Category: News Releases

With over 2,600 cases of physical damage and bodily injury claims suspected of fraud at Manitoba
Public Insurance (MPI) in 2025, narrowing the list to only five is challenging. A body builder, an
injured arsonist, a vehicle headed for Dubai, a Porsche hunt, and covert cases of beer stand out
amongst the rest of the incidents that MPI’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) investigated, saving
Manitoba ratepayers almost $17 million dollars in attempted auto insurance fraud this year.

“While many of you will shake your heads or even chuckle at the audacity of some of these cases
we are highlighting, MPI is sharing these fraud attempts to emphasize that insurance fraud has a
cost, and that cost is borne by all of us in Manitoba,” said John Bowering, MPI’s Vice President &
Chief Claims Officer. “Our SIU team is committed to seeking out instances of fraud, and they have
a breadth of expertise when it comes to investigations. Their hard work saves Manitobans money
and maintains the integrity of our public insurance system.”

Every Manitoban can do their part. Anyone with information about auto insurance fraud is
encouraged to call the MPI TIPS Line at 204-985-8477 in Winnipeg, toll-free 1-877-985-8477
outside of Winnipeg, or submit information online at mpi.mb.ca. Information can also be submitted
by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at manitobacrimestoppers.com. All
calls and reports are kept anonymous.

Fraud 1: Body Builder

After a minor two-vehicle collision, a claimant reported injuries so significant that they were
unable to go to work, perform their own personal care, or take care of cooking and housekeeping
duties for themselves and their children. It was reported that the injuries caused very high pain
levels with any activity, including just sitting down. Based on the extent of injury, the claimant was
entitled to Income Replacement Benefits and Personal Care Assistance payments under the
Personal Injury Protection Program.

Due to the severity of the injuries reported in relation to the seriousness of the collision, SIU
launched an investigation. The investigators found the claimant spent much of their time at the
gym, lifting heavy weights while bending and squatting, making household chores seem mild in
comparison.

Based on the investigation, MPI terminated all income replacement and personal care benefits.

The savings to ratepayers was more than $300,000.

Fraud 2: Injured Arsonist

A claimant was treated at the hospital for significant burn injuries after a sudden and violent
explosion that engulfed their commercial truck in flames in a hotel parking lot. The claimant
reported to police and to medical professionals that they had fought the fire with a fire
extinguisher for 10 minutes, trying to save the vehicle, sustaining burns in the process.

SIU began to investigate and found video evidence of the claimant methodically staging and
executing the arson. However, the explosion appeared unplanned and is what caused the
claimant’s injuries. At no time was there any evidence of attempts to extinguish the fire.

The claim was denied, saving ratepayers approximately $1 million in vehicle and injury claims.

Fraud 3: Dubai Bound

A claimant reported they returned to a parking lot to find their vehicle had been stolen. A
settlement was reached and the claimant was paid. After the payment, MPI was notified by a
separate investigating agency that the vehicle had been intercepted in a shipping container in
Ontario heading to Dubai, along with 14 other vehicles.

The overseas trip was cancelled, and an SIU investigation was opened. Investigators discovered
the vehicle was reported stolen after it had already been in Ontario for several days. The vehicle
was examined, and there were no indications of forced entry or tampering with the ignition.

MPI is in the process of reclaiming the $51,657.54 that was paid out for this fraudulent claim.

Fraud 4: A Porsche Hunt

A two-vehicle collision occurred and both parties made a claim. One of the vehicles was a Porsche.
The accounts given by each party did not match up, nor did the evidence from the scene of the
collision. SIU began an investigation.

It was determined that the driver of the first vehicle passed by the home of the Porsche’s owner
and circled back when the Porsche began to reverse out of the driveway. The vehicle accelerated
toward the Porsche, striking it, while the Porsche attempted to take evasive action. The driver of
the first vehicle said they tried to avoid the collision, but there was no room due to parked vehicles.

After the collision, the driver of the Porsche exited the vehicle and ran into the residence, then
came back a short while later with additional people. It was reported to MPI that the fully licensed
registered owner of the vehicle was driving and had two other people in the vehicle with them.
Investigators found that the registered owner was not in the vehicle and the individual with the
Learner’s licence was the only occupant of the Porsche and was driving illegally. It was further
found that the parties in both vehicles were known to each other.

False statements were provided by both vehicle drivers. An intentional act caused the collision.

The claim was denied, saving ratepayers approximately $154,000.

Fraud 5: Covert Cases of Beer

After a minor collision with minimal reported injuries and damage, a claimant initially reported
being able to perform certain aspects of their employment, but as the claim continued, they
reported being unable to complete more and more parts of their job due to significant pain.

