Letter to the Editor: Gregory Hanna

STOCK PHOTO BY GAJUS

Dear Irene;

I have worked in the life insurance industry in British Columbia for over 10 years as an agent. I have helped many middle income families obtain affordable protection which they need. I have team members, most of whom, are part time agents. They have become licensed so that they can help their families and friends manage their finances yet continue to  work in their chosen careers as well. They have spent a lot of time, energy and resources to achieve careers such as doctors, nurses, caregivers, teachers and religious leaders. All of these are on the list to be excluded from holding a life insurance license because there is a potential for conflict of interest. There has never been a case or registered complaint of this yet. My wife is Filipina, holds a nursing degree, and owns a daycare business and is a Primerica agent. She is heavily involved in her Church and has been for over 40 years. Not one of her clients or mine has come from our outside affiliations.

The Provincial regulator wants to hand over the whole testing process for licensing in the life insurance business to the Government of Quebec without any bidding process or stakeholder consultation.This will hurt jobs in my community and make insurance less affordable for middle income families. Most of the Filipino communities across the Province of BC and even Canada will be seriously affected by such a move because over one third ( 1/3) of our current licenses come from Asian countries, primarily the Philippines and China. They are dramatically aware of the importance of protection for their families and protection of the family income.

Personally I am registered disabled from spinal injuries incurred in a car accident. The business I owned previously was listed on the Vancouver Stock Exchange as HPS – Hanna Pacific Steel. It was a very specialized steel business to the mining and major construction companies across Canada. The car accident caused spinal injuries to the neck which affected my whole body and consequently my mobility and much nerve function which is permanent. This business is virtually the only business which allows me to be a functioning member of my community and not become a dependent of the Government and social assistance for the rest of my life. Plus I provide the opportunity for others to help their family and associates.

We must let our communities be aware of what is happening to threaten their rights and freedoms and to get our Government Officials and the Regulator of Insurance to stop this very restrictive movement from becoming reality.

Yours sincerely;

Gregory Hanna

Registered Life Agent in B.C.

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The letter was addressed to Melissa Remulla-Briones, editor-in-chief of the Philippine Canadian Inquirer, on 31 March 2014.

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