Category: News Releases

MPI Files General Rate Application for 2026/27 Insurance Year

Date published:

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has filed its General Rate Application (GRA) with the Public Utilities Board (PUB) today, requesting approval of a 2.07 per cent increase to the overall rates of its universal compulsory automobile insurance (Basic) for the 2026/27 insurance year, which begins on April 1, 2026. If approved, this means that Manitobans will see an annual increase of $21 to the average private passenger vehicle policy next year, which is approximately $1.75 per month.

Auto insurance companies in North America are dealing with higher claim costs because modern cars are more complex, contain advanced technologies and are more expensive to repair. Despite this, MPI has worked diligently to keep insurance rates affordable for Manitobans. “While the market remains volatile and the cost of claims continues to rise, this rate request truly emphasizes MPI’s commitment to keep auto insurance affordable for all Manitobans,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s President and CEO. “We are taking decisive action to manage these pressures as we continue to deliver value for our customers across the province.”

Product Adjustment and Expansion Maintains Affordability

In the GRA, MPI will introduce an adjustment to the deductible for the Basic insurance product, from $750 to $1,000, to keep the Basic product affordable and comprehensive. At the same time, MPI will add a new $750 option to the list of lower deductibles it offers through its Extension line of business, which already includes $200, $300, and $500.

“We’re pleased to give customers the flexibility to maximize the affordability of their mandatory coverage by choosing a higher deductible, or to keep their existing coverage by selecting a lower deductible at an affordable price,” said Jatana. “Furthermore, a proposed overall increase of two per cent to our Extension line of business, which includes products like rental vehicle insurance, additional third-party liability insurance and lower deductibles for Basic insurance, will help keep all products affordable.”

New DSR level Rewards Safest Drivers

MPI is also applying to the PUB to expand the merit side of the Driver Safety Rating (DSR) scale to include level 20. If approved, Manitobans who move into this level will save 53 per cent of the cost of their automobile and driver insurance in the 2026/27 insurance year. “This is great news for Manitoba’s safest drivers, and we are proud that this fair and simple system allows us to recognize their contribution towards safer roads through incentives like discounts on insurance premiums,” said Jatana.

The PUB normally issues its order in December. The proposed rates would be effective April 1, 2026, but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners will not pay their new rates until March 31, 2027.

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For more information, please contact:

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

Young Manitobans being severely injured on ORVs

Date published:

Riding an off-road vehicle (ORV) is one of the most popular summer activities in Manitoba and, when done safely, can be a fun way to explore the province. However, an increasing number of young people are ending up in the Emergency Department with severe and life-altering injuries after riding ORVs.

“Like many Manitobans, I am an avid ORV rider, and part of being a responsible rider is knowing how quickly and tragically things can go wrong when these vehicles are misused,” said Matt Wiebe, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba and Minister Responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). “Our government is committed to raising awareness for ORV safety and helping to prevent tragedies, especially the loss of young lives.”

MPI works closely with the provincial government on road safety initiatives in an effort to keep Manitoba’s roads safe for all users and prevent injuries and fatalities from occurring.

“The data we have offers a window into the severity of ORV-related injuries, reinforcing the urgent need for immediate action,” said Satvir Jatana, President & CEO of MPI. “Understanding the risk involved when operating these very powerful vehicles will help educate adults on the importance of safe use and supervision when teaching children how to ride on, and off, Manitoba’s roadways.”

MPI, in partnership with Dr. Lynne Warda, a leading pediatric emergency physician in Winnipeg, has examined data around pediatric trauma cases, which shows a sharp rise in those linked to ORV use in Manitoba. The information shows that lack of adult supervision and lack of helmet use are large contributing factors to the injuries being seen in hospitals.

In the last five years, 12 people have been killed in ORV collisions and 220 people have been injured. According to Dr. Warda, between 2011-2024, 633 children visited the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department at Health Sciences Centre with injuries sustained on an ORV. In the last four years, the number of annual injuries has been between 80-100 cases per year. Of those cases, 32 per cent were admitted to the hospital, emphasizing the severity of the injuries.

“Children’s Hospital is the only trauma centre for children in Manitoba, so patients with serious injuries are sent to us from all over the province,” said Dr. Warda. “ORV injuries are some of the most serious injuries we see. The speed and size of the vehicle leads to high impact collisions and rollovers, so the riders often have multiple injuries. This might include a head injury, broken bones, and lacerations, some needing surgery or admission to hospital. These injuries can lead to long-term disability when the head or spine is injured.”

According to the data, in Manitoba, male youths between the ages of 14-16 are suffering severe injuries on the weekends of June, July, and August. June marks ORV Safety Month, and the need to focus on safety in relation to ORVs continues to be important.

“We deliver off-road vehicle (ORV) safety presentations, funded by Manitoba Public Insurance, to youth in schools, First Nations communities, and local community clubs across the province,” said Terris Baran, Manager of Road Safety Programming at Safety Services Manitoba (SSM). “In partnership with ATV Manitoba, we also offer hands-on training to ATV riding clubs and deliver customized ATV training for companies throughout Manitoba.”

MPI and SSM work together to deliver presentations across the province, many of which are aimed at youth. From Jan-Mar 2025, 44 ORV presentations were delivered to 2,135 youth in communities and First Nations across Manitoba.

“ORVs are powerful machines, not toys,” said Baran. “Children under 16 often lack the size, strength, and judgment to operate them safely. That’s why we urge families to keep young riders off adult-sized ATVs and instead focus on supervised use of age-appropriate models, certified training, and proper safety gear, especially helmets. Our goal is to protect young lives and prevent tragedies before they happen.”