The claimant’s business required them to purchase and transport bulk supplies, and they reported
they were unable to complete their tasks as their lifting capacity was zero to five pounds
maximum, with a very low tolerance for most activities. Based on the extent of injury and the
nature of the claimant’s work, they were entitled to Income Replacement Benefits.

Surveillance was initiated by SIU. The claimant was routinely seen out of their home running
errands and doing work for their business for approximately 7-10 hours every day. The claimant
was observed shopping at several beer vendors and loading up to 18-20 cases of beer into the
trunk of their vehicle without assistance. The claimant continued to be seen lifting heavy items
and carrying equipment without any evidence of pain or difficulty.

Based on the investigation, benefits were terminated. The savings to ratepayers as a result of this
investigation was more than $480,000. Efforts are being made to reclaim $19,000 in benefits
already paid to the claimant.

Altogether, the investigation and discovery of these five fraudulent claims by MPI’s SIU team
saved Manitoba ratepayers $2 million out of the total $17 million saved in 2025.

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For more information, please contact:
Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) thanks the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for hearing and
responding to the 2026/27 General Rate Application. MPI respects the independent role
of PUB and will work to implement the order for the Basic line of business beginning on
April 1, 2026.

Coverage under MPI’s Basic insurance is mandatory for Manitoba drivers. Rates are
regulated and approved by PUB on an annual basis, with industry stakeholders
participating in the hearing process.

Following the Corporation’s request for a 2.07 per cent increase, PUB has ordered a 1.77
per cent increase to Basic insurance rates for the 2026/27 insurance year. This represents
an annual increase of $21.89 to the average private passenger vehicle policy next year,
which is approximately $1.82 per month.

PUB has also approved MPI’s application to expand the range of vehicle rate groups for
private passenger and light truck vehicles from 41 to 45. This expansion allows MPI to
more accurately reflect the claims cost of vehicles in higher groups. Individual vehicle
premiums will vary depending on the type of vehicle being insured.

An expansion to +20 under the Driver Safety Rating system has also been approved in the
2026/27 order. Customers who move to the new level +20 on the scale will receive a
discount of 53 per cent off the cost of their vehicle insurance and 55 per cent off their
driver insurance, which continues to reward Manitoba drivers for their safe driving
behaviours.

MPI is also offering customers more choice and flexibility to maximize the affordability of
their Basic mandatory coverage. Beginning in April 2026, MPI is adjusting the Basic
insurance deductible from $750 to $1,000. Customers can choose a higher deductible to
maximize the affordability of the mandatory product or can opt for a lower deductible
level by purchasing an optional product through MPI’s Extension line of business.

During a customer’s annual renewal process when Annual Statements of Account and
Renewal Notices are mailed out, customers that are currently at a $750 deductible will be
automatically assigned a $750 Extension product deductible. Each customer will still have
the opportunity to adjust their deductible level and can make those changes by visiting their Autopac agent. Changes made prior to the policy renewal and payment due dates will be free of charge.

MPI continues to be committed to providing affordable rates for Manitobans.

All changes delivered in the order will be in effect as of April 1, 2026.

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For more information, please contact:
Media Relations Unit
Ph: 204-985-7300
Email: [email protected]

For the safety of our customers and our employees during blizzard conditions, most Manitoba
Public Insurance (MPI) locations in southern Manitoba are closed to the public for December 18,
2025.

The following centres will be closed to the public for the day:

• All Winnipeg service centres
• Physical Damage Centre
• Arborg
• Beausejour
• Portage la Prairie
• Selkirk
• Steinbach
• Swan River
• Winkler
  

Brandon will remain open in a limited capacity.

Dauphin, The Pas, and Thompson service centres will be open for regular business.

All customer appointments at affected centres, including road tests, knowledge tests, and
estimating, will be cancelled and rescheduled without penalty. MPI will contact customers to
reschedule.

Driver Z in-person and in-car lessons are cancelled for today. Virtual classes will continue as
scheduled.

The Contact Centre remains open to assist customers at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-
2410.

MPI will continue to update other potential impacts or closures.

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For more information, please contact:
Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is continuing work to improve the Driver Z experience for customers. Starting with the spring 2026 course offerings, MPI is introducing a new approach to Driver Z registration.

Driver Z is MPI’s high school driver education program that uses a mix of in-person, online, and in-car learning to give students the knowledge and skills they need to drive safely and prevent collisions, keeping the road safe for all users. Students get this high-value training for only $50 while MPI covers the rest of the cost, which is well over $600.

Previously, Driver Z registration worked on a first-come, first-served basis. All courses for the upcoming term opened on one day, which could create early morning line ups at broker’s offices and MPI Service Centres as parents and guardians rushed to secure a spot for their teens.

