The Chambers Plan History

Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade have long recognized the value of employee benefits and the difficulties smaller employers face obtaining quality, affordable coverage. It was 1971 when the Chamber movement developed the first nationally based plan to address the needs of their members.  

One philosophy has driven the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan since its creation: providing affordable, competitive, secure benefits to employees of small businesses. The results – over 30,000 participating firms, and 3,000 new groups joining the Plan each year.

Chamber People Sit as Directors on the Plan

The Chambers of Commerce Insurance Corporation of Canada (CCICC) oversees the Chambers Plan. The CCICC is a not-for-profit organization representing Plan participants across Canada, including both the Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade which offer the program, and the people insured under it. 

Participating Chambers appoint or elect directors to the board from each region of the country.  One director from each region must be a paid Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade employee, and the other must be a volunteer. Directors do not receive salaries. Through its directors, the CCICC works to ensure the Plan is appropriately marketed and administered, and the benefits available to members continue to meet their current needs.

Current Board Members of the Chambers of Commerce Insurance Corporation of Canada

Alberta

Shauna Feth, President & CEO Alberta Chambers of Commerce
Brad Severin, Sherwood Park

Atlantic

Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
David Hooley, Charlottetown, PE

British Columbia

Leanna Kemp, Executive Director Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce
Deb McClelland, Kamloops

Manitoba

Chuck Davidson, President & CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
Paul Holden, Winnipeg

Ontario

Debbi Nicholson, President & CEO Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce
Bob Armstrong, Lindsay

Quebec

Jean-Guy Delorme, Vice President Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
Pierjean Savard, Vaudreuil-Dorion

Saskatchewan

Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
Valerie Sluth, Regina

Winnipeg

Loren Remillard (Chair), President & CEO, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
Shelley Morris (Secretary-Treasurer)

Johnston Group

In 1983, Johnston Group Inc. was appointed by the CCICC to manage, market and administer the Chambers Plan. Understanding the ever-changing group benefits market, Johnston Group has successfully introduced various benefits and services, adhering to their commitment to keep the Plan competitive and contemporary.

One of Canada's leading group insurance administrators, Johnston Group has more than $750 million in premiums under its administration, and 40 years of experience. Johnston Group is a platinum member of the Canada's Best Managed Companies, having held the Best Managed distinction every year since 2001.

The country’s leading business awards program, sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC Commercial Banking, Salesforce, TMX, and The Globe and Mail, recognizes excellence in privately-owned and managed Canadian companies.

Community Service

Johnston Group believes strongly in its people, and their communities. Our “people first” approach is reflected in every claim we pay and the customer service we provide. We are supporters of health organizations, numerous arts groups, university and colleges, as well as amateur athletics in the city of Winnipeg.

We are included on the United Way of Winnipeg’s top 50 corporate employee campaigns and have been awarded the United Way’s Campaign Chair Award multiple times for outstanding commitment to community. This approach extends into our employees’ lives and the community in which we live.

We encourage staff volunteerism and community service. This notion of caring is embraced by our employees who have volunteered their time and efforts for various charitable boards, foundations and community organizations.