February 15, 2022 (OTTAWA) – Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) commends the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation for the release of its report Treading Water: Impact of Catastrophic Flooding on Canada's Housing Market. For many Canadians, home equity forms a significant part of their retirement savings. When our homes are at risk, our financial security is, too. The report sheds further light on an issue that has been at the centre of IBC's advocacy on the National Action Plan on Flooding: homes that flood frequently may become less valuable, and could become subject to restrictions around insurance and even mortgages.
"We agree with the six recommendations in the report for action on limiting flood risk. However, we would add one more – create a high-risk insurance pool as a priority outcome of the federal Task Force on Flood Insurance and Relocation," said Craig Stewart, Vice-President, Federal Affairs, IBC.
"IBC continues to advocate to governments at all levels on the urgent need to do more to prioritize investments that build resilience and better protect our families and communities. Today, as we face the challenge of adapting to a changing climate, flooding poses the highest risk to homeowners. If homeowners are able to transfer risk through an affordable flood insurance program, their home values should be better protected," added Stewart.