The information collected by MPI and by Dr. Warda shows that in many of the cases when youth are injured on ORVs, parents could not identify where the youth had been riding or what, exactly, happened, emphasizing that parental supervision is key to keeping youth safe on ORVs.

Under Manitoba law, youth 14-16 years of age must be supervised and accompanied by a parent or person at least 18 years old. If a youth is 15 ½ years of age and holds a valid Learner Stage driver’s licence, they can operate an ORV unsupervised but still are not permitted to travel or cross roadways, shoulders, or sidewalks.

Safety tips to remember for ORV riders of any age:

  • Manufacturers include age guidelines based on the size and power of each ORV. These guidelines should always be followed to help prevent injury. A child should never operate a full-size ORV meant for adults.
  • Young riders should always have hands-on adult supervision. Parents and caregivers play a big role by modelling safe riding and making sure children are trained. Enrolling children in certified safety training courses, such as those offered by SSM, is a great way to teach them about handling, speed control, and terrain awareness.
  • A DOT-approved helmet is required for all riders and passengers. Other recommended gear includes eye protection, gloves, long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and chest and shoulder protection.
  • Farm work should always match the rider’s age and the machine’s capabilities. Youth-sized ORVs are not built for towing or hauling.
  • Don’t carry passengers on single-rider ORVs.
  • Avoid paved roads unless absolutely necessary and legal.
  • Ride in daylight, on familiar terrain, and at safe speeds.
  • Always slow down on hills, corners, and rough patches. Most rollovers happen when going too fast on these types of terrain.
  • Be cautious with unpredictable terrain like mud, loose gravel, or steep slopes as they can quickly lead to loss of control.
  • Stick to designated trails or areas where permission has been granted.
  • Avoid environmentally sensitive spots like wetlands or wildlife zones.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

[email protected]

MPI resumes mailing cheques held in case of Canada Post service disruption

Date published:

With Canada Post continuing service during the ongoing dispute with the union representing its employees, MPI has begun mailing cheques it was previously holding, through regular mail service, to ensure customers receive their documents as quickly as possible.

Until the labour dispute is resolved, we will continue to monitor the situation and make alternative delivery options available, as needed.

Cheques

On Friday, June 20, MPI resumed distributing most cheques through Canada Post.

The following types of cheques issued by MPI between May 23 and June 18 will remain available for customers to pick up at the MPI Service or Claim Centre location closest to the address on the customer file:

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

Cheques will be available for pick up at MPI Service and Claim Centres until the end of the day on Friday, June 27. Cheques that have not been picked up by these dates will be sent to customers through Canada Post.

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.

To find the closest MPI Service Centre, please use the Service Centre Locator Tool.

High number of cyclist injuries has MPI highlighting importance of cycling safety

Date published:

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is celebrating Bike Week Winnipeg by encouraging all road users to help keep cyclists safe on our roadways. In 2024, MPI received reports of 420 collisions involving cyclists throughout Manitoba, resulting in three fatalities and 236 injuries. All of these incidents are preventable.

While there are many causes of motor vehicle-bicycle collisions, claim reports suggest that fault is often shared between drivers and cyclists, which shows keeping cyclists safe on the road is a shared responsibility.

“Education is key to keeping vulnerable road users safe,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer at MPI. “We remain committed to continuing to invest in educating road users about safe ways to share the road because we know that in the event of a collision, a cyclist is much more likely to experience a serious injury or death as they don’t have the structural protection of a vehicle.”

MPI offers many cycling safety programs to help educate riders of all ages on how to stay safe on the roads. Cycle Safely Bike Rodeos are offered in partnership with schools around the province to teach young children about bicycle safety. The rodeos also include a riding course to practice the lessons learned. In addition, MPI Community Relations experts provide general presentations geared towards all age groups and coordinate cycling safety courses, like Cycling Champions, delivered by experienced, local cycling instructors for amateurs to experienced riders looking to become leaders in cycling safety in the community.

As a partner in road safety, MPI also sponsors Bicycle Education & Skills Training in Schools (BEST), which is a partnership with MPI, Bike Winnipeg Green Action Centre, and Seven Oaks School Division to develop safe cycling curriculum for Grade 4-8 students.

Common safety tips for all cyclists to keep in mind when riding on roadways include:

  • Always wear a helmet
  • Obey traffic control signals and signs
  • Use hand signals and eye contact to communicate
  • Ride in a straight line, don’t weave between vehicles
  • Ride single file when riding with other cyclists
  • Don’t carry anything that is large enough to affect your ability to maintain safe control and balance of the bicycle
  • Watch for debris and road hazards that may impede your travel or the travel of a vehicle

For motorists, some safety tips are:

  • The safe distance between a vehicle and a cyclist increases as speed increases, so the faster you go, the more distance you need to provide between your vehicle and a cyclist
  • Reduce your speed and leave a safe following distance
  • Change lanes, if possible, to give cyclists plenty of room
  • If it is not possible to change lanes, pass at a safe distance (more than one metre for speed zones over 50 kilometres per hour)
  • Avoid using your horn
  • Watch for cyclist hand signals indicating change in direction of travel
  • Watch for debris that has collected near the curb that a cyclist may need to avoid, requiring more room

Road safety truly is everyone’s responsibility. If we share that responsibility, everyone will get home safely.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

[email protected]

MPI closing off Project Nova, charting new path forward

Date published:

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is closing off Project Nova and adopting an industry best practice approach to address its technical requirements, which allows for flexibility and adaptive methods to focus on business priorities while maintaining fiscal prudence. The corporation made this critical decision after a thorough review of the remaining work from Nova along with the learnings from the past, and an in-depth assessment of all IT requirements for the corporation.

