October 5, 2004

New Automobile Insurance Rate Board announced
Consumer representative to bring consumer issues to the table

Edmonton... The latest component of the government’s new automobile insurance system kicked in with the announcement of eight appointments, including a consumer representative, to the new Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB). Finance Minister Patricia Nelson released the names of the new members October 5.

“The Rate Board will have a stronger mandate and greater authority,” said Nelson. “There will be greater transparency regarding how premiums are set and a consumer representative whose role will be to reflect consumer issues at the Board level.”

The AIRB will regulate premium rates for basic coverage and monitor the premiums for optional coverage. The AIRB replaces the former Automobile Insurance Board, which reviewed and approved premiums, but did not have a role in setting rates.

“Each of the individuals were recruited and selected through a public, open competition managed by an outside executive search firm.” said Nelson. Each member is appointed for a period of three years.

Backgrounder: Members named to the new Automobile Insurance Rate Board

Mr. Harry Gough, Q.C.
Mr. Harry Gough, QC is a partner with Schumacher, Gough & Pederson in Drumheller and has been practicing law since 1974. Mr. Gough was a member of the Alberta Auto Insurance Board from 1997 – 2004. His community involvement includes member of the Criminal Law Practice Advisory Committee and member of the Custody and Mediation Committee with the Alberta Law Society. Through his involvement with the former Alberta Auto Insurance Board, Mr. Gough has gained a strong knowledge of the various insurers across Alberta.

Ms. Patti Grier
Ms. Grier is the Executive Director, Office of the CEO and Government Relations for the Calgary Health Region. She was a Trustee and Vice Chair with the Calgary Board of Education from 1992-95 and served as Alderman, Ward 13 in the City of Calgary from 1995-2000. Ms. Grier has sat on a number of private, provincial and municipal boards and committees both through her professional work as well as through her personal commitment to the community.

Mr. Jack Halpin, FCA
Mr. Halpin is Chartered Accountant working for Meyers Norris Penny, LLP in Calgary. His current board appointments include: ATB Financial, Alberta Cancer Board and Mancal Trust Company. He is a Committee Member of the Provincial Government Internal Audit Committee. Previously Mr. Halpin has been Chairman of the Calgary General Hospital Board, the Holy Cross Hospital Disposition, and the Finance Committee - Mayor of Calgary.

Lewis Klar, QC
Prof. Klar is currently a Professor within the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Law. He served as Dean of the Faculty from 1997 – 2002. His major teaching and research interests are in Tort Law and Insurance Law. Prof. Klar is a non-practising member of the Alberta Law Society and was appointed Queens Counsel in 2002. He was recently elected to the American Law Institute, one of a very small number of Canadians who are members of this advisory body. He has also written advisory reports for the Alberta Law Reform Institute.

Mr. William Moore
Mr. Moore is a Fellow of both Canadian Institute of Actuaries and the Society of Actuaries. He is also a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. Prior to joining Towers Perrin, Bill practised for 20 years as a consulting actuary to public and private sector pension plan sponsors in Western Canada. Prior to that time, Bill worked in the insurance industry in Canada and the United States. He continues to provide consulting services to clients in both the public and private sector, particularly assisting these clients with strategic management of their pension plans.

Mr. Alfred H. Savage (Chair)
Mr. Savage possesses over 30 years of private and public sector experience as a senior executive within some of the most progressive organizations in Canada and the United States. He has held senior positions in various municipalities in Alberta, Ontario such U.S. cities and New York and Chicago. Now retired, Mr. Savage devotes his time to board and community work. He was a Board Member and Chair of the Olds College from 1997-2003 and is currently an Officer for the Alberta Municipal Government Board. Additional community involvement has included volunteering for the 1987 Commonwealth Games and the 1998 World Student Games and serving as Director of the Calgary Downtown Rotary Club.

Ms. Merle Taylor, CMA (Consumer Representative)
Ms. Merle Taylor is a partner in the consulting firm of Keefe Taylor & Associates. She has expertise in policy, operational and organizational reviews in the public and non-profit sectors. In addition to her work as a management consultant, Ms. Taylor has held several leadership positions with a range community and not-for-profit volunteer organizations.

Mr. David White
Mr. White has diverse experience in the insurance brokerage industry and was co-owner of a full services life, disability and group insurance company for 10 years. He has served on various boards and planned and facilitated policy workshops. He has a good financial management background and a facilitative style of leadership. Board experience includes, Lethbridge Youth Foundation, Lethbridge Family YMCA and the City of Lethbridge Standing Committee on Transportation, Utilities and the Environment.

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