UPDATE – EVENT POSTPONED TO 2027 DUE TO ELECTION CALL

Kelowna: The Kelowna Chamber is hosting Jason McDaniel, President & CEO of ICBC, a position he has held since January of this year. “ICBC touches everyone’s lives in B.C. in one way or another,” says McDaniel, and in his luncheon address to the Chamber on October 8, he’ll explain just what those pathways are, and why he feels it is important to understand the close relationship ICBC has with the province’s residents.

McDaniel will deliver his presentation at the last luncheon in the 2026 OC Speaker Series on Thursday October 8 at the Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport. Registration at 11:30, lunch, presentation, audience Q&A, and adjourn at 1:30. It is the last opportunity for Chamber members to redeem their membership luncheon coupons for the year.

McDaniel leads the Crown corporation of diverse individuals serving communities across British Columbia. Together with the executive team, he provides leadership and strategic direction to ensure the delivery of affordable insurance, positive customer experiences, and protection, both for people in B.C. and for those who travel on the province’s roads.

Over his 20-year career with ICBC, he has held several key leadership roles. A career milestone for McDaniel was playing a central leadership role in the implementation of Enhanced Care, the most significant auto insurance transformation in ICBC’s history. This initiative greatly improved affordability and recovery benefits, resulting in better car insurance for British Columbians.

McDaniel will be joined by Blair Qualey, President & CEO of the New Car Dealers Association, who will share insights into what’s going on in the automotive industry, and what the impacts of trade and tariff changes are as Canada’s economy continues to transform.

Qualey represents the more than 400 franchise auto dealers in B.C., and advocates for industry interests with the public, media, and government. He will touch on consumer affordability challenges, skilled labour shortages, and realistic policy timelines for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates given recent adjustments by governments at both the provincial and federal levels.

The luncheon will also feature a shout-out to award winners from OC who competed in the 2026 Skills Canada competitions, both Provincial and National. In May, Emily Frick became the  first female national banner winner (bronze medal in Car Painting) and Vladyslav Usach captured the gold medal in Collision Repair. The Provincials saw three golds, three silvers and one bronze for the OC trades team. Quite a haul. The Chamber plans to recognize several of the winners at the lunch October 8.