“Simply put, it was determined that staying on the current path would not be responsible, nor in the best interest of Manitobans,” said Satvir Jatana, President and CEO of MPI. “The program was not structured for success, and we have done the work to understand why. That said, the need to replace the aging technology that supports Manitoba’s public auto insurance model still exists. We are taking a more pragmatic approach to this work, modelled after industry best practice and with regular reporting intervals built in to ensure we remain accountable to Manitobans.”

MPI will break down the replacement needs for its legacy systems into stand-alone projects to allow the Corporation to plan, cost, and deliver each initiative with clear timelines and accountability. The focus will be on ensuring each project has reasonable timelines of 12-24 months.

This new approach will allow the Corporation to concentrate on the technological needs of the organization and its customers, ensuring projects are prioritized and delivered within reasonable timelines. This path forward emphasizes focused delivery, flexibility to remain adaptable to changing circumstances and priorities, improved budgeting, forecasting and improved procurement to prevent wastage and overcommitment to vendors.

To help decrease risk and build additional transparency moving forward, MPI is taking a renewed focus toward the governance structures that oversee this critical work.

“MPI has built in governance at various levels of the organization,” said Christian Dandeneau, Chair of MPI’s Technology Committee of the Board. “In addition to a robust internal structure, the Board has direct visibility and oversight of the work being done through the Technology Committee. In addition, we continue to work with an independent third party to provide external governance. This will lead to clearer decision-making accountabilities with more assigned responsibility to ensure the work stays on track to deliver for all Manitobans.”

The leadership team at MPI is committed to modernizing MPI’s technology systems to continue to protect customer data, and to enable MPI to explore new ways of delivering services to customers.

“Project Nova was not working, and I commend the leadership team at MPI for digging in to understand why, and for developing a new way forward. This new approach is realistic, aligns with industry standards and is fully supported by the Board,” said Carmen Nedohin, Chair of MPI’s Board of Directors. “The meticulous planning and structuring that has gone into the plan shows this leadership team is committed to moving MPI forward while ensuring that lessons learned are integrated into this new path.”

MPI acknowledges the Auditor General’s review of Project Nova that the government requested on June 4. The Corporation will cooperate fully with the audit and looks forward to how the results can shape our work moving forward.


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For more information, please contact:

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

Impacts of potential Canada Post service disruption

Date published:

In anticipation of a potential Canada Post service disruption, MPI is taking action to ensure customers receive their cheques and other important documents in a reliable way.

During this period, the delivery of some documents, including new and renewed driver’s licences and identification cards, may be delayed.

Cheques

The following types of cheques issued by MPI are available for pick up at the MPI Service or Claim Centre location closest to the address on your customer file:

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

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

If you receive ongoing payments from MPI, your cheque should be available four business days after you typically receive it if you live in Winnipeg, and six business days if you live outside of Winnipeg.

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

To find the MPI Service Centre where your cheque will be available, please use our Service Centre Locator Tool.

If you have questions about the status of your payment, please call MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll free at 1-800-665-2410.

Driver’s licences and identification cards

Delivery of new and renewed Manitoba driver’s licences and identification cards may be delayed at this time. Please keep your temporary documents and do not dispose of any expired cards until you receive a new one.

If you have an urgent need for updated photo identification, please speak with your broker or an MPI Service Centre representative about your options.

More information will be provided at mpi.mb.ca as MPI becomes aware of the extent of the possible Canada Post service disruption.

Manitoba wildfire evacuees

If you have been affected by the devastating Manitoba wildfires and have questions about your MPI cheque or other products and services, please call your assigned case manager, adjuster or MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410 to discuss your options.

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For more information, please contact:

Media Relations Unit

Ph: 204-985-7300

Email: [email protected]

MPI donates $100,000 to support Manitobans impacted by wildfires

Date published:

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is donating $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to assist those impacted by ongoing wildfires across the province.

“This is a devastating situation, and it is incumbent on us to step up and help people who have had to evacuate their homes and leave everything behind in the interest of safety,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s President and CEO. “At times like these, we need to come together as a community and offer whatever support we can to ease the suffering so many people are experiencing.”

The Manitoba division of the Red Cross is assisting those impacted by the wildfires, including the more than 17,000 northern residents who have been evacuated from their homes and the communities hosting them. This includes coordinating needed resources for temporary shelters and reception areas as well as financial assistance and recovery and resilience efforts.

“Our hearts go out to those who are impacted by the wildfires,” said Carmen Nedohin, Chair of MPI’s Board of Directors. “One thing Manitobans know how to do is support each other through a crisis, and MPI understands the importance of keeping each other safe. We wanted to do our part to help through this donation to the Red Cross, who are currently matching every dollar donated, doubling the impact of each contribution.”

Donations to the Canadian Red Cross are the best way to help relief efforts during this humanitarian crisis. All money pledged will be directed to help the people and communities affected by the wildfires in the province, including those who have been evacuated or displaced. Donations can be made online or by calling 1-800-418-1111.

For updated information on the wildfires, see the Manitoba government fire bulletins.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

[email protected]

MPI releases Ride For Dad specialty plate to help in the fight against prostate cancer

Date published:

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has partnered with Ride For Dad to create a specialty licence plate that will raise money to support people impacted by prostate cancer in Manitoba. The plate was unveiled earlier today at the kickoff of the annual ride in Winnipeg.


The Ride For Dad specialty plate will be the 15th plate available to Manitobans under the Specialty Licence Plate Program. A portion of funds raised through the sale of the plate will be directed to the Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group (MPCSG), which provides awareness, education, and support to those impacted by prostate cancer in our province.


