The ARA would like to take this opportunity to clarify the actions and role it played in helping to resolve concerns raised by industry related to a gas card promotion.
Although this offer began late January it was not until February 11th that the ARA was made aware of the promotion and industry’s concerns. At that time there was a great deal of activity already underway by others, with anger and frustration resulting in letter writing campaigns to local government representatives and the involvement of legal counsel to draft letters outlining threats of action.
First, the ARA does not support discounts as it leads to a perceived message that industry is in a position to give away a portion of its profits. But also, through our years of work with ICBC, we have learned that an aggressive, confrontational posture does little but damage our reputation and limits our ability to interact with ICBC and government.
Our focus was solely to clarify ICBC’s policy, that it was evenly enforced, and we are operating in a fair marketplace. It was the ARA’s interpretation that the existing policy did not allow discounts of this nature. The ARA’s understanding was that the promotion should not be applied to ICBC claims.
The ARA worked collaboratively with ICBC to ensure it understood the seriousness of industry’s concerns. ICBC conducted its own internal investigation as to any role it may have had in approving the advertising campaign.
Through open dialogue with the most senior of ICBC executive, the ARA was able to attain the desired result within four working days, and the promotion was excluded from ICBC claims.
Some have called for additional detail in hope of naming individuals or disclosure of sanctions that may apply. Please understand that will not happen. If it did, ICBC would be in breach of confidentiality requirements and could then be subject to litigation. If it were your business you would expect that same level of discretion. ICBC did take the concerns of industry seriously and it is the ARA’s understanding that Belron did as well. The ARA asks that you please respect that ICBC has a mechanism to deal with policy issues, which it did apply.
The ARA has made it clear that recent events have done little to demonstrate ICBC’s commitment to working in a fair, transparent, and trustworthy manner. To the contrary, cutting NAGS pricing while asking for financial details of members’ operations and this discounting issue just prior to the release of the PIBR has added to the distrust.
The ARA worked quickly to positively interact with others, demonstrating the professionalism of industry with the goal of ensuring a viable industry for all. The issue is resolved and we have maintained dialogue with ICBC and government, and we continue to ensure a fair and even marketplace for industry.