Now, eligible customers will be invited to a multi-day registration window. During that window, they can visit a broker or MPI Service Centre to pick their spot and register in a Driver Z course.

“Customers eligible for spring 2026 courses will be assigned a multi-day registration window in January, allowing them more time to sign up for Driver Z,” said Dana Frazer, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at MPI. “This new approach to registration aims to take the stress off parents and students who were having to rush to try and get a spot on the same day as every other eligible customer in the province.”

How it works

Students who want to take Driver Z in spring 2026 must sign up as a new MPI customer and purchase the Driver Z program service at an MPI Service Centre or broker by end-of-day January 3, 2026, to be eligible to move forward in the registration process. These first two steps require both the student and the parent/guardian to attend in person and can be completed in one visit.

From January 5-24, 2026, eligible customers will begin receiving emails notifying them of their registration window and directions on how to complete their enrolment. Eligible customers will be provided registration windows based on the age of the student, with older students being placed in the earlier registration windows. MPI anticipates more than 2,700 spots will be available across Manitoba in the spring term.

General registration will be offered after the defined registration windows, based on course and community availability.

Course locations and availability will be updated on the Course Finder at mpi.mb.ca on December 12, 2025, for customers to determine which course and location suits their needs.

“We recognize that getting a driver’s licence is a rite of passage for young people, and it can also lift heavy burdens off families when an additional driver is added to the mix,” said Frazer. “We want to make Driver Z registration less intense and help our customers gain access to this valuable program in an organized, user-friendly way.”

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

Manitoba drivers are having more success in passing their road test on their first try and earning their driver’s licence. On November 14, 2024, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) introduced the Training Support Requirement (TSR). The TSR makes it mandatory for drivers who fail their road test three times to complete five hours of documented driving instruction from an MPI-approved driving school before they are permitted to attempt another road test.

At the one-year mark, the results reflect that pass rates have improved by almost seven per cent.

“The TSR helps make roads safer by ensuring drivers have the training they need,” said Dana Frazer, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. “The goal is to have drivers prepared before they take our examiners out on the road with the public. If customers fail the test multiple times, they need to be supported with training to improve their skills.”

From November 15, 2024, to November 14, 2025, first-attempt pass rates rose to 45.2 per cent, up from 39.4 per cent in 2023–24 and 40.6 per cent in 2022–23. In the first year of the program, Manitobans completed 83,432 road tests:

• 38,341 first attempts
• 21,686 second attempts
• 11,586 third attempts
• 11,816 fourth or higher attempts

That’s 6,000 fewer fourth-or-higher attempts compared to the year before TSR began. For those who did reach a fourth attempt, pass rates improved by more than 11 per cent.

The numbers show that the TSR is working for Manitobans. With the additional training that is required after three failed attempts, drivers are arriving better prepared, fewer are retesting multiple times, and those who do retest are passing more often.

“This new requirement is working to improve overall road safety in the province by putting well-trained drivers on our roads,” said Frazer. “With fewer repeat tests, we can also offer more appointments and a better customer experience. Manitobans looking to earn their licence are getting in sooner and passing more often.”

Class 5 road tests are now typically available within a week in Winnipeg and across most of the province. Customers can book a road test online at mpi.mb.ca, through their nearest MPI Service Centre, or by calling the MPI Contact Centre at 204-985-7000.

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For more information, please contact: Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

It was a nice run, but the colder temperatures are here, and with them come some dangerous
driving conditions. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and Safety Services Manitoba (SSM) have
partnered to identify some typical hazardous conditions and risky driving behaviours on Manitoba
roads in the winter and how to safely manage them.

Drivers can struggle with changing their driving habits to suit the change in driving conditions with
the onset of winter. Speed, reduced visibility, following too closely, and sudden maneuvers such as
accelerating too fast or hard braking are all reasons why Manitobans report more collisions in the
winter months. However, the number one contributing factor to collisions remains the same all
year round – careless driving.

Of the 43,552 total collisions that took place last winter, 6,304 of those had careless driving as a
contributing factor. While a trend MPI sees all year long, careless driving becomes even more
dangerous in the winter months, as the ability to make split-second adjustments is vastly reduced.
Stopping distance is tripled on packed snow and up to ten times longer on an icy road.

“Ice on roads is just as slippery at -1C as it is at -30C,” said Maria Campos, Vice-President & Chief
Customer and Product Officer. “The number one thing you can do to avoid a collision on winter
roads is slow down. Give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going so you don’t have to
rush and you can drive to the conditions. Winter tires also really help in preventing collisions, and
MPI has a Winter Tire Program in place that helps make purchasing winter tires more affordable
for Manitobans.”

