By John Parisella
Québec has always been unique, and that extends to how insurance disputes are handled. Consumers here have not one, but two options when they want to make a complaint: the General Insurance OmbudService (GIO) and the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). This dual system gives people in Québec more choice and helps build confidence that disputes will be handled fairly.
The Role of the AMF
The AMF was created in 2004 under provincial legislation and is mandated by the Government of Québec to oversee financial markets and protect consumers of financial products and services. Its responsibilities include monitoring and supervising insurance companies, handling consumer complaints, and providing education on a wide range of financial topics, including insurance.
For Québec consumers, the AMF is a key player in ensuring companies follow the rules and that consumers have a trusted place to turn when they need help.
The Role of GIO
GIO is the national independent ombudservice for property and casualty insurance. It provides free, independent, and impartial dispute resolution for property and casualty insurance consumers whose insurance companies are members of GIO. When consumers have escalated a complaint within their insurance company and received a Final Position Letter, they can turn to GIO to pursue their case further.
GIO offers an alternative to the courts, aiming to resolve disputes fairly and efficiently. By doing so, it not only helps individual consumers but also supports broader trust and confidence in the insurance system.
Why Two Options Matter
The presence of both the AMF and GIO gives Québec consumers multiple avenues when a dispute arises. The two organizations complement one another, ensuring that consumers have access to fair, transparent processes and do not feel limited to a single path for resolution.
About John Parisella
John Parisella served as the Independent Director representing Québec on GIO’s Board of Directors from 2019 to 2025. During that time, he also chaired the Governance and Standards Committee (2021 to 2025), helping guide the Board’s oversight and governance practices. Beyond his role with GIO, he is a Senior Advisor at National Public Relations, a Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, and a Fellow at CERIUM (University of Montreal Center for International Relations). He has also served as Chief of Staff to Québec Premiers Robert Bourassa and Daniel Johnson. John also does work as an author and conducts conferences on Canada-USA relations.
Feature photo: Adrien Olichon