American Property Casualty Insurance Association Issues Statement on Personal Information Protection & Electronic Documents Act

CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 25 -- The American Property Casualty Insurance Association issued the following statement by International Head Steve Simchak in response to Canada's Office of the Privacy Commissioner decision to maintain flexibility on data processing and withdraw its proposed reinterpretation of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act:

"OPC had considered a proposal to enact changes to Canadian data regulations that could have forced the localization of data, which would have made it significantly more difficult for U.S. insurers and other industries to offer services to Canadian consumers and manage their data systems.

"We are pleased that Canada's Office of the Privacy Commissioner has withdrawn their proposed reinterpretation of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.

"As a data-based industry, data flows and the utilization of data analytics allow insurance groups to better serve their customers, reach underserved populations, and efficiently enter new markets.

"A centralized data strategy also allows insurers to increase data security."

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The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers, with a legacy dating back 150 years. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions--protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.