Other things drivers can do to keep safe on winter roads are:

• Have an emergency kit in the vehicle in case you get stuck and stranded
• Brake sooner
• Leave distance between vehicles
• Don’t use cruise control
• Clear snow and ice from your vehicle, including the wheel wells
• Drive smoothly

“The last thing you want to do is make ice while you are driving,” said Terris Baran, Senior Manager
of Road Safety Programming at SSM. “When you accelerate quickly, you can cause the tires to spin,
which creates friction and forms ice, making intersections some of the most dangerous places on
the road in winter. The number one thing to remember when driving in the winter is to do
everything more slowly. Accelerate slowly, brake slowly, and drive slower to accommodate road
conditions.”

Now that winter has come to Manitoba, if all drivers take simple precautions and change their
driving behaviours to suit the conditions, the risk of collisions goes down for everyone, helping
more people get home safely.

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For more information, please contact:
Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

The evolution of Manitoba Public Insurance’s (MPI) online services is growing with the launch of the Licence Lookup tool on November 17, 2025. The tool gives businesses, organizations, and Manitobans a new online option to access an MPI service that previously required an in-person visit to a service centre.

Many businesses and organizations require employees, volunteers and others to have a valid driver’s licence. Licence Lookup allows employers to check the status of a driver’s licence and understand any restrictions a driver may be required to follow.

“MPI is providing a self-serve method for employers or employees to get licence information through an easier and faster process,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Office for MPI. “Licence Lookup furthers MPI’s commitment to increased online service delivery and helps Manitobans get the information they need to do their work. This tool also contributes to road safety. MPI data shows that suspended drivers and drivers with past suspensions are more likely to be involved in fatal collisions. Keeping suspended drivers off the road benefits all Manitobans.”

By entering the Manitoba driver’s licence number of the individual they are looking to confirm details for, users will receive basic information about validity and any restrictions a driver must comply with when operating a motor vehicle.

“Privacy is very important to us,” said Campos. “The tool will only allow a search to be conducted by licence number, not name, and will only provide the validity, class, and restrictions. No personal information will be provided. MPI will not provide a driver’s licence number to anyone. Licence Lookup users will only have access to a person’s driver’s licence number if the licence holder gives it to them.”

Previous to Licence Lookup, many employers would require employees to provide Driver In-Force letters stating the validity of a licence. This method required more time and effort for both the employer and the employee and typically required a visit to an MPI Service Centre to pick up the printed letter. Now, with a few clicks, employers can ensure they have licensed drivers on the road and understand any restrictions a driver may be required to follow.

The tool is not limited to businesses. Non-profit agencies who have employees operating vehicles on their behalf, other jurisdictions who have reciprocal licence exchange arrangements with Manitoba, or any person who wishes to lend their vehicle to another person are a few more examples of how Licence Lookup can be beneficial.

The new tool is available at https://licencelookup.mpi.mb.ca/?lang=en.

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For more information, please contact:
Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), the Government of Manitoba, and the Royal Canadian Legion have worked together to bring forward a regulatory amendment to allow more veterans to display a veteran licence plate on their vehicle. The amendment, which came into effect on November 5, 2025, expands veteran eligibility criteria under the Vehicle Registration Regulation.

Previously, the definition of veteran included a three-year honourable service requirement for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. The new regulation removes this requirement. Moving forward, the Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Command of the Royal Canadian Legion (MNOC) will manage eligibility criteria and align with the national definition of “veteran.”

The expanded definition being used going forward allows for veteran plate eligibility for current and former members of the CAF, RCMP, peace officers in special duty areas, and wartime service in the Merchant Navy or Ferry Command, as well as individuals who completed CAF basic training and were honourably discharged.

“At MPI, we recognize the service and self-sacrifice of our veterans, and we feel it is important to follow the guidance of the Royal Canadian Legion on who should be able to proudly display their service to Manitobans and Canadians on their vehicle,” said Satvir Jatana, President and CEO of MPI. “Expanding the eligibility to include all service is the right thing to do and speaks to the true intent of the plate.”

“Broadening the eligibility for the veteran’s licence plate to include all of those who have provided service to Manitoba and Canada supports this government’s commitment to honouring veterans,” said the Honourable Matt Wiebe, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba and Minister Responsible for MPI. “Transferring the management of veteran eligibility criteria to the Royal Canadian Legion ensures that the decisions are made by those with direct expertise and connection to our veterans.”

MPI has issued more than 5,680 veteran licence plates. These plates are provided at no cost to eligible veterans who apply.

