Board of Directors
(l to r)

Kerry Bittner,
Vice-Chairperson

Daryl Reid

Ed Arndt

Shari Decter Hirst,
Chairperson

Annette Maloney

Mary Johnson

Manisha Pandya

Dale Paterson

Marilyn McLaren,
Ex-Officio

Debbie Mintz

Message from the Chairperson

Now, more than ever, Manitobans can appreciate the value of our public auto insurance system. The past year has challenged most economic sectors around the world – yet Manitoba Public Insurance remains strong and stable, even during these less certain times.

We rely on our public insurance system to be there when we need it most; and Manitoba Public Insurance has again come through in 2008. For example, in May, the corporation again distributed a rebate to Basic policyholders – this time in the amount of $62.6 million. Over the last seven years, we’ve provided premium payers with more than $260 million in rebates.

And that’s not the only financial benefit our ratepayers enjoyed in 2008. Their rates continued to be among the lowest in Canada. In December 2008, the Public Utilities Board approved our application to cut Autopac rates by one per cent overall for the 2009/10 insurance year. This means Manitoba Public Insurance will have held the line or reduced auto insurance rates in 10 of the last 11 years – without lowering service or reducing coverage.

Generations of Manitobans can appreciate that this corporation’s commitment to its customers has never wavered. Building on core principles established 38 years ago, Manitoba Public Insurance continues to improve value for customers in four important areas: low cost insurance, access to our products and services, comprehensive coverage, and high levels of service.

You’ll read in this report how this past year has prepared the ground for some exciting innovations in 2009 and beyond. We continue to build on past successes and take advantage of new opportunities to enhance our position as a national leader in auto insurance. It was a year of remarkable progress by the hard-working people of Manitoba Public Insurance – as customers will see when these improvements reach fruition in the years ahead.

Manitoba Public Insurance will continue to meet or exceed the high standards of excellence it has set for itself. Together with Manitobans, we will continue to make our shared future stronger.

Shari Decter Hirst
Chairperson of the Board