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Manitoba Public Insurance reported a net income of $61.3 million for the nine months of its fiscal year ending November 30, 2017 – an increase of $60.6 million over the same time period last year. This includes net income from the Basic insurance line of business of $11.1 million in the first nine months of the 2017/18 fiscal year.

“Historically, the first nine months of the Corporation’s fiscal year generate positive financial results, which are then offset by an increase in claims costs during the winter months,” said Mark Giesbrecht, vice-president of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“As such, the financial results for the remainder of the fiscal year will continue to be closely monitored and the Corporation remains committed to achieving its corporate goals and serving the best interests of our customers.”

Third quarter highlights

Total earned revenues for the first nine months rose by $53.1 million from the same period last year, driven mainly by increases in motor vehicle premium revenue from more motor vehicles insured and the value of these vehicles.

Revenues were also bolstered by an overall Basic insurance rate increase of 3.7 per cent approved by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) effective March 1, 2017.

Total claims costs were $40.1 million higher than in the same nine-month period last year.

Manitobans continue to pay among the lowest auto insurance premiums in all of Canada. In December, the PUB approved an overall increase of 2.6 per cent in Basic insurance premiums for the 2018/19 insurance year.

In addition, the PUB approved changes to premiums charged under the Driver Safety Rating program to better align the premiums high-risk drivers pay to their actual claims costs, and to provide even greater incentive for dangerous drivers to improve their driving habits. This change is expected to increase driver premium revenue by $17.5 million.

In its ruling, the PUB also approved a maximum upper target of $325 million for the basic insurance rate stabilization reserve, which will assist the Corporation in mitigating the need for future premium increases to address unexpected variations in revenues, claims costs and ongoing volatility of the financial markets, which affects forecasted investment revenues.

Fraud comes in all shapes and forms, from deliberately staged accidents to bogus auto theft claims. Manitoba Public Insurance relies on various methods to catch these fraudsters, ranging from good old-fashioned investigative skills to acting on tips from the general public.

Fraudulent and suspicious claims are handled by Manitoba Public Insurance’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The efforts of this special unit resulted in fraud savings last year of $8.2 million for Manitoban auto insurance rate payers. The SIU closed 2,100 investigations last year.

Anyone knowing someone who is involved in auto insurance fraud is encouraged to call the Manitoba Public Insurance TIPS Line: 204-985-8477 or toll-free 1-877-985-8477. All calls are anonymous.

No. 1: “Smile! You’re on Camera”

Thanks to the keen investigative skills of an SIU investigator, a fraudulent bodily injury claim was discovered, saving Manitoba Public Insurance and its ratepayers more than $15,000.

The pedestrian said he was hit by a car and injured ─ unable to work. The driver adamantly insisted there was no incident. With the two conflicting statements, the SIU investigator went to the scene and observed that several businesses had security cameras mounted on their buildings. After viewing footage from one of the cameras, the investigator was able to see the pedestrian approaching the parking lot. Clearly, there had been no collision between the vehicle and pedestrian.

A seasoned collision re-constructionist, who examined the footage and location, also confirmed there could not have been any contact between pedestrian and vehicle. The claim was subsequently denied.

No. 2: “Luxury Porsche Actually a Lemon”

Thanks to the cooperative relationship between the RCMP and Manitoba Public Insurance, a fraudulent auto theft claim of more than $20,000 was denied.

The owner of a Porsche told his adjuster that the vehicle had been stolen from his apartment block parking lot in Winnipeg. A theft claim was opened. The story quickly unravelled after the RCMP notified Manitoba Public Insurance that a badly damaged/vandalized Porsche had been located in a rural area ─ a full day before the owner claimed his car had been stolen.

During examination of the Porsche, it was discovered that the vehicle was in need of major mechanical repairs, which would have cost the owner several thousand dollars. Based on the police information and pre-existing mechanical condition of the vehicle, the theft claim was denied.

No. 3: “Wannabe Manitoban”

All Manitoba residents are entitled to benefits under the Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP). Outside of the province, many insurance plans are structured differently and don’t always provide the robust coverage available under Manitoba’s no-fault injury compensation plan. Because of this, some individuals may try to claim they are Manitoba residents in order to receive PIPP benefits.

