TORONTO -- Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer was forced to clarify details of his resume Monday after allegations that he falsely claimed to have worked as an insurance broker in Saskatchewan prior to his political career.
The Liberals have called on Saskatchewan鈥檚 insurance industry watchdog to investigate whether Scheer is in violation of the province鈥檚 Insurance Act, which deems it illegal for anyone without a licence to act as a broker or "hold himself out" to be a broker.
However, upon clarifying his work history, it remains unclear whether or not Scheer is in violation of the act.
The claim
Scheer鈥檚 biography on the Conservative Party鈥檚 website notes that before becoming a politician he
But over the weekend, the Globe and Mail reported that it could find no evidence that Scheer ever received the accreditation necessary to practice as an insurance broker in the Saskatchewan.
Analysis
On Monday, Scheer was asked about the claims put forward by the Globe and Mail report, which were quickly echoed by the Liberals. Speaking to reporters, he said he worked in an insurance office for 鈥渟ix or seven months鈥 in 2003, when he was 24 years old.
He said that he did receive his accreditation under the Canadian credit insurance broker program, but noted that he 鈥渓eft the insurance office before the licensing process was finalized.鈥
鈥淎s I said I received my accreditation under the Canadian credit insurance broker program,鈥 Scheer said, 鈥淎nd in this particular office the licensed brokers finalized all the transactions.鈥
According to the Saskatchewan Insurance Act, 鈥渘o person shall hold himself out as an agent or as a salesman of an agent unless he is the holder of a subsisting licence under this act," noting "every person who contravenes any provision of this act is guilty of an offence."
Liberal MP Marco Mendicino has since sent a letter to Saskatchewan's superintendent of insurance and the chair of the Insurance Councils of Saskatchewan, which regulates the insurance industry, asking that Scheer be investigated.
In a statement issued Monday, the Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan (IBAS) confirmed that Scheer completed one of four courses required to obtain an insurance broker鈥檚 license.
鈥淚BAS can confirm鈥 Mr. Scheer did complete an accredited course with IBAS that would form part of the eligibility requirements for licensing,鈥 read the statement issued to 麻豆影视 via email.
The IBAS declined to comment further, noting that a formal complaint had been launched to the General Insurance Council of Saskatchewan.
- With a file from the Canadian Press
Contact us
See a story or post circulating on social media that you think may be disinformation or in need of fact-checking?
Let us know by sharing with us the link to the post or the source of the information.
Email us by clicking here or visit our Newsbreaker page.
Please include your full name, city and province.