“The Royal Canadian Legion Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Command welcomes the Government of Manitoba’s and MPI’s support in updating the eligibility criteria for the veteran licence plate program,” said Cohen Rutledge, Provincial Executive Director of MNOC. “This update helps us to further recognize those who have served our nation, reflecting a modern understanding of military service and sacrifice. By honouring veterans through this program, we strengthen our collective commitment to acknowledging their dedication and sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. We are proud to support this positive step forward for veterans and their families.”

This more inclusive approach to eligibility reflects the diversity of service that exists in Manitoba.

“It is important that we honour all service,” said the Honourable David Pankratz, Special Envoy for Military Affairs with the Government of Manitoba. “By expanding our definition of veteran, we are honouring and remembering Manitoba veterans as an integral part of the freedoms that we have in our country and in this province.”

In support of veterans, non-veterans can purchase the “Support Our Troops” specialty plate for $70. MPI provides $30 from each purchase to Support Our Troops, an organization that helps veterans and their families overcome challenges they face as a result of their service.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

Living in a province as varied in landscape and lush with green space as Manitoba means we need to be very aware of when wildlife is active. October and November are the months when Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) sees the most claims reported for wildlife-vehicle collisions across the province. Wildlife is especially active this time of year along treed roads, at dusk and dawn.

In 2024, there were 17,195 wildlife collisions reported to MPI, with November being the highest month at 2,019 collisions. October and November saw 22 per cent of all wildlife collisions for the year. So far this year, there have been 9,419 collisions, with the busiest month yet to come.

“When we talk about wildlife collisions, this is not just about damage to a vehicle, lives are involved,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer for MPI. “There have been 613 people injured in wildlife collisions in 2024 and 2025, with one young person tragically losing their life. Please remember that wild animals can appear anywhere, even in cities, and we all need to have heightened awareness, especially during the fall months.”

These collisions are not just with deer or smaller animals. MPI has seen an increase in bear collisions. In 2024, there were 208 collisions with bears and there have been 123 of those collisions so far in 2025. Collisions with larger animals also increase the risk of injury.

Collisions with wildlife can not only cause major vehicle damage, but put the lives of you, your passengers, and the animal at risk. Here are some tips to help you, and our furry neighbours, get home safely.

• Be alert when you see wildlife crossing signs. Drive cautiously and watch for movement near brush, tall grass, or treed areas.
• At night, travel at a speed that allows you to stop within the reach of your headlights.
• Scan the roadsides (passengers can help with this) and watch for the reflection of eyes in your headlights or animal silhouettes against the road.
• High beams can help you see animals earlier, but remember to dim them for oncoming traffic.

If you see an animal:

• Slow down, brake firmly, and be prepared to stop.
• Where there is one animal, there are likely more, so make sure to keep scanning for others near the road.
• Give a short honk to encourage them to move along.
• Avoid swerving as it could cause you to collide with an oncoming vehicle, hit the ditch, or lose control.

By slowing down and staying alert where animals are known to roam, you can protect yourself and the wildlife that makes Manitoba such a special place to call home.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

All the little ghosts and goblins (or superheroes and demon hunters) will be out trick-or-treating and full of excitement on October 31. While their focus is on the candy, Manitoba Public Insurance’s (MPI) focus is on keeping them safe while they have fun.

Through its 2025 Halloween Pedestrian Safety Promotion, MPI has provided 86,580 wearable flashing safety lights to children from Kindergarten through Grade 6 in 370 schools throughout the province, as well as several daycare centres. The flashing 47mm LED lights can easily be clipped to a costume and can be used year-round. An in-class lesson and a cartoon YouTube video about pedestrian safety and being seen at night was also provided to teachers and parents as part of the program.

“With eight pedestrian collisions on October 31 over the past four years, and 15 pedestrians killed this year, MPI knows that protecting the youngest Manitobans while they are out on our roadways has never been more important,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer for MPI. “Halloween is meant to be a night of fun, so let’s work together to keep it that way and get all our children home safely. This night is a great opportunity to talk to kids about road safety and show them that we all have a part to play.”

MPI encourages all road users to follow these safety tips:

For trick-or-treaters:

• Look all ways for traffic before crossing the street
• Never cross between parked cars
• Use corners and crosswalks as they are the safest places to cross
• Be seen by wearing reflective clothing or costumes
• Always walk – never run – across the street
• In neighbourhoods with no sidewalks, always walk facing traffic on the left-hand edge of the roadway

For motorists:

• Slow down, especially when you see children walking
• Don’t assume children see your vehicle. Children are unpredictable and can run out in front of your vehicle
• Be prepared to stop at a moment’s notice
• Watch for children who may dart between parked vehicles
• Stop and yield right-of-way to all pedestrians about to cross at marked and unmarked crosswalks
• Do not pass traffic ahead of you that is slowing down or stopped for pedestrians using crosswalks. Not only is it unsafe; it is also illegal

MPI hopes everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

Jon Tiessen was hit head-on by an impaired driver while driving home from watching a hockey
game, changing his life forever. Sandra LaRose lost her daughter to distracted driving, spurring her
commitment to fight for change.

