Costs have jumped for tech transformation at Manitoba Public Insurance
The cost of modernizing technology at Manitoba's auto insurance Crown corporation has jumped sharply.
Project Nova, which is aimed at letting customers and brokers do more business with Manitoba Public Insurance online, was originally expected to cost $86 million plus contingencies.
That number was bumped up to $115 million last year and, according to a memo obtained by the Opposition New Democrats, could reach $224 million plus contingencies.
The memo also says the time to complete the project is expected to jump by about two years.
Kelvin Goertzen, the minister responsible for the Crown corporation, says replacing a system that is 20 or more years old is a bigger project than originally thought.
He says much of the extra cost is to ensure the new system is secure against data breaches, but it will not affect the rates motorists pay.
"They had to rescope the project. They recognized it's going to be a bit more in-depth than they thought," Goertzen said Thursday.
"There is an ongoing sort of set aside funds to pay for upgrades of technology ... and I've been assured this is a long-term plan that doesn't impact rates but will benefit service and ensure that the service is secure."
In a written statement, Manitoba Public Insurance said it has used outside consultants to plan the transformation and later found "unidentified gaps ... that were crucial to successfully completing Nova."
The corporation also said it has shared all the information with the Public Utilities Board, the provincial regulator.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2022
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to
U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions and reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family.
Canada Post presents union with 'framework' to reach deal as strike continues
Canada Post has presented the union representing some 55,000 striking postal workers with a framework to reach negotiated agreements, the corporation said.
'Devastating': Missing Surrey, B.C. teen found dead, family says
The family of a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in Surrey over a month ago, says there has been a tragic end to the search.
opinion Are you overpaying for subscriptions? It's time for an audit
From streaming platforms and apps to gym memberships and meal kits, subscriptions are convenient, but it's easy to overlook how much you're spending. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew offers tips on how to audit your subscriptions to save money.
The best tips to prepare your car for the winter
Slippery or snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and bitter cold are all conditions that can make driving difficult and even dangerous during cold weather months. CAA spoke with CTV Morning Live this week on some of the best ways you can winterize your car.
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was "surprised" to hear it.
Stellantis CEO resigns as carmaker sales continue to slump
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is stepping down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales.
'Wicked' star Marissa Bode speaks out against 'harmful' ableist comments made about her character
'Wicked' actress Marissa Bode posted a video on TikTok asking for kindness after receiving ableist comments on social media.
Poilievre calls for asylum seeker cap, border plan as U.S. tariff threat looms
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded the federal government present a plan before Parliament to beef up border security as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose stiff tariffs on Canada.