Monday June 16, 2014 – 12pm
Posted Jun 16, 2014 01:46:33 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
11:30-12:30 Leonard Sharman, Senior Advisor of Media Relations with the Co-operators Insurance Group
Beneath the steering wheels of more than 50,000 cars in Canada are small boxes the size of a mobile phone that let insurance companies monitor when, where and how people drive. The pitch made by insurers for usage-based insurance (UBI) programs is certainly enticing: By installing the device, drivers can save up to 25 per cent on their insurance bills. Experts say it may also make for safer roads if people drive more conscientiously, knowing it could save them money. But, as with almost any new technological feature these days, the trade-off comes at the cost of privacy- Big Brother is the new backseat driver. UBI is new to Canada, but has existed in some U.S. states and in Europe for several years. It’s been slow to catch on here, partly due to concerns by customers that insurers will use driving data to justify jacking up premiums. The handful of companies currently offering the service insist that won’t happen, that the offering is simply meant to attract safe drivers lured by the potential discount. Yet it’s also clear that, for many drivers, privacy concerns have kept the service at bay. In a recent survey of Canadian drivers by consulting firm Towers Watson, nearly 40 per cent of respondents said their main concern with UBI was, “I don’t like anyone monitoring and recording where I drive.”
12:30- Krista Osborne, Director of Operations for Mercy For Animals
More than 90,000 people have signed an online petition calling for dairy companies to take action after disturbing video surfaced showing workers abusing cows at a B.C. dairy farm. The petition was launched by Mercy for Animals Canada after it released undercover video last week showing workers physically abusing cows at Chilliwack Cattle Sales, which describes itself as Canada’s largest dairy farm and supplies brands including Saputo and Dairyland. The petition urges Saputo to adopt an animal welfare policy for its dairies including zero tolerance for animal abuse, and video monitoring systems streamed live online. The petition threatens a boycott if Saputo doesn’t comply.
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