“Working with groups like Ride For Dad, and the many others we’ve partnered with over the years, to create specialty licence plates helps generate critical funding for charities in the province,” said Satvir Jatana, President & CEO of MPI. “We are proud to support communities across Manitoba and groups like Ride For Dad and MPSCG, who are making a direct impact on the lives of people impacted by prostate cancer.”


The Specialty Plate Program has raised more than $5.5 million for Manitoba-based charities to date. The cost of the Ride For Dad plate will be $70, of which $30 will go to MPCSG.


“Prostate cancer affects thousands of Manitobans, and our government is pleased to partner with MPI and unveil the Ride For Dad specialty licence plate, in support of this very important cause,” said Justice Minister Matt Wiebe, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). “These specialty licence plates are one way that Manitobans can show solidarity in the fight against cancer and support life-saving prostate cancer research and education right here in our province.”


“The announcement of an official Manitoba Motorcycle Ride For Dad licence plate has the motorcycle community buzzing and will support prostate cancer awareness and education throughout the province,” said Ride For Dad co-Chair, Moe Sabourin. “Thank you to the Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Public Insurance for stepping up in the fight against prostate cancer. Proceeds from licence plate sales will be directed to the Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group and we are very excited to participate.”


The new Ride For Dad plates will be available for both passenger vehicles and motorcycles at all MPI Service Centres and Autopac brokers across Manitoba on July 14, 2025.


For information on the other specialty plates available, visit our website.

MPI works to curb illegal vehicle dealers and protect Manitobans

Date published:

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is taking decisive action to crack down on illegal motor vehicle dealers, known as “curbers”, to help maintain the trust and integrity of the dealer network in the province and protect Manitobans from losing money to criminal operators.

Curbers are individuals who sell more than four vehicles in a 12-month period without a dealer permit, and they have frequently been linked to wider fraud networks. While dealers are required to keep records of the vehicles they buy and sell, curbers are not monitored, which can result in customers buying vehicles with rolled-back odometers, a previous collision history that was not disclosed, cloned Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), and a myriad of other concerns that are hidden from buyers, who then have no recourse to cover their losses.

MPI’s Vehicle Safety department introduced a dealer audit framework in 2024 to increase the frequency of audits and work more closely with MPI’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and law enforcement partners. In addition, MPI’s Vehicle Safety Officers have Peace Officer status under the Drivers and Vehicles Act and can issue Provincial Offence Notices.

In 2024, the Vehicle Safety team contacted curbers to educate them as to what was required if selling more than four vehicles in a year. After receiving the letters, two obtained permits, two stopped the illegal sales, and two were issued Provincial Offence Notices. One of those notices was issued to Mohamed Kasem, who later became the subject of investigation with the SIU and Winnipeg Police Service. That investigation led to a large-scale operation known as Buyer Bee Aware that resulted in Kasem being arrested on 68 charges related to fraud.

In February 2025, MPI’s Vehicle Safety team sent 30 letters, and 30 more curbers have been identified to receive letters in May 2025. Four Provincial Offence Notices have been issued to date, each carrying a fine of more than $2,500.

“The ability to issue Provincial Offence Notices to unpermitted dealers goes hand-in-hand with sanctions for dealers,” said Dana Frazer, Vice President & Chief Operations Officer at MPI. “Suspended dealers are monitored, and if found to be still operating as a dealer, a notice is issued. With this increased oversight over curbers and suspended dealers, we now have increased awareness of fraud networks. Our Vehicle Safety team is looking at all the connections and involving the SIU and law enforcement to protect Manitobans from vehicle fraud.”

Vehicle fraud affects everybody – it increases costs and puts unsafe vehicles on our roadways. MPI is committed to the safety of Manitobans and efforts will continue to prevent curbers and sanctioned dealers from operating.

MPI identifies sanctioned sellers on our website, and the public is encouraged to review this list before purchasing a vehicle. In addition, MPI has made it easy to report fraud. You can submit your tip online, by phone on our TIPS line: 204-985-8477, or through Crime Stoppers. Tip information is completely confidential and anonymous.


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

Careless driving the leading factor in motorcycle collisions in Manitoba

Date published:

Manitobans who ride motorcycles are among the most vulnerable road users in the province. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) wants more drivers to be aware of how quickly things can go tragically wrong on two wheels.

Between 2022-2024, MPI recorded nine fatalities and 434 injuries to motorcycle drivers and passengers in collisions on Manitoba roadways.

Careless driving is the number one factor in motorcycle collisions. The most common forms of careless driving that lead to multi-vehicle collisions involving a motorcycle are turning improperly, followed by failing to yield right of way and following too closely. In the past three years, careless driving has been the number one factor for both collisions caused by vehicle drivers and those caused by motorcycle drivers.

“We need drivers to stop the careless behaviours we are seeing that are causing collisions,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Customer and Product Officer at MPI. “Motorcyclists can be more difficult to see on the road as they can be obscured by other vehicles and can easily disappear into a driver’s blind spot. Both drivers and riders need to give plenty of notice before turning, changing lanes or slowing down to give everyone more time to react”.

“To increase driver awareness of motorcycles on Manitoba’s roadways, we have launched a ‘Look twice for motorcycles’ campaign. Motorists should always look twice for motorcycles because of the fact that they are not as visible, particularly when making lane changes or left turns at intersections.”

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, a sentiment echoed by the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups (CMMG).

