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PAGE 8 Letters to the Editor LAWPRO WELCOMES COMPETITION Even though we have been denied full membership in the Title Insurance Industry Association of Canada, LawPRO wholeheartedly agrees with our colleagues at TIIAC that competition is good as it benefits con- sumers of title insurance products. That is why we work so hard to maintain the TitlePLUS option in the marketplace. More choice is always good for consum- ers and lenders. Moreover, our primary regulator, the Financial Servi- ces Commission of Ontario, as well as law reform bod- ies in other Canadian jurisdictions, concur. The issues raised by the report referenced in the Law Times article (see "Title insurance wars heating up once again," July 11) have been examined in the past by these bodies. Their conclusion is that the TitlePLUS approach — built around full disclosure to the customer of relationships, a policy that no commission, fee or premium would flow from the company to the lawyer, and, most importantly, that consumers always receive information about avail- able options from the real estate lawyer in the transaction — more than satisfied any perception of conflict while also protecting the public interest. The bottom line is that the TitlePLUS program is in the game for lawyers and consumers and to ensure both continue to have choice. Kathleen Waters, President and CEO, LawPRO KEY DIFFERENCES IN TITLE INSURANCE INDUSTRY In reference to Law Times' coverage of the title in- surance industry (see "Title insurance wars heating up once again," July 11), Stewart Title Guaranty Co. would like to provide further context regarding the need for an important clarification to be made. While Stewart Title has no particular issue with the Title Insurance Industry Association of Canada, since its inception we made the decision to not become a member, primarily because Stewart Title has a differ- ent business philosophy than many of the members of TIIAC. For example, we do not participate in pro- grams or business initiatives that diminish the role of the legal professional in the conveyancing process and do not have an in-house lender servicing model. In fact, we do not process refinances that would have oth- erwise been transacted by lawyers. These differences are evidenced by the fact that we are not embroiled in the Quebec lawsuit mentioned in the article and have not been challenged in other jurisdictions within Canada for unauthorized practice of law. As a commentary on the industry, we feel that this article missed an opportunity to highlight the very relevant differences between the competing organiza- tions. It is simply untrue that real estate lawyers need to be concerned about the future of their profession on account of the existence of title insurance within the Canadian marketplace. Marco Polsinelli Senior vice president and general manager, Canada division Stewart Title Guaranty Co. COMMENT August 8, 2011 • LAw times CHOOSE THE LABOUR LAW CONTENT THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS LABOUR SPECTRUM FEATURING CANADIAN LABOUR ARBITRATION, FOURTH EDITION (BROWN & BEATTY) Labour Spectrum integrates case law, leading authored works, and up-to-date legislation – all in an accessible online format. Designed for labour practitioners, in-house counsel, unions and human resource professionals, Labour Spectrum allows you to choose the level of service that fits your needs. The Essential Edition gives you fast, easy access to: • Canadian Labour Arbitration, Fourth Edition (Brown & Beatty) • All Labour Arbitration Cases (L.A.C.), series 1-4 – 1948 to present • Canadian Labour Arbitration Summaries (C.L.A.S) – 1986 to present • British Columbia Decisions, Labour Arbitration – 1981 to 2009 • Images of decisions in PDF format • Labour legislation from all Canadian jurisdictions • Labour law decisions from the courts • Topical indices The Classic Edition gives you all the content on the Essential Edition plus: • Canadian Labour Law, Second Edition • Willis & Winkler on Leading Labour Cases • A collection of labour relations board decisions • All court decisions cited in Canadian Labour Law, Second Edition • Images of reported decisions in PDF format • A case citator For pricing information, contact an information solutions specialist today at 1-866-609-5811 or visit www.canadalawbook.ca. CANADA LAW BOOK® Untitled-1 1 www.lawtimesnews.com 7/29/11 9:18:11 AM