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Opposition criticizes
insurance plan
Says more savings for
consumers are achieveable
March 18th, 2004
The Liberal Opposition Critic for Government Services and
Lands, George Sweeney, says he is pleased that the government has finally
moved to address the insurance issue, but thinks that consumers had expected
a much better proposal after waiting so long.
“This is a watered down version of what they promised before the election
and they are stalling on a number of items. It should be clear to everyone
that this government did not want to make any changes to insurance and it
was only when the public pressure became unbearable that they actually
moved. With profits in the insurance industry reaching record highs and
mounting pressure from the opposition and consumer groups, the government
was forced to act,” said Sweeney.
The Liberal MHA says he has some initial concerns about the use of a
deductible rather than a cap on claims and wonders why the Premier failed to
address high rates for young people. He will be looking for more information
on how the changes will impact legal actions and the implications this could
have for automobile insurance rates in the long-term.
“At first glance, this deductible appears to be nothing more than a
concession to lawyers and insurance companies. The Premier has failed young
people who were expecting to see substantial savings from this plan. These
people will continue to pay rates that are 200-400 per cent higher than
everyone else.
“I intend to continue pressuring the government to move forward with
regulation of the insurance industry in a way which benefits consumers. I
will be raising questions publicly and also making points when this
legislation comes before the House of Assembly. A 15 per cent reduction is a
good start, but it is too little, too late.”
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Media Contact:
Jeff Mackey
Caucus Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427 |
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