"Effective tomorrow, Aviva and Dominion of Canada will cease writing new insurance policies in this province and they have given notice that they will be pulling out of the province altogether effective January 1, 2005," said Parsons. "This represents 35% of the total insurance market in this province, a very substantial number of consumers will be affected.

"The main complaint put forth by both companies is the inability to secure a meeting with the Premier to voice their concerns regarding the current changes put before the legislature. The Premier put forth his plan on the basis it was drafted with full consultation with insurance companies and consumer groups. What is most alarming about this announcement today is that the premier is not at all concerned. He has no concern from the consumers or employees involved. The pullout of Aviva puts 95 jobs in jeopardy."

The Liberal MHA maintains this insurance proposal will do little to protect insurance consumers in the province. He feels the introduction of a deductible is not something that was recommended through the consultative process and will not work to bring rates down and keep them down to a sustainable level.

"I have stated on numerous occasions that there is nothing in Bill 30 that will protect the consumer of automobile insurance. The insurance companies are obviously not happy with the actions being taken, the largest consumer group is condemning the actions today and lawyers have already stated how they will inflate claims to get around the Premier’s plan."