"Last summer consumers were presented with a proposal for insurance reform by the PC Party," said Sweeney. "In November I called on the Minister to release details of the review to be conducted by the PUB. All indications point to the fact that the Minister is delaying this study while consumers suffer from rates among the highest in the country.

"In August, Premier Williams promised consumers that reforms would be ready for implementation by early March 2004. I call on residents and consumer groups to contact the Minister to get a commitment that action will be taken now.

The Liberal MHA spent most of 2003 analyzing the insurance industry with government officials. He believes that it is now time to move forward to provide much needed relief to consumers.

"Reforming the insurance industry is a promise which the current conservative government made during the election. This is one promise which they will not be able to get away from by saying the financial situation of the province has changed. Keeping this promise will have no substantial impact on the financial condition of this province and the government should proceed immediately on this issue."