MPI’s Friends For Life speaker series is an annual two-week event during which Jon, his sister
Rosalie Finch, and Sandra will share their stories with 20 schools across the province. This year’s
tour begins today and will include stops in Hamiota, Carberry, Powerview, Erickson, and Winnipeg.
Jon, Rosalie, and Sandra’s stories will show young Manitobans how each choice made behind the
wheel has a consequence by speaking to how their lives were touched by speeding, distracted, and
impaired driving – the three major contributing factors to deaths on Manitoba roads.

“Choices have the power to take you anywhere you want to go,” said Jon when talking about the
collision that changed his life. “But choices also have the power to disrupt and even derail the goals
and plans of your family, your friends, and those you don’t even know. Make good choices.”

“It takes a strong person to talk about the most traumatic thing they have endured, and we are so
grateful to have these survivors talk to Manitoba teens through the Friends For Life Speaker
Series about dangerous driving behaviours and the consequences of those choices,” said Maria
Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. “These speakers are taking a
devastating experience and using it to advocate for change, to help prevent similar tragedies from
happening to others. Unfortunately, the data shows far too many people are having to deal with
tragedy and loss from preventable incidents on our roadways, so these conversations are vitally
important.”

MPI statistics show that teens are at higher risk for collision, injuries, and fatalities, which makes
the Friends For Life program an invaluable tool to help reach youth and change dangerous driving
behaviours at the time that they are most vulnerable on the roads:

• Young Manitobans are 2.4 times more likely to be involved in a severe collision involving
  alcohol impairment than other age groups.
• On average, 41 youth per year are injured in speed-related collisions in Manitoba.
• 49 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in Manitoba in 2024
• There were 2,951 collisions in Manitoba where speed was a factor in 2024.
• There were 175 collisions in Manitoba involving impairment in 2024.
• There were 91 fatalities on Manitoba roadways in 2024, and 60 so far in 2025.

About the 2025 Friends For Life speakers:

Jon Tiessen and Rosalie Finch
Jon and a friend were at his sister’s apartment watching the Canada vs Finland hockey game in
February 1998. On their way home, an impaired driver swerved into their lane at over 120
kilometres per hour and collided with them head-on. Jon suffered severe head trauma. Through
numerous medical challenges, he is now a physiotherapist who specializes in treating people with
head injuries.

Rosalie has stayed by her brother’s side. She saw her brother on life support and his journey of
recovery afterwards. Her support helped Jon navigate his experience. Rosalie speaks first-hand to
how the consequences of impaired driving do not only touch the injured person, but can have
rippling affects through an entire family.

Sandra LaRose
Sandra’s life was changed forever in one moment. Her 16-year-old daughter, Kailynn, was struck
by a train while distracted by her phone. Kailynn fought for her life for six days, and died from
severe head trauma. Kailynn’s story is real, heartbreaking, and demonstrates the devastating
consequences of distracted driving. Sandra founded Sharing Kailynn’s Sunshine Foundation Inc., a
non-profit organization designed to share Kailynn’s giving nature, and she is a passionate road and
rail safety advocate.

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For more information, please contact:
Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) continues to act with fiscal prudence and responsibility to
deliver value, protect affordability and maintain the trust of Manitobans in the face of persistent
economic uncertainty and rising costs. In its 2024 Annual Report, released today, the Corporation
reports a net loss of $19.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2025, as compared to a net loss of
$129.5 million in 2023/24.

“While our work is focused on serving the people of Manitoba, we also have to respond to the
world around us,” said Carmen Nedohin, MPI’s Board Chair. “Like many organizations, MPI
continues to face the effects of rising claim costs, global tariffs and the potential impact on the
auto industry, inflationary pressures, and shifting political dynamics. We have remained focused
and pragmatic in the face of this volatility. Through careful financial stewardship, that saw an
increase in earnings over the previous year, and proactive risk management, we have taken
meaningful steps to safeguard MPI and protect the investments of Manitobans.”

The total number of Autopac claims in 2024/25 rose by 2.1 per cent compared to the previous
year. MPI’s total claims costs for the year were $1.2 billion, and the Corporation continues to put
strategies in place to reduce cost pressures within its control.