“Drivers need to check mirrors and check before changing lanes – your window frame can hide an oncoming motorcyclist,” said Doug Houghton, Director of the CMMG. “Motorcyclists, you need to ride according to your ability and road conditions. Ride like you are invisible and anticipate the potential movement of other vehicles at intersections and crowded highways. Ride smart. Ride safe. The best safety equipment is under your helmet – use it!”

While careless driving was the most common factor in motorcycle collisions in 2022 and 2023, collisions with wildlife was the second highest factor.

On average, over the past five years, motorcyclists under 30 years of age were involved in twice as many collisions as motorcyclists between 30 and 59, and males made up approximately 91% of motorcyclists involved in collisions.

There were 30,980 motorcycles registered in Manitoba in 2024. There are a number of ways we can all work together to keep motorcyclists safe on the road.

For motorcyclists:

  • Wear the right gear – an approved safety helmet, eye protection, jacket, pants, and boots
  • Try to be highly visible by wearing bright colours
  • Ride so that others can see you – headlight on and not weaving in and out of traffic so that you stay out of motorists’ blind spots
  • Adjust riding behaviour to the road surface – if you are riding on a slippery surface, for example, slow your speed accordingly and adjust when making turns

For drivers:

  • Always look twice for motorcycles when changing lanes and at intersections to be sure there isn’t a motorcycle in your blind spot
  • Watch for signals – it may be hard to see a motorcycle’s turning signal so watch for other signs, like shoulder checking, which can indicate the rider is planning to change lanes or make a turn
  • Follow at a safe distance – motorcycles may stop faster than other vehicles so four seconds is the recommended following distance. That should be increased at night or if it is raining

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

[email protected]

MPI offering condensed Driver Z courses this summer

Date published:

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is increasing access to its popular high school education program, Driver Z, by offering condensed courses in select communities across Manitoba this summer. Now more students will be able to complete the training in less than half the time of the regular program.

Driver Z uses a mix of eLessons, virtual and in-person classes, and in-car learning to give students the tools, knowledge, and confidence to reduce risk and prevent collisions when they get behind the wheel.

In response to high demand for the Driver Z program, MPI is creating more capacity by offering the regular 12-week course in five weeks in July and August 2025. The condensed course will consist of two weeks of virtual classes and three weeks of in-car lessons. Students must attend all classes with no exceptions.

“Students will need to diligently complete the lessons, study for the Knowledge Test, and practice driving with their co-pilots to be successful in this condensed course,” said Maria Campos, MPI’s Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. “We are able to offer this alternative in the summer months as students are off school and able to participate during the day, making it possible to cover all the course content and ensure they have the necessary training to be safe drivers on our roadways.”

The condensed courses are being offered in July in:

  • Arborg
  • Beausejour
  • Brandon
  • Portage la Prairie
  • Steinbach
  • Winkler
  • Winnipeg

In August, the courses are being offered in:

  • Brandon
  • Steinbach
  • The Pas
  • Winkler
  • Winnipeg

Registration for summer courses will begin on May 28, 2025, at 8 a.m. A listing of all available summer courses will be published on May 23, 2025, on MPI’s website.

To register, students should visit an Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre in advance to get set up as a customer and purchase the Driver Z service. Completing these steps ahead of time will allow you to easily and quickly register by phone, at an Autopac agent, or MPI Service Centre when courses become available. More information on registering is available on our website.

Speed can stop you in your tracks: MPI and RCMP target dangerous driving behaviour

Date published:

With the cold winter months in our rear-view mirror and summer straight ahead, Manitobans are hitting the road with adventure on the mind, but speed can stop you in your tracks. It just takes seconds to have adventure turn into tragedy. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and the Manitoba RCMP are here to help you avoid having speed ruin your next great adventure.

Music up, windows down, and clear, dry roads ahead can make a driver forget that no matter the road conditions, there can be severe consequences to driving too fast. At high speeds, your field of vision is reduced and your reaction window shortens. Like switching from a wide-angle lens to a zoom lens, you can easily miss what is happening around you and lose your opportunity to react.

Even small increases in speed can make a difference between life and death. MPI data shows that at 30 kilometres per hour, pedestrian fatality risk is around five per cent. At 65 kilometres per hour, that fatality risk jumps to 80 per cent.

In the last three years, 68 people have died and 2,220 have been injured in collisions on Manitoba roadways with speed as a contributing factor to the crash. The number of speed-related collisions in Manitoba from 2022-2024 totaled 10,499.

“Speeding is one of the most dangerous high-risk driving behaviours we see in Manitoba,” said Maria Campos, MPI Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. “The thousands of crashes and the high number of fatalities is very concerning, and we want to make sure that law enforcement have the tools they need to help curb this behaviour. We are proud to support the purchase of Automated Licence Plate Readers, and continue to fund Enhanced Enforcement Programs focused solely on speed. These tactics help in cracking down on dangerous behaviour, but the best outcome is drivers keeping their speed within the legal limit.”

From 2022-2024, law enforcement issued 1,326 Serious Offence Notices for drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 kilometres per hour.

“Road safety has been and will continue to be a top priority for the RCMP,” said Staff Sergeant Shelley Lepla, Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services Enforcement Commander. “We are committed to working to decrease speeding and speed-related collisions throughout Manitoba.”

Summer adventure does await, so let’s all slow down, enjoy the ride, and, most importantly, reach our destinations safely.

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For more information, please contact:

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

Or

Manitoba RCMP
Media Relations Office
204-983-8497 or [email protected]

MPI launches online appointment booking to reduce wait times

Date published:

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has introduced online appointment booking for many common transactions to help reduce wait times by lowering volumes of walk-in appointments at all of its service centres throughout the province. Using the new system, customers can book appointments for the most popular customer transactions, including renewing a driver’s licence or registering a vehicle.