A man was severely injured in the United States after being involved in a crash. His family claimed he had been visiting the U.S. and opened an injury claim with Manitoba Public Insurance. While processing the claim, the case manager received information from a number of agencies which confirmed the man had not lived in Manitoba for several years, making him ineligible to for PIPP benefits.

Presented with this information, the man’s family withdrew their claim. Savings were estimated to be in excess of $500,000.

No. 4: “Case of a Guilty Conscience”

After a number of unusual details came to surface, a father and son were asked to give a statement to an SIU investigator about the theft of a pick-up truck. During the interview the son made a surprising offer: to write a promissory note to Manitoba Public Insurance for nearly $11,000 (damage costs). The son then declined to discuss his financial generosity.

However, the facts spoke volumes: the father, who was the registered owner, stated the truck had been stolen from his residence. One day after the reported theft, the same truck rear-ended another vehicle and fled the scene with several people witnessing the crash.

No. 5: “The Accident That Wasn’t”

Two vehicles collide and are badly damaged. This happens every day in Manitoba. But, a number of unusual details surfaced during the investigation of this specific collision. It was discovered these two individuals knew each other and their vehicles were both in poor running condition. A seasoned traffic re-constructionist testified that this crash was no accident, but a staged collision.

One driver pleaded guilty to fraud over $5,000. He received a two-year suspended sentence with supervised probation, 100 hours of community service work and a restitution order of $17,000 to repay Manitoba Public Insurance.

The second driver, who was also charged with fraud over $5,000, did not appear in court. A warrant for his arrest has since been issued.

Due to the blizzard conditions currently affecting Manitoba, some Manitoba Public Insurance services are being affected. Customers who had a road test booked today can reschedule at no additional cost, due to the poor weather conditions throughout the province.

Customers wishing to reschedule can reach out to Manitoba Public Insurance’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410.

More than 600 people were not wearing a seatbelt during an observational driver study conducted this October by Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) groups in rural Manitoba.

A total of 13 rural locations were selected with a dozen COPP groups participating. The study is done in partnership with local RCMP detachments and conducted twice a year in the spring and fall.

The average seatbelt compliance rate from the October study was 94.7 per cent – a decrease of 0.4 per cent from spring 2016. Cellphone use by drivers was also observed, with 98.7 per cent of drivers complying with the law.

“Drivers and passengers need to do everything they can to keep themselves and others safe on our roads,” said Crown Services Minister Ron Schuler. “Thanks to the hard work of these volunteer citizens, we now have more information on these safety issues and can use it to raise awareness that wearing seatbelts and not driving distracted can make a real difference.”

A person is 35 times more likely to be killed and five times more likely to be seriously injured when not wearing a seatbelt. Every year in Manitoba, about 30 per cent of road fatalities involve unbelted vehicle occupants.

“A 0.4 per cent decline in rural seatbelt use may not seem significant but with the number of road deaths that have occurred on our provincial highways so far in 2016, and the fact that seat belt use can literally make the difference between life and death in a serious motor vehicle collision, these observational studies are important and help to raise awareness about the simple steps that drivers and passengers can take to keep themselves safe in the event of a collision,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“The message here is so simple; wear your seat belt all the time, no matter how long or short your trip is. And for drivers, make sure all of your passengers are buckled up and children are properly secured in child restraint seats before you take your vehicle out of park,” said Keith.

Studies like these are just one example of the important work conducted by COPP groups throughout Manitoba in cooperation with local law enforcement. COPP members volunteer their time to make their communities safer by patrolling, deterring crime, and making our roads safer. Last year, COPP volunteers provided nearly 15,000 patrol hours and 23,000 hours of other volunteer service related to the program.

About COPP

This year marked the 25th anniversary of COPP. It’s a grassroots program specifically designed to serve as a highly-visible crime deterrent.

If someone is interested in joining a COPP group or starting one in their community, training and equipment are provided at no charge. Prior to participating in COPP patrols, all new members receive training delivered by one of COPP’s certified instructors, as well as a training manual. In addition, new members are provided with one-on-one supervision with an experienced member during their first patrols.

More information can be obtained by calling the provincial coordinator at 204-985-8849 or toll-free at 1-866-326-7792, or visiting citizensonpatrol.mb.ca.

