Are Manitoba drivers losing out on rebate money?
The provincial NDP and Liberals said Manitoba drivers are losing out on rebate money.
The opposition parties said Manitoba Public Insurance and the province are improperly shifting surplus funds but the public insurer says it is well within its right to do this.
“Your Autopac could have been 10 per cent cheaper this year had the government not done this,” said NDP Leader Wab Kinew.
“They’re basically trying to treat MPI as a slush fund which is inappropriate,” said Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont.
MPI said it is using $113 million of surplus money from its extension lines to fund technology upgrades on the driver licensing side of the business.
The opposition parties said this is wrong and the money should be used for rebates.
“You know it is the law that you’re not supposed to use money that is used for Autopac to able to move into driver licencing,” said Lamont.
But MPI said it is within its right to do this.
The surplus from its extension lines are separate from its basic insurance program, where rebates would occur.
In a statement MPI said, “Manitoba Public Insurance is not in breach, or violation, of any statute or regulations with respecting the transfer of surplus funds.”
“The president of MPI obviously felt that it was an appropriate way to cover off costs for technology,” said Premier Kelvin Goertzen.
He said the Public Utilities Board (PUB) is set to vet the decision at an upcoming rate application hearing.
“It’s certainly fair to have a debate about whether or not funds should be moved from one side of the corporation to use for a different aspect of driver licences. Those are not unfair questions to ask and certainly part of the role of the PUB.”
But some of the money has already been moved prior to the PUB hearing.
“This deal was already done before it was sent to the Public Utilities Board,” said Kinew.
MPI said during the pandemic $180 million has been returned to drivers in two rebates, adding it has recently applied to the PUB for a third one.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.