“Our customers are increasingly looking to book and manage service appointments online, and our new system is helping us offer that convenience and flexibility to Manitobans,” said Jeff Sass, MPI’s Interim Vice President & Chief Operations Officer. “This new tool makes it easy to book a time for our most common services and it will cut down on the time spent waiting for assistance.”

Building on the Corporation’s existing booking options for Class 5 and 6 driver licensing knowledge and road tests, MPI expanded its online offerings with a successful pilot program in November 2024 that has now become fully operational. Since November, more than 90 per cent of customers have been seen within 10 minutes of their appointment time. Previously, only 62 per cent of customers were under that threshold. Walk-in service remains available at all MPI Service Centres, with customers being assisted in between booked appointments.

Self-serve kiosks are also available in MPI Service Centres. Customers can use the kiosks to book and check in for appointments, helping to ensure everyone receives timely assistance as they access MPI’s frontline services. Since the launch, 93 per cent of MPI customers have booked an appointment online or through a kiosk. Thirty-five per cent of those appointments were made by rural customers.

Customer feedback on the online booking system and kiosks has been extremely positive, with more than 90 per cent of customers saying the tools are easy to use and 80 per cent saying the wait time for service met their expectations.


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For more information, please contact:

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

MPI reports more distracted drivers than ever on Manitoba roads

Date published:

It’s no joke: April 1 kicks off Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) recorded more drivers having their licences suspended for distracted driving in 2024 than in the previous five years.

Last year, 2,817 drivers were suspended for three days for distracted driving while 150 were suspended for seven days. In 2023, there were 2,469 three-day suspensions and 98 seven-day suspensions.

Collisions involving distracted driving have gone down since 2022, which saw a high of 795 across Manitoba. In 2024, there were 675 distracted driving collisions throughout the province. Of all the distracted driving collisions over the past three years, approximately 60% of those take place in Winnipeg.

“Distracted driving is the number one cause of fatalities on Manitoba roadways,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. “Distraction can come in many forms, but when you are driving, that is the only thing you should be doing. Make safety your only priority when you are behind the wheel and focus on the road.”

Reduced reaction time is what makes distracted driving so dangerous. When you aren’t looking at the road, you don’t have the ability to react to something unexpected, and those few seconds can be the difference between preventing a collision or causing one.

Being distracted can cause you to swerve, run a red light, or fail to notice vulnerable road users like pedestrians or cyclists, all of which can potentially have fatal consequences.

What can drivers do to help avoid distraction? Turn on the “Do Not Disturb” setting on your smartphone, make sure pets are restrained, have activities available to keep children occupied, and advise passengers your focus is on the road.

In Manitoba, distracted driving can result in fines up to $672 and a five-level reduction on the Driver Safety Rating (DSR) scale. Repeat offences could lead to a licence suspension. You can also be charged with an offence the distraction caused you to commit, such as running a red light. Additional fines, moving further down the DSR scale, and potential other driving interventions could be applied.

Focus on the road. Lives could depend on it.

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For more information, please contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

[email protected]

MPI appointments continue in snowy weather

Date published:

A winter storm warning is in effect for many parts of southern Manitoba from Thursday, March 27 into Saturday, March 29, 2025.


All MPI locations will be open regular hours today and customer appointments will continue as scheduled. However, if customers choose to cancel their appointment due to weather conditions, they can reschedule free of charge. This includes knowledge tests, road tests, estimate appointments, or any other appointment or service.

Rescheduling appointments at no cost will remain in effect until the storm subsides.

The Dauphin Service Centre will be in operation, but will close today between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.


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

MPI introducing new diversified towing model to better support customers and Manitoba businesses

Date published:

As of June 30, 2025, Manitobans needing a tow as part of a Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) claim will have more options.

MPI is moving from a centralized towing model using only one service provider to a diversified approach for the City of Winnipeg. This new model will expand MPI’s contract approach of working with one towing company to up to five businesses.

Under the new model, customers will be able to select their preferred towing company when they report a claim to MPI, or they can contact the tow company directly to have a claim-related tow completed after hours.

“We are looking forward to implementing this change in Winnipeg to create more opportunity for individual towing companies, promote a healthy towing industry, and offer customers more choice,” said John Bowering, MPI’s Vice President & Chief Claims Officer. “We will work with Manitoba towing companies to provide the best service for MPI customers.”

MPI is making the move to a diversified towing model to enhance customer choice, optimize towing operations to ensure fast and reliable service, and to support industry growth and sustainment through fair competition.

“This new diversified towing model will significantly benefit Manitoba-based business because competitive rates and improved service consistency contribute to a more stable and predictable business environment,” said Bowering. “This will also increase efficiency of the towing and repair process, which will lead to better movement through our physical damage claims process, reducing downtime and boosting customer satisfaction.”

A Request for Pre-Qualification has been posted, and the five towing companies to be used in the new model will be selected through this process.

The City of Brandon and rural areas will maintain their current towing contracts.


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

MPI telling Manitobans to drive sober after 15 lives lost in 2024

Date published:

March 16-22 is National Impaired Driving Prevention Week, and Manitoba Public Insurance’s (MPI) message to drive sober remains extremely important as people continue to needlessly lose their lives in impaired driving collisions on Manitoba roadways.

In 2024, 15 people died, and 118 were injured—some sustaining life-altering injuries—in impaired driving collisions in Manitoba. In the previous five years, 91 people died and more than 350 sustained injuries. These are lives that are forever altered because of a bad decision.

