Government interference in MPI is costing you
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This article was published 22/10/2021 (586 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
As the pandemic still goes on, my colleagues and I recognize it has been such a difficult 18 months for all Manitobans. Every person, family, and community in Manitoba has been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
During a time in which many Manitobans are already struggling, it is absolutely unacceptable for the Progressive Conservative government to approve plans that take more money away from families in The Maples.
Due to the actions of the PC government, Manitoban drivers have lost out on hundreds of dollars in insurance rebates. This is money that should have been given back to Manitobans but rather, the PC government believes taking away money from everyday Manitobans during a global pandemic is the right thing to do.
In secrecy, the PC government approved a plan to divert $113 million in excess Autopac revenue to cover driver and vehicle licensing costs. Driver and vehicle licensing is a non-insurance service delivered by Manitoba Public Insurance but paid for by the Manitoba government. Government funding for driver and vehicle licensing under the PCs has fallen short of its cost.
To avoid having to properly fund driver and vehicle licensing, the PC government instead approved a plan that would take money away from Manitobans. The Autopac of all Manitoban drivers could have been much more affordable if the PC government did not approve this diversion of revenue.
This plan was approved by the Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton earlier this year. The government needs to implement a longer term strategy that will adequately fund and address the annual shortfall at driver and vehicle licensing, not take money that is meant to be used for rate reductions and rebates for Manitobans.
It is clear that the PC government’s interference in our Crown corporations continues to cost Manitobans more money. As the critic for Manitoba Public Insurance, I asked the minister if he will give the money back to Manitobans, and he did not commit to doing so.
Constituents in The Maples and across Manitoba deserve to know why they have lost out on hundreds of dollars and why the PC government did not inform them of this plan.
My colleagues and I will continue to pressure the PC government to be transparent and make life for affordable in Manitoba for all.
If you would like to contact me, my constituency office is located at 103-1730 Leila Ave. You can also call 204 417-3486, or email mintu.sandhu@yourmanitoba.ca
Mintu Sandhu
The Maples constituency report
Mintu Sandhu is the NDP MLA for The Maples.