FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION — The largest provider of property and casualty insurance in Canada has opened its first-ever service centre on First Nations territory.
After a soft launch back in May, Intact Financial Corporation and Pelletier's Autobody last week celebrated the grand opening of the company's new auto claims-handling facility at 950 Chippewa Road on Fort William First Nation.
It is Intact's fifth service centre in Ontario and 17th in Canada.
Pelletier's owner and operator Roydon Pelletier called the celebratory event a proud moment for his family, his community, and the Thunder Bay area.
"We see this partnership as an exciting opportunity that helps break down barriers and paves the way for future business between corporations and the Indigenous community. Partnering with Intact proves it's possible to open minds while improving supply chains and the customer experience."
Intact Canada CEO Louis Gagnon described the service centre model as one that simplifies the repair and claims process to get customers back on the road as quickly as possible.
"The Pelletiers are trusted vendors with strong ties within the community. Through this partnership we're able to expand on our service centre model, strengthen local business, and improve the customer experience," he said.
The family business, which encompasses three entities at the Chippewa Road site, has been operating since 1977.
Pelletier believes the arrangement with Intact is particularly important.
"It's really in line with Truth and Reconciliation calls for action, specifically the call to action 92, which is geared towards corporations. I think Intact's really stepped up and actually done something that's going to have a longlasting, meaningful impact," he said.
"Intact trusts us with their brand to send people here and brand the building and the property as the Intact service centre, but we're still 100 per cent independently-owned, make all our decisions about how the business runs, and who we decide to employ, etc."
Adding that "it's really something to have that brand hanging on a wall, on a small First Nation, for us," Pelletier said he thinks everybody on Fort William First Nation should be proud of this.
He feels the arrangement also creates an opportunity for future expansion of the business.
Despite taking on the Intact brand, the body shop is still able to repair vehicles insured by other companies as well.