Further in 2024/25, MPI reported a net loss of $39.6 million in its Basic insurance line of business,
an improvement over the net loss of $80.2 million the previous year. MPI’s Extension line of
business reported net income of $53.7 million in 2024/25, an improvement of $35.6 million over
the previous year. The Special Risk Extension (SRE) line of business reported a net loss of
$4.1 million as compared to a net loss of $54.2 million for the same period in the prior year.

MPI’s Capital Management Plan continues to protect Manitobans by ensuring MPI is properly
capitalized for each line of business, based on results from a Minimum Capital Test (MCT). The
Manitoba Public Insurance Basic MCT was 107 per cent, Extension MCT was 200 per cent, and
SRE MCT was 226 per cent – a significant improvement over the previous year as the Corporation
continues to implement changes to reduce its exposure to large losses.

“Fiscal prudence continues to be the order of the day,” said Nedohin. “Our goal is to provide the
best service to Manitobans at an affordable cost, and we need to make the dollars and cents work.
Our executive team is dedicated to this goal and are supported by the hard work and dedication of
all MPI employees in serving Manitobans.”

Additionally, MPI’s Drivers and Vehicles Act (DVA) line of business reported a net loss of
$29.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, as compared to a net loss of $13.2 million
reported for the previous fiscal year.

2024/25 Key MPI Numbers

• Average number of Autopac claims reported to MPI per working day: 1,121
• Total Autopac claims reported: 280,300
• Third party-liability, bodily injury and PIPP injury claims reported: 12,977
• Property damage claims reported: 267,323
• Average number of Autopac policies in force: 1,308,362
  

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For more information, please contact:
Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) will open registration for winter courses of Driver Z on October 15, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Driver Z is MPI’s high school driver education program that uses a mix of eLessons, virtual, and in-car learning to give students the knowledge and skills they need to drive safely and prevent collisions.

Driver Z is offered in communities throughout Manitoba. Customers can plan ahead and  determine which course works best for them by using the Driver Z Course Finder, which will be updated to include winter courses on October 10, 2025. There will be 2,900 seats available for the Winter session, which runs from December through February. Approximately 1,300 of those seats will be in communities outside of Winnipeg.

“The Fall session of Driver Z saw increased availability as we recognized the high demand for this program,” said Satvir Jatana, President & CEO of MPI. “We are pleased to be able to welcome thousands more young drivers into the program this winter, and we continue to work on solutions that will increase access to Driver Z for students in all areas of Manitoba in the future.”

To start the process, parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to complete the first two steps of the registration process before registration day:

1. Visit an MPI Service Centre or an Autopac broker with the new driver to set them up as a MPI customer. A list of required documents that you must bring with you to verify their identity is available on MPI’s website.
2. Purchase the Driver Z program, which can be done at the same time as the customer set up.

With the first two steps completed beforehand, on the day of registration, parents and guardians can sign up their child for Driver Z in one of four ways:

• At any MPI Service Centre – centres will be opening early on October 15 to help customers prepare ahead of registration at 8:00 a.m.
• By visiting one of the 300 Autopac brokers across the province (check operational hours to ensure the location you plan to attend is open at or before the 8:00 a.m. registration start time).
• Through the MPI Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410 – Driver Z registration calls will be prioritized on October 15.
• By calling the MPI Driver Education phone line at 204-985-7199 or toll-free at 1-800-261-9928.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

October marks Pedestrian Safety Month, and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) wants all road users to recognize the vulnerability of pedestrians when travelling on roadways in our province. Without the protection of the metal framing and airbags in a vehicle, pedestrians involved in a collision are far more likely than a motorist to have life-threatening or fatal injuries.  Since 2019, there has been an average of 19 pedestrian fatalities on Manitoba roads each year, with 2022 being the highest at 22 deaths.

So far in 2025, there has been a total of 271 collisions with a pedestrian reported to MPI, with 227 occurring in an urban area and 44 in a rural area. Of those 271, 12 have been fatal.

“Walking on roadways in our province should never be a death sentence,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. “MPI is dedicated to keeping all road users safe, and Pedestrian Safety Month is a great opportunity to remind all of us that we need to watch out for those who are more vulnerable on the road.”

All road users need to stay alert and focus on the road.

Drivers should:

• Be on the lookout for people walking on the side of the road or about to cross the road.
• Drive to conditions and be alert for rain, fog, construction zones, or unexpected hazards.
• Slow down around crosswalks and school zones and be ready to stop quickly.
• Wait for pedestrians to fully cross the road. Do not proceed until the person walking is safely on the sidewalk.

