In 2005, Manitoba Public Insurance demonstrated how prudent management and strong partnerships can benefit customers today, tomorrow and into the future.

A great deal of corporate effort was focused on positive change for the future, but this intensive planning did not distract from the success of our core business today. By all accounts 2005 was remarkable in every way.

• For every $1 paid in premiums, we returned 93 cents to Manitobans in the form of claims benefits
• Manitobans filed 253,080 claims — nearly 3,000 fewer than in 2004/05
• We met or exceeded corporate-wide Customer Service Standards 96.6 per cent of the time
• We purchased more than $79 million in bonds to support Manitoba municipalities, schools and hospitals, bringing total investment in the province to $929 million
• Proactive measures helped reduce auto theft rates by 14 per cent — the largest decline in two decades

In addition, positive economic factors and prudent management resulted in record investment income in 2005, contributing to a $58 million rebate to customers. With this rebate, our customers have received two rebates totaling $138 million over the last five years.

We know Manitobans value predictability. That is why we have worked hard to provide nearly a decade of stable insurance rates, helping families manage their own budget. We will continue to maintain a strong Rate Stabilization Reserve to buffer the corporation and our customers from unexpected losses arising from non-recurring events or factors.

Manitobans also want these reserves to produce lasting benefits. That is why we created a $40 million immobilizer incentive fund to battle Manitoba’s stubborn auto theft problem. In 2005, more than 12,000 Manitobans took advantage of our financial incentives to theft-proof their vehicles. In 2006, a new program targeting high-risk vehicles promises to begin paying dividends through lower insurance rates for all customers.

This was also a year to strengthen our governance structure and accountability to Manitobans. We reviewed all corporate risks and introduced a whistle-blower system that enables employees to anonymously report any suspected breaches of the corporation’s financial control procedures. In 2005, the corporation also passed a legislative compliance audit that was carried out as part of a pilot program of the provincial Auditor General.

Our progress in each of these areas is motivated by an enduring commitment to improve value for customers. Building on core principles established 35 years ago, Manitoba Public Insurance continues to find the right balance of four important qualities — access to our products and services, low cost insurance, reliable coverage and high levels of service. It is by listening to Manitobans and understanding their needs that we can maintain and strengthen this balance.

This annual report illustrates how we are building on past successes and new opportunities to advance our position as a national leader in auto insurance. By working together, we can deliver more of what Manitobans value most.

On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Directors, I would like to thank the staff, management and business partners of Manitoba Public Insurance for their dedication to excellent insurance protection and compassionate, responsive customer service. Their commitment is what defines our success today and shapes our future.

Shari Decter Hirst
Chairperson of the Board

From left to right: Ed Arndt, Manisha Pandya, Daryl Reid, Mary Johnson, Marilyn McLaren Ex-Officio, Shari Decter Hirst Chairperson (seated), Annette Maloney, Dale Paterson (seated), Andrew Clarke, Kerry Bittner Vice-Chairperson