With thousands of students returning to their classrooms, Crown Services Minister Ron Schuler announced today that Manitoba Public Insurance will provide funding to five police agencies to conduct targeted, dedicated enforcement in school zones during September.

“Changing driver behaviour involves a three-pronged approach: education, awareness and law enforcement,” said Schuler. “These dedicated enforcement projects are highly visible and very effective. Unfortunately, too many drivers continue to drive dangerously through school zones.”

This targeted enforcement campaign will be conducted by the Winnipeg Police Service, Brandon Police Service, RCMP, Winkler, and Morden.

“The speed limit rules – which are designed to enhance road safety in high pedestrian areas – require motorists to slow down to the posted speed when passing through a school zone,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“School zones are clearly marked with very visual signs,” said Keith. “Motorists are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and travel zones.”

Police agencies are committed to school zone safety and ensuring students safely travel to and from school.

“The Winnipeg Police Service would like to remind motorists that reduced school zones are back in effect,” said WPS Staff Sgt. Rob Riffel. “Our officers and photo enforcement units will be visiting school zones across the city to provide a visible presence and re-enforce good driving behavior in these zones.”

SpeedWatch program

To assist with school-zone safety and heighten awareness about vehicle speeds, Manitoba Public Insurance offers to loan out speed reader boards through its SpeedWatch program. School or parent groups can borrow the equipment to raise drivers’ awareness of their speed as they pass through school zones.

Those interested can call Manitoba Public Insurance’s SpeedWatch coordinator at 204-985–8737

or 1–888–767–7640 (toll free).

To avoid a collision, drivers, parents and pedestrians are encouraged to observe the following safety tips:

• Look well ahead to spot school buses and school zone signs; reduce speed in school zones, and wait for children to cross completely before proceeding.
• Stop at least five metres behind a school bus when the upper red lights are flashing, and do not proceed until the “stop sign” is closed and the red lights stop flashing. Motorists travelling in both directions must stop for the school bus, except if the road is divided by a median.
• Scan under parked cars for the feet of children approaching traffic, and make lane changes early to allow room for children on bicycles, skateboards or roller blades.
• If you are driving your children to school, drop them off in a safe area, away from traffic; use a designated drop-off zone if the school has one.
• Cross only at intersections whenever possible, preferably at those controlled by patrols, signs or traffic control signs.
• When crossing the street, regardless of the availability of signals, cross as quickly as possible. Minimize time in the roadway.

With Manitoba road fatalities (98) having already exceeded last year’s count (78), Manitoba Public Insurance, in partnership with its road safety partners, is hoping tomorrow’s annual National Day of Remembrance for road crash victims encourages all motorists to think road safety.

“To know that 98 Manitobans so far this year have lost their lives in motor vehicle collisions is very concerning,” Ron Schuler, minister responsible for Crown Services said today.

“Even one death as a result of a road fatality is one too many. The tremendous impact a death related to a motor vehicle collision has on the families of the victim is immeasurable. Every single motor vehicle fatality is a tragic and heartbreaking event that too often could have been prevented.”

Manitoba Public Insurance and its road safety partners remain committed to road safety.

“The ripple effect of a death is far reaching and lasting,” Ward Keith, vice-president of Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance, said today.

“The National Day of Remembrance ─ which is spearheaded by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators and recognized in all provinces and territories across Canada ─ is a reminder to all motorists that we must think about the consequences of our actions while behind the steering wheel. There’s never a good time to drink and drive, speed, not wear a seat belt, or text while driving. High-risk driving behaviour results in tragic outcomes.”

Front-line police officers are often first on the scene of a fatal crash. The emotional impact of a fatality reinforces their commitment to road safety.

“Far too many people are being killed on Manitoba’s highways and the impact is felt province wide,” said Insp. Ed Moreland, Officer In Charge of D-Division Traffic Services. “The RCMP is committed to an heightened presence on our roads and solid enforcement against those who break the law.”

“Each year far too many Manitobans die on our roadways and sad reality is that the majority of these deaths were preventable,” said Staff Sergeant Rob Riffel, Winnipeg Police Service. “The way to honor those that have died is to learn from their tragedies and ensure we take care not to repeat them.”

Manitoba Public Insurance’s ‘Friends for Life’ speaker series

Working in partnership with the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA) and Teens Against Drinking and Driving (TADD), Manitoba Public Insurance’s Friends for Life speaker series will also launch this month.