Pedestrians should:

• Wear bright clothing, flashers, and reflective gear to help drivers spot you, especially at night.
• Avoid distractions and ensure you can hear attempts by drivers to get your attention by removing headphones. Keep focused on your surroundings by not texting or talking on the phone while crossing the street or walking on the roadway with traffic.
• Use crosswalks whenever possible.
• Always look both ways before you cross the street.
• Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street so you know they have seen you.
• When at a crosswalk, do not cross until the lights are flashing and cars have come to a complete stop. Don’t just hit the button and walk!
• No sidewalk? Walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.

The majority of incidents involving pedestrians occur over the fall and winter months, with the largest number occurring between 3:00-5:00 p.m. when people are typically headed home from work or school.

Whether walking or driving, the roadway is for everyone. Working together and focusing on the road can get everyone home safely.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance
Media Relations Unit
204-985-7300
[email protected]

The ongoing Canada Post strike is impacting delivery of Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) documents, including annual statements, cheques and driver’s licences. The following documents are affected:

Annual statements

Customers will not receive their annual statements for their driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance until the strike is resolved. These include upcoming annual statements of account (reassessment notices) and renewal statements. However, customers are still responsible for making their payments on or before their due date. MPI offers many convenient ways to make a payment including online, by phone and in-person at an Autopac broker or an MPI Service Centre location.

Reminder: With MPI’s five-year driver’s licences and policies, customers only need to visit an MPI Service Centre or broker once every five years, unless they want to change or cancel their policy between renewals, or they change their name, address or other personal information on their driver’s licence. However, customers are still required to pay for their driver’s licence and vehicle insurance every year. Years between renewals are considered reassessment years.

Customers who don’t receive a statement should keep track of the due date of their insurance and driver’s licence/ID card. Due dates are four months after a customer’s birthday. For example: If your birthday is on June 20, your due date is October 20.

To determine if they are in a renewal year and need to have a new driver’s licence or identity card photo taken, customers should check the expiry date on their current document. If it expires in 2025, they must visit an MPI Service Centre or broker on or before the due date.

For more information about renewal status, please visit a broker or MPI Service Centre. Customers can also call MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410.

Cheques

Cheques expected the week of September 22

If a customer has not received a cheque they were expecting from MPI during the week of September 22 and require it urgently, they should follow these directions:

• Injury claims, including income replacement
  Customers should contact their case owner directly
• Physical damage claims, including total loss payments
  Customers should contact their adjuster directly
• Refunds
  Customers should call MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll free at 1-800-665-2410
• International Registration Plan (IRP)
  Customers should call the IRP Prorate Office at 204-985-7775 or toll-free at 1-866-798-1185
• Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate Program
  Customers should email[email protected]

Future cheques

Beginning October 3, MPI expects the following types of cheques issued by the Corporation will be available for pick up at the MPI Service or Claim Centre location closest to the address on the customer’s file:

• Injury claims (including income replacement) 
• Physical damage claims
• Refunds
• International Registration Plan (IRP)
• Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate Program

One-time payments and IRP cheques should be available four business days from the date a payment is confirmed with MPI and all associated documents are signed. Outside of Winnipeg, cheques should be available after six business days.

Ongoing payments from MPI should be available four business days after they are typically received in Winnipeg, and six business days outside of Winnipeg.

Identification is required to claim a cheque. Customers will need to provide one piece of government-issued photo identification or two pieces of government-issued non-photo identification.

Customers can find the closest MPI Service Centre to their mailing address by using the Service Centre Locator Tool.

Customers with questions about the status of their payments can call MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll free at 1-800-665-2410.

Driver’s licences and identification cards

New and renewed Manitoba driver’s licences and identification cards will not be mailed until the strike is resolved.

If a customer has been issued a temporary driver’s licence, including any condition documents, they should not dispose of them until they receive their permanent card. If they haven’t received their permanent driver’s licence and their temporary documents are set to expire, customers should visit their broker or an MPI Service Centre to receive a new version to ensure they have an active licence during this period.

Customers with an urgent need for updated photo identification, speak with their broker or visit an MPI Service Centre to discuss their options.

Personalized licence plates

Approved personalized licence plates, replacement specialty plates, and any new member-based specialty plates will not be mailed until the strike is resolved.

More information will be shared at mpi.mb.ca as it is available.

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For more information, please contact:

Media Relations Unit

Ph: 204-985-7300

Email: [email protected]

On August 5, 2025, the walk-in Knowledge Testing Centre at Gateway Service Centre will be closed to the public. This closure is to accommodate a full day of Driver Z student knowledge testing. Customers can book appointments for knowledge testing online at any of the other Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) Service Centres.

Walk-in knowledge testing at the Gateway Service Centre will resume on August 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

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For more information, please contact:

Media Relations Unit

Ph: 204-985-7300

Email: [email protected]