Facing Uncertainty Together

THE SMELL OF SMOKE on the wind used to be an occasional summer occurrence; now, it’s almost an annual reality. Wildfire season is here again, creeping in alongside an already unsettling landscape of uncertainty in Canada. Economic pressures, unpredictable weather and the lingering effects of disasters in Jasper and Fort McMurray are weighing heavily. It’s no wonder that many Albertans are experiencing that familiar knot of anxiety. Having operated in this province for nearly a century, we understand. We know it’s not just the threat of wildfire that’s unnerving; it’s everything that comes with it. The fear of evacuation orders; the helplessness of watching a fire’s path inch closer on a map; the memories of past events that changed lives in an instant. But amid the uncertainty, there’s something we can all do to feel more assured — we can prepare. Through a new partnership with Wildfire Defense Systems (WDS), AMA is working to protect what matters most: your homes, your communities and the people you love. Specializing in mitigation services, WDS deploys private wildfire-fighting resources — crews with experience protecting homes — to boost defence for eligible properties during a wildfire event. We’re excited to share that WDS coverage is being automatically added to all eligible AMA Insurance home policies — at no additional cost! This product provides more than just hope — it provides action. Having a thorough emergency plan is another important step — something that can help alleviate some anxiety and help you feel more confident. We also recommend taking preventative measures, like clearing surrounding brush, keeping gutters clean and making sure combustibles like firewood and mulch are kept a safe distance from your home. You can find a detailed list of tips at ama.ab.ca/articles/protect-home-wildfires. Of course, uncertainty isn’t limited to Mother Nature; everything from travel plans to the way we budget is being reimagined in the face of shifting economic tides and global ties. But AMA can help there, too! Our travel counsellors have worlds of experience finding destinations that offer excellent value, as well as deals and discounts that help you stretch your dollars at a time when it matters most. Our MyPace insurance, designed for vehicles driven fewer than 9,000 km/year, is saving some members an average of 50 percent on their premiums. And our gift card program, which adds new partners all the time, earns you five percent cash back in reward dollars at places like Sobeys, Superstore, Indigo, Tim Hortons, PetSmart and more. There are so many ways AMA can support you — explore all of them at ama.ab.ca. Because while we can’t predict what the future holds, we can face it together. Just like we always have. AMA Michelle Chimko President and CEO Alberta Motor Association