Now an annual event in Manitoba, middle and high school students across the province will hear powerful and personal stories from speakers whose lives have been forever changed because of high-risk driving behaviour. Nearly 50 Manitoba schools and 25,000 students will hear the presentations.

“The ‘Friends for Life’ program is a grassroots program, with a message specifically aimed at young people who are new to driving,” said Keith. “The speakers will deliver impactful presentations about the benefits of positive choices while behind the wheel.”

Quick Facts:

• Each year in Manitoba about 30 people are killed as a result of distracted driving
• A person is 35 times more likely to be killed and five times more likely to be seriously injured when not wearing a seatbelt. 
• Each year in Manitoba about 25 people are killed in alcohol related road crashes.

With treats on their minds, tens of thousands of Manitoba youngsters will head out into their neighbourhoods on Halloween. With this increased activity comes an increased danger for both pedestrians and motorists.

Safety Tips for a Happy Halloween:

For trick-or-treaters:

• Don’t run out onto roadways.
• Always look both ways and cross at corners or intersections.
• Wear reflective clothing to make yourself more visible to motorists.
• Walk facing traffic when there is no sidewalk.

For motorists:

• Don’t speed ─ motorists should slow down when they see children walking.
• Don’t assume children see your vehicle. They are excited and could run out in front of you.
• Watch for children who may dart between parked vehicles. Be prepared to stop.

As a leader in road safety, Manitoba Public Insurance recently distributed nearly 116,000 reflective Halloween treat bags to 561 schools for students in kindergarten to Grade 6.

“These bags are highly visible at night. At the end of the evening, it’s our hope that the bags will be full of treats and more importantly, that every child returns home safely,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Reducing fatalities and injuries, especially on high-traffic nights like Halloween, remains a priority of Manitoba’s public auto insurer but we all have a role to play.”

Province announces 15th annual Citizens on Patrol Week: Oct. 30 – Nov. 5

October 30th marks the start of the 15th annual Citizens on Patrol Week, Crown Services Minister Ron Schuler and Manitoba Public Insurance announced today.

“More than 1,000 Manitobans volunteer their time to participate in the Citizens on Patrol program throughout Manitoba,’ said Schuler, a former COPP volunteer in East St. Paul. “Each and every one of these volunteers deserves special recognition for their commitment to this community-based crime prevention program, and for the work that they do with local law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe.”

In addition to providing funding for COPP ─ now in its 25th year ─ Manitoba Public Insurance offers coordination assistance in co-operation with the Winnipeg Police Service, the RCMP, the Brandon Police Service and other municipal police services.

“These Manitobans are grassroots, feet on the ground volunteers,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Over the past 12 months, COPP volunteers have contributed 14,000 patrol hours and almost 22,000 volunteer hours to the program. Their efforts continue to be instrumental in preventing crime and assisting local police agencies. COPP members are also an integral part of our efforts to raise awareness of road safety risks and to keep Manitobans safe.”

In addition to patrolling their communities, COPP groups display speed-reader boards (provided by Manitoba Public Insurance), patrol at school crossing zones, identify impaired drivers on the road and conduct seatbelt and cell phone use surveys in conjunction with the RCMP.

COPP Week kicks off this weekend with a provincial conference in Winnipeg where program representatives from across Manitoba will meet to share successes and discuss how to continue providing value to the communities in which these volunteer groups operate.

Manitobans interested in joining or learning more about the Citizens on Patrol Program can visit the organization’s website or call the provincial coordinator at 204-985-8849 or toll free at 1-866-326-7792.

With two months remaining this year, Manitoba road fatalities have already reached the disturbing total of 85, compared to 78 for all of 2015.

“Today we’re putting out an urgent call of road safety action to Manitoba motorists,” Crown Services’ Minister Ron Schuler said today. “The increase in road fatalities is disturbing. We must remember that this is much more than just a number but represents mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, co-workers, and best friends.”

“Too often road fatalities are associated with high-risk driving behaviour ─ behaviours which can be changed.”

Of the 85 fatalities this year, 38 per cent (32) are related to impaired driving while speed accounted for nearly 20 per cent (16). Another 11 Manitobans were killed due to non seatbelt use. Almost 70 per cent of all the fatalities were male, and nearly 25 per cent were under 25 years old.

