Sections 6 and 7 of the code of ethics set out that the representative may not obtain advantages in exchange for money. In this case, Christian is in effect trying to buy clients.

In terms of unfair practices, they are dealt with in section 27 of the code, whereby it is stated that a representative may not use unfair practices towards an insurer, rather than another representative. For those duties related to other representatives, one must consult Division V of the code. The main duties are to avoid denigrating, depreciating and discrediting another representative, as well as not abusing of another representative’s good faith. Obtaining references is not in itself unfair towards other representatives, as long as it is done according to authorized parameters, namely the dispositions of the Act respecting the distribution of financial products and services.

Finally, although it is true that the code of ethics states that a representative must take the necessary mean to improve the quality of the services he offers, Christian’s initiative does not fall in that category. Indeed, the targeted measures refer to continuous improvement of a representative’s skills and services rather than the recruitment of an ever growing number of potential clients.

Reference in manual A110-T1, 1^st edition, 2012:

Tome 1, page 256, section 5.2 – The Code of ethics of damage insurance representatives

Classification in the evaluation table for skill 03-114:

Subsection 3.3 – Interpret the scope of the duties and obligations set out in the Code of ethics of damage insurance representatives

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