December 3, 2003 INDUSTRY READY FOR PIPEDA CI - The industry appears to be ready for the Jan. 1 implementation of the federal privacy legislation. Over the past year and more, companies, brokers and adjusters have been reviewing privacy policies, developing a privacy statement, appointing a privacy officer, detailing a privacy strategy and dealing with the countless IT and administration issues that go hand-in-hand with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). And, with less than a month to go, the industry appears to be prepared. "I think it's a big issue in terms of the transition zone of having a privacy officer, having a privacy statement, the actual administrative functions of laying it into your organization," says Glenn Gibson, chief executive of Crawford Adjusters Canada Inc. "I don't think on the frontline level it will mean a lot of significant changes except perhaps in greater use of consent forms and things like that when you're investigating a loss." The industry is pretty well prepared, he says, adding that there has been a ramp up in the last few months. "I think the industry is pretty well prepared from what I can see." Insurance Brokers Association of Canada chief executive Dan Danyluk says that brokers are prepared for the legislation. The association and its provincial chapters have held seminars and given out countless brochures, toolkits and information packs to members. He says he's confident brokers are prepared and that the law won't be a stretch because brokers have always been careful to safeguard clients' information. Copyright (c) 2003 by Stone & Cox Limited. Redistribution is prohibited without the prior written permission of the publisher. For subscription information or to update your e-mail address, contact info@cdnins.com. Please send other questions, comments or news tips directly to our editors at: enews@cdnins.com Phone: 416-599-0772 ext. 113 Fax: 416-599-0867 (All sources will be kept confidential!)