REGINA — A partnership between the Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan (IBAS) and SGI Canada is breaking down barriers for Indigenous employment.
On Wednesday, the organizations announced a two-year pilot project, the Indigenous Broker Development Program, which aims to recruit, onboard and train insurance brokers of First Nations, Métis or Inuit heritage.
“It’s a two-pronged approach to solving some of the challenges we face in our province, especially in our Indigenous communities,” said Gary Vidal, chair of the board of directors for SGI.
Vidal said the initiative can help address poverty in Saskatchewan’s Indigenous communities, particularly in the north.
“[Creating] good jobs, [and] satisfy[ing] entrepreneurial spirits [can] create hope in communities that have very little hope, and get to the place … where Indigenous leadership is able to manage prosperity instead of poverty.”
The project will provide participating insurance brokers with up to $25,000 in financial reimbursement to support the hiring and training of new Indigenous property and casualty insurance brokers.
Derek Lothian, president and CEO of IBAS, said the project will help build bridges both from an employment standpoint and a community one.
“[With this], we can build those partnerships [so] that we can become more knowledgeable and understanding of how we work and live beside one another. And so it’s a natural [fit].”
Lothian said 11 insurance brokers have been approved so far under the program, representing more than 90 per cent of the capacity for the first intake.
The project has already led to several Indigenous hires, with more expected as brokers refine recruitment processes and focus on cultural competency and awareness, he said.
Lothian added he is hopeful additional intakes will take place in early 2026.
Meanwhile, Vidal “has no doubt” the pilot project will be extended following its expected success.
Overall, SGI is investing $750,000 into the Indigenous Broker Development Program.