“The message to drive sober has been out there for years, but people are still ignoring it and choosing to drive impaired,” said Maria Campos, MPI’s Chief Customer and Product Officer. “We need to be firm that we will not tolerate impaired driving of any kind so that we stop losing people to completely preventable tragedies.”

MPI continues to work with police agencies across the province to tackle the problem of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs through education and enforcement. In a 2022 roadside study completed by MPI, 8% of drivers tested positive for at least one drug, and 3.6% of drivers tested positive for alcohol, a significant increase from .6% in 2016. As of mid-December 2024, 2,164 drivers had committed an impaired driving offence in the province last year.

Manitoba continues to have among the toughest penalties in Canada for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Consequences include possible vehicle impoundment, licence suspension, mandatory ignition interlock, large fines, criminal charges, increased premiums, and denial of third-party liability coverage, meaning drivers are individually responsible for all damages incurred in a collision.

“As we recognize National Impaired Driving Prevention Week, let’s all make a renewed commitment to drive sober and ensuring those around us drive sober,” said Campos. “It will help save lives and make sure Manitobans get home safely.”

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

MPI’s Gateway Service Centre Reopens March 3

Date published:

Manitoba Public Insurance’s Gateway Service Centre will reopen for front counter services on Monday, March 3 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. This includes vehicle registration and driver licensing transactions, as well as payments and other key services.


This marks the restoration of full-service offerings at this location following a fire in June 24. Over the past eight months, the Corporation has continued to offer driver testing and estimating services from the site while the impacted areas of the building were restored.


On March 3, appointments will continue as scheduled with front counter services beginning at 1 p.m.


Moving forward, the location will be open from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.


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

    MPI expands Speed Display Sign Loan Program after successful pilot shows reduced speeds

    Date published:

    Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is expanding its Speed Display Sign Loan Program to provide speed display signs to more communities throughout Manitoba.

    MPI launched a pilot program in 2021 to purchase 25 signs and distribute them to 13 municipalities across the province on a five-year loan. The speed display alerts drivers of their current speed and encourages those exceeding the posted speed limit to slow down.

    In 2022, MPI completed the pilot program, which measured how effective the electronic speed detection and display signs were at reducing speeds on Manitoba roads. The results show that the signs helped lower the speed of vehicles, creating safer roads for Manitobans.

    In 2024, the program expanded to 21 more areas in Manitoba, bringing the total number of communities with speed display signs to 34.

    “Speeding continues to be the cause of too many collisions on Manitoba roadways, and our government is committed to working with MPI to provide the tools to help make our roads safer,” said Matt Wiebe, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba, and the Minister Responsible for MPI. “I’m pleased to see MPI expand the Speed Display Sign Loan Program to more communities in rural Manitoba because everyone deserves to get home safely regardless of where you live.”

    In addition to reducing vehicle speed, the signs provide valuable data on driving patterns at locations across the province by collecting speed information. No identifiable markers, such as vehicle information or plate number, are collected by the signs.

    Since being introduced, the speed display signs have observed the speed of over 5.5 million vehicle trips. These signs have alerted many drivers to their speeding, and as a result, over 190,000 of them have slowed down.

    “We are pleased with the success of this program and the way it helps remind Manitoba drivers to slow down,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s President & CEO. “Speed is one of the leading contributing factors to fatal collisions in Manitoba and we are proud to partner with municipalities through the Speed Display Sign Loan Program to remind drivers to drive safely on our roadways. It could help save a life.”

    MPI was recently approved by Transport Canada’s Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program for an additional $230,000 in support of the Speed Display Sign Loan Program. This funding will allow MPI to purchase and distribute more speed display signs in 2025 to assist Manitoba communities with this proactive approach to reducing speeds.

    To help drive interest and uptake in the program, MPI developed a program guide and application form that was distributed to municipalities and First Nations with the assistance of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and all seven First Nation Tribal Councils in Manitoba.

    Communities that were part of the pilot program include:

    • Altona
    • Brandon
    • Morden
    • Portage la Prairie
    • Rivers
    • Ste. Anne
    • Steinbach
    • Springfield
    • The Pas
    • Thompson
    • West St. Paul
    • Winkler
    • Winnipeg

    Additional communities that have received speed display signs include:

    • Pimicikamak Cree Nation
    • Gambler First Nation
    • Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve
    • Riding Mountain National Park
    • Municipality of Oakland-Wawanesa
    • City of Selkirk
    • Municipality of Harrison Park
    • RM of Lac du Bonnet
    • Rossburn Municipality
    • Town of Virden
    • Municipality of Russell Binscarth
    • Rural Municipality of Morris
    • Rural Municipality of St. Clements
    • Rural Municipality of Gimli
    • Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton
    • Rural Municipality of Hanover
    • Municipality of Pembina
    • Rural Municipality of Grey
    • Rural Municipality of Ste. Anne
    • Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie
    • Rural Municipality of Grahamdale

    MPI is reviewing applications for the next disbursement of speed display signs under this latest program expansion.

    Photo attached.

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    For more information, please contact:

    Manitoba Public Insurance

    Media Relations Unit

    204-985-7300

    [email protected]

    MPI and Winnipeg Police Service shut down major auto theft operation

    Date published:

    High-end vehicles, seemingly legitimate big-ticket sales, and activity related to organized crime. Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) investigators discovered all of this and more when uncovering a sophisticated Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) cloning operation in Manitoba.

    In February 2024, investigators from MPI’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and WPS’ Commercial Stolen Auto Unit (CSAU) recognized that an individual was using numerous people known to him to register out-of-province vehicles in order to initiate ownership of the vehicle in the Province of Manitoba. When the investigators looked closer at what was occurring, they discovered that at least one of the vehicles had a cloned VIN, meaning that the vehicle being registered in Manitoba had the same VIN as a vehicle of the same make, model, and colour in a different jurisdiction.

