life%20Insurance%20Council%20decision) (ABmunis’ Advocacy Team).