The Kelowna business community will get a direct briefing from the new head of the province's auto insurer when ICBC president and CEO Jason McDaniel speaks at the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Oct. 8.
McDaniel, who took over leadership of the Crown corporation in January and has spent two decades at ICBC, will be the keynote at the final instalment of the 2026 Okanagan College Speaker Series. The event is scheduled at the Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport and is open to chamber members and the wider business community.
What the appearance means for Kelowna
ICBC’s policies and operations affect motorists and businesses across British Columbia, and a visit from its new chief provides an opportunity for local stakeholders to hear directly about the corporation’s priorities. McDaniel played a leading role in implementing the Enhanced Care program — a major transformation within ICBC — and the luncheon will give attendees a chance to learn how the corporation sees insurance policy, claims handling and customer service evolving.
McDaniel said in a press release that, "ICBC touches everyone’s lives in B.C. in one way or another." His remarks to the Kelowna Chamber are expected to cover strategic direction and the insurer's role as provincial policies and the auto market continue to change.
Speakers and local ties
Joining McDaniel will be Blair Qualey, president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association, who will share automotive industry perspectives including the implications of trade and tariff changes as Canada’s economy transforms. The combination of insurer leadership and dealer association insight aims to provide a broad view of the sector for local businesses and consumers.
The luncheon will also celebrate local post-secondary achievement: Okanagan College students who excelled at provincial and national Skills Canada competitions will be honoured during the event, connecting industry leaders with the region's emerging skilled workforce.
- Keynote speaker: Jason McDaniel, president and CEO, ICBC
- Industry perspective: Blair Qualey, president and CEO, New Car Dealers Association
- Local recognition: Okanagan College Skills Canada award winners
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Oct. 8, 2026 |
| Time | Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.; event concludes at 1:30 p.m. |
| Venue | Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport |
Who should attend
The luncheon is aimed at chamber members, business leaders and anyone with an interest in the province’s auto-insurance landscape or the local automotive market. It also offers networking opportunities for employers seeking skilled trades graduates from Okanagan College.
Organizers say further details and registration are available through the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce website. For a city where driving and transportation touch most households, the visit from ICBC’s new leader provides a rare chance to engage directly with the corporation steering an essential public service.
“ICBC touches everyone’s lives in B.C. in one way or another,”
The event signals a local forum where provincial policy, industry shifts and community workforce development will intersect — pertinent topics as Kelowna grows and the region adapts to changing transport and economic conditions.
