"Consumers of automobile insurance in this province are being unfairly burdened by skyrocketing insurance premiums," said Sweeney. "I call on the new government to immediately freeze insurance rates until a reform package can be implemented.

Sweeney continues to receive inquiries from across the province about high rates and unfair treatment of consumers. He went on to say that if the Liberal Party had received a new mandate, changes would already have been passed to provide this much needed relief.

"In an August 27^th release, Mr. Williams promised to immediately commission a study to determine the maximum rate reductions," said Sweeney. "In that same release, the PC Party outlined an 11 point plan to reduce premiums for automobile, home and commercial insurance. In this plan, Mr. Williams promised to pass legislation within 120 days after a PC government assumed office. I expect that the new government will uphold this commitment and ensure a minimum 20% reduction in automobile insurance premiums by March 5, 2004, or sooner.

"Officials in the Department of Government Services and Lands have spent many years analyzing the insurance industry and the time for study has ended. Draft legislation was prepared prior to the election and is ready for implementation. If the new minister was serious about reducing rates, she would take this draft legislation and implement it as recommended by her officials.

"The time has come for action. I would at least expect the new minister to announce details of the PUB study within the next few days to ensure their own 120 day deadline is met."