“This increase in road fatalities is extremely concerning and reinforces the vital role that all road safety partners, including our law enforcement officials, must continue to play in keeping our roads safe,” Attorney General and Justice Minister Heather Stefanson said today.

Manitoba’s public auto insurer will continue its proactive approach to education and awareness.

“Manitoba Public Insurance continues to work with our police partners and road safety stakeholders such as MADD Canada to reinforce the importance of road safety and the need to change high-risk driving behaviour,” said Ward Keith, vice-president of Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Despite overall downward trending in fatal collisions in Manitoba over the last two decades, the increase in road fatalities recorded in 2016 confirms that much work still needs to be done. Every motorist in Manitoba can take action today by personally committing to keeping our roads safe to travel.”

Police agencies are equally concerned about the fatality counts this year.

“Far too many people are being killed on Manitoba’s highways and the impact is felt province wide,” said Insp. Ed Morleand, Officer In Charge of D-Division Traffic Services. “The RCMP are committed to an heightened presence on our roads and solid enforcement against those who break the law.”

“No one should suffer the tragedy of losing someone to an impaired or speeding driver,” said Staff Sergeant Rob Riffel, Winnipeg Police Service. “These behaviours are choices, bad ones. Driving impaired or speeding puts drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk, and every year far too many Manitobans lose their lives to this selfish behaviour.”

Safety Tips Which Could Save a Life

• Have a plan before you head out for an evening of partying. Take a cab home or have a designated driver selected beforehand.
• If you feel the need to text, pull your vehicle over to a safe area. Texting while driving takes your eyes off the road.
• Never get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking or consuming drugs. It could be the last thing you do.
• Speed kills! Be aware of the posted speed limit and drive to road and weather conditions.
• Buckle up. It takes one second and could very well save your life.

Additional Information:

• When You’re Behind the Wheel

The Eastman Region ─ which includes communities Steinbach, Lac du Bonnet, Anola, Birds Hill Park area and Falcon Lake ─ is the province’s number one area for vehicle-deer collisions. There are about 1,600 collisions yearly within this region, based on statistics collected by Manitoba Public Insurance from 2011 to 2015.

“Motorists are encouraged to exercise extra care and caution during October and November ─ the two worst months for vehicle-deer collisions,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Last year, 300 Manitobans were injured in wildlife-related collisions. Over the last 10 years, eight people in Manitoba have been killed in crashes caused by an animal on a road.”

Rounding out the province’s Top 5 vehicle-deer collision regions:

1. Eastman Region – 1,540 yearly collisions
2. Westman – 1,400 yearly collisions
3. Interlake – 1,060 yearly collisions
4. City of Winnipeg – 610 yearly collisions
5. Pembina Valley – 600 yearly collisions

Tips to help keep you safe:

• Slow down when you see wildlife crossing signs.
• Animals are normally more active at dawn, dusk and at night.
• Be especially alert where brush and tall grass grow near the road.
• Scan the road and roadside for animals ─ get your passengers to help.
• Watch for the reflection of headlights in the eyes of a deer, or a dark silhouette.
• Do not swerve if an animal does cross in front of your vehicle ─ brake firmly to reduce the impact between an animal and your vehicle.

Overall, Manitobans are involved in about 11,000 vehicle-wildlife collisions yearly.

Motorists are also reminded that it is illegal to place food and other wildlife attractants along provincial roads.

Manitoba Public Insurance reported a net loss of $30.9 million for the six months of its fiscal year ending August 31, 2016 – a decrease of $47.4 million over the same time period last year. This includes net loss to the Basic insurance line of business of $52.7 million in the first six months of the 2016/17 fiscal year.

Total earned revenue for the first six months was $597.7 million which is an increase of $34.7 million from the same period last year. This is mainly due to increases in motor vehicle premium revenue resulting from an increase in the number of motor vehicles insured and the value of these vehicles.

“The overall financial picture was affected by an increase of $193.7 million in total claims costs which was offset by an increase of $116.8 million in investment income,” said Heather Reichert, vice-president, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Total claims costs included a $138.3 million increase in bodily injury claims and a $53.8 million increase in physical damage claims compared to the first six months of 2016. The bodily injury increase is primarily due to the interest rate adjustment on unpaid claims, however, an increase in collision claims is also negatively impacting claims costs.”

