Red River Mutual has renewed its support for the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada’s (IBAC) Broker Identity Program (BIP) at the Magenta Level for 2026, IBAC announced Tuesday.
The BIP is a national advertising campaign. It promotes what brokers offer clients: choice, advice and advocacy.
The sponsorship also funds other IBAC work. That includes technology leadership, professional development for the broker workforce and federal advocacy. IBAC says it lobbies to maintain the separation of banking and insurance, which it says protects consumers and promotes a fair and competitive marketplace.
“Insurance brokers play a vital role in helping Canadians navigate an increasingly complex risk environment,” said Brenda Gibson, Red River Mutual’s president and CEO. “Our partnership with IBAC reflects our shared commitment to a strong, independent broker network that Canadians can rely on.”
Gibson has led the insurer since April 2023. According to the release, Red River has protected homes, farms, businesses and livelihoods of Western Canadians for more than 150 years. It says the property and casualty insurer serves more than 86,000 policyholders through broker partners.
A Manitoba Chamber profile from October 2025 put its brokerage partners at more than 470 brokerage partners. Over half are based in Manitoba.
IBAC CEO Peter Braid called the renewal “a strong vote of confidence.” He said it underscores the role brokers play in advising and supporting consumers. He added that it reflects IBAC’s role in advocating for a strong and competitive insurance marketplace.
Red River is among at least 13 carriers that have publicly backed the BIP in 2026, according to Insurance Business reporting. Where the tier has been reported, all renewed at the Magenta Level. IBAC has not disclosed how much the sponsorships raise in total.
In last year’s announcement, IBAC described Red River’s support as Full Partner level.
IBAC, founded in 1921, describes itself as the national voice of property and casualty brokers. The BIP was launched in 1988 in response to federal proposals to let banks sell insurance. Banks remain barred under the Bank Act from selling most insurance through their branches. IBAC continues to lobby to keep that restriction.
For brokers, carrier sponsorships are one visible sign of which insurers back the broker channel. They also help fund the advertising and advocacy IBAC carries out on brokers’ behalf.