    The team continued to monitor the importation of used vehicles into the province. They worked together in an operation dubbed Project Buyer Bee Aware. Using innovative technology created by the SIU team to analyze all the VIN and vehicle data, the teams identified an individual operating across provinces using Manitoba as a pipeline to clean and “wash” high-end stolen vehicles, meaning they would make them appear as if they were properly owned to then be sold by one individual in Winnipeg.

    Mohamad Kasem, 23, from Winnipeg, faces 68 charges. Investigators discovered that Kasem sold vehicles to car dealerships, through online platforms, and out of a business. On February 22, 2024, CSAU attended one of the dealerships and confirmed the vehicles sold to them by Kasem were stolen from Ontario between January 2021 and January 2024, given new VINs, and then presented to the dealerships as legitimate. The dealerships sold several of these vehicles to customers. All the vehicles, including those sold to customers, were seized and had an estimated insured value of more than $1 million.

    On April 17, 2024, search warrants were executed at a residence in the 100 block of St. Martin Boulevard in Winnipeg as well as a commercial business in the 200 block of St. Jean Marc Road in the RM of Springfield. These warrants led to the discovery of equipment and materials required to alter a vehicle’s VIN.

    “This was a highly sophisticated operation working on many different levels. Our investigators did an incredible job piecing this together with MPI and disrupting this ring and this criminal network,” said WPS Superintendent Cam Mackid.

    The investigation continues.

    “What MPI and WPS have done here is protect Manitobans – from auto theft, from organized crime, and from future financial implications,” said Minister of Justice and Attorney General Matt Wiebe. “I’m impressed with and grateful for the work being done to combat a serious problem in Manitoba. Auto theft claim numbers rose by 48 per cent from 2017-2023, and our government is committed to tackling this issue. Auto theft is a complex crime that requires many agencies to work together, and I see that happening here.”

    “I am so proud of this team and what they have done here to ensure MPI and WPS continue to be at the forefront of the fight against auto theft,” said Satvir Jatana, President & CEO of MPI. “This investigation has led us to see how we can proactively work toward developing and advancing processes at MPI to combat auto theft. Our experts at MPI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent re-vinning and other types of auto theft-related fraud so our customers don’t become victim to these crimes or face subsequent financial impacts.”

    Photo attached.

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    For more information, please contact:

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

    Or

    Winnipeg Police Service
    Public Information Office
    204-986-3061 [email protected]High-end vehicles, seemingly legitimate big-ticket sales, and activity related to organized crime. Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) investigators discovered all of this and more when uncovering a sophisticated Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) cloning operation in Manitoba.

    In February 2024, investigators from MPI’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and WPS’ Commercial Stolen Auto Unit (CSAU) recognized that an individual was using numerous people known to him to register out-of-province vehicles in order to initiate ownership of the vehicle in the Province of Manitoba. When the investigators looked closer at what was occurring, they discovered that at least one of the vehicles had a cloned VIN, meaning that the vehicle being registered in Manitoba had the same VIN as a vehicle of the same make, model, and colour in a different jurisdiction.

    The team continued to monitor the importation of used vehicles into the province. They worked together in an operation dubbed Project Buyer Bee Aware. Using innovative technology created by the SIU team to analyze all the VIN and vehicle data, the teams identified an individual operating across provinces using Manitoba as a pipeline to clean and “wash” high-end stolen vehicles, meaning they would make them appear as if they were properly owned to then be sold by one individual in Winnipeg.

    Mohamad Kasem, 23, from Winnipeg, faces 68 charges. Investigators discovered that Kasem sold vehicles to car dealerships, through online platforms, and out of a business. On February 22, 2024, CSAU attended one of the dealerships and confirmed the vehicles sold to them by Kasem were stolen from Ontario between January 2021 and January 2024, given new VINs, and then presented to the dealerships as legitimate. The dealerships sold several of these vehicles to customers. All the vehicles, including those sold to customers, were seized and had an estimated insured value of more than $1 million.

    On April 17, 2024, search warrants were executed at a residence in the 100 block of St. Martin Boulevard in Winnipeg as well as a commercial business in the 200 block of St. Jean Marc Road in the RM of Springfield. These warrants led to the discovery of equipment and materials required to alter a vehicle’s VIN.

    “This was a highly sophisticated operation working on many different levels. Our investigators did an incredible job piecing this together with MPI and disrupting this ring and this criminal network,” said WPS Superintendent Cam Mackid.

    The investigation continues.

    “What MPI and WPS have done here is protect Manitobans – from auto theft, from organized crime, and from future financial implications,” said Minister of Justice and Attorney General Matt Wiebe. “I’m impressed with and grateful for the work being done to combat a serious problem in Manitoba. Auto theft claim numbers rose by 48 per cent from 2017-2023, and our government is committed to tackling this issue. Auto theft is a complex crime that requires many agencies to work together, and I see that happening here.”

    “I am so proud of this team and what they have done here to ensure MPI and WPS continue to be at the forefront of the fight against auto theft,” said Satvir Jatana, President & CEO of MPI. “This investigation has led us to see how we can proactively work toward developing and advancing processes at MPI to combat auto theft. Our experts at MPI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent re-vinning and other types of auto theft-related fraud so our customers don’t become victim to these crimes or face subsequent financial impacts.”

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    For more information, please contact:

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

    Or

    Winnipeg Police Service
    Public Information Office
    204-986-3061 [email protected]

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