"On March 25^th, I rose in the House of Assembly to ask when legislative changes would be brought forth. The Premier committed that the changes would be available prior to or immediately following the Easter weekend. An additional two weeks has passed, government has tabled 17 Bills, yet no insurance legislation is in sight," said Sweeney.

"I’m convinced government is doing everything in it’s power to delay implementation of these changes. Consumers expect savings and they expect them as soon as possible. Once the strike is over, government has indicated that the House may close for the Easter break. When we return, debate on the budget will be first priority and it is likely that government will try to close the session without passing the insurance bill."

The Liberal MHA is still calling on the Williams government to implement the changes it promised last summer. Mr. Sweeney feels people were promised a 20 per cent savings on their insurance and still expect and deserve what was presented by the PC Party when they ran for election last Fall.

"I am still completely opposed to the idea of implementing a deductible of $2,500 because it will not result in any long-term savings to consumers. As an opposition, we are calling on the government to implement what they promised last year and get maximum savings for consumers. Looking at the experience in NS and NB, it is highly possible that savings of 25-30 per cent are achievable using that system but what they are proposing would result in much less than this.

"The bottom line through all of this is that consumers need savings on automobile insurance rates as soon as possible. I call on the government to table the insurance legislation in the House of Assembly this week, so we can have a full debate and get these savings to consumers as soon as possible."

The following is an exchange between Mr. Sweeney and Premier Williams during question period on March 25, 2003 in the House of Assembly:

MR. SWEENEY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Government Services. The government promised to table insurance legislation during this session. I would like to ask the minister to stand today and give her first answer in this House. My question for the minister: When will we see this legislation, and will it be here before the Easter break?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WILLIAMS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I can tell the hon. member opposite that it will be made available to this House at the very first opportunity. We hope to have it before the Easter break and, if not, it will be immediately after it. As soon as possible.