This past June, Manitoba Public Insurance applied to the Public Utilities Board for an overall increase of two per cent in Basic insurance premiums for the 2017/18 insurance year. In addition to an overall two per cent increase in Basic Autopac rates for 2017, the Corporation further requested that the Public Utilities Board consider introducing an Interest Rate Forecast Risk Factor, effective March 1, 2017.

“The form and magnitude of this (Risk Factor) is to be developed through a collaborative process with the PUB and intervenors,” said Reichert.

Manitoba Public Insurance and partners have launched a cutting edge, grassroots educational cycling program that will encourage and teach students in Grades 4 to 8 to bicycle for transportation and recreation, Crown Services Minister Ron Schuler announced today.

“We’re proud to announce that Manitoba is among one of the first provinces in Canada to launch such a safety program for students,” Schuler said of the Bicycling Education & Skills Training in Schools (BEST).

“This is a commitment to road safety and life-long learning. The goal of the program is to provide students with basic cycling skills and knowledge which they will be able to apply when driving, consequently creating heightened awareness to the needs of cyclists.”

The three-year pilot has been launched in the Seven Oaks School Division, with a total of four participating schools ─ H.C. Avery Middle School, Forest Park School, Collicutt School and R.F. Morrison.

BEST students will receive approximately four hours of bicycle training. BEST was developed in partnership between Bike Winnipeg, Seven Oaks School Division, Manitoba Public Insurance, Green Action Centre and the WRENCH.

“BEST allows us to reach out to an important age group, in that they are in a state of transition, moving from the sidewalk with parental assistance, to being independent on roadways,” said Ward Keith, vice-president of Business Development and Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Bicycle safety is now reaching all ages of users. Young children are given safety information at our bike rodeo sessions, while we have existing adult programs and partnerships in place.”

Manitoba Public Insurance has worked in collaboration with Bike Winnipeg for a number of years, relating to vehicle/bicycle safety.

“Biking is an important life skill that will help these students make healthy transportation options that provide the environmental and economic benefits so critical to a sustainable future,” said Mark Cohoe, executive director, Bike Winnipeg. “Bike Winnipeg is delighted to be part of this important program to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to make biking part of their everyday life.”

A student having taken the full five years of training ─ Grades 4 to 8 ─ would have received a total of 20 hours of safety training. Students will also be shown how to properly maintain their bicycle, in addition to proper use of safety equipment.

The program ─ co-funded by Manitoba Public Insurance and Seven Oaks School Division ─ has been designed to meet the existing objectives of the Manitoba physical education and health programs for students in Grades 4 through 8.

“Getting our students to be fit is a major challenge today and active transportation is a big part the answer to that challenge,” said Brian O’Leary, superintendent, Seven Oaks School Division. “Seven Oaks School Division is thrilled to be part of this initiative.”

Over the last several years, cycling has become a more popular form of exercise, recreation and transportation. While some people are cycling as part of their environmentally-conscious lifestyle, many others are trying to improve their health and increase their physical activity and others simply prefer to travel by bicycle, when possible.

“Our program is very excited to be a part of this groundbreaking project – the first bike education program in Canada and second in North America to be integrated into the physical education curriculum of schools,” said Jamie Hilland, Program Manager, Active and Safe Routes to School Program, Green Action Centre.

“We are hopeful that giving children the confidence to safely ride their bikes will result in more children cycling to school, making for less vehicle traffic, safer streets, cleaner air, and healthier kids due to increased physical activity. “

More than 53,000 loans have been processed for Manitobans taking advantage of the province’s low-interest Winter Tire Program, Crown Services Minister Ron Schuler and Manitoba Public Insurance announced today.

“This low-interest winter tire program assists Manitobans to equip their vehicles with snow tires with the ultimate goal being fewer winter collisions and safer roads,” said Minister Schuler. “With colder temperatures and the fall season now here, Manitoba vehicle owners are strongly encouraged to winter harden their vehicles before the arrival of harsher weather.”

Now entering its third year, the program provides loans of up to 48 months at prime plus two per cent up to $2,000 per vehicle.

“Numerous road safety studies confirm that winter tires reduce braking distances by lessening sliding on ice and snow,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Road safety should be a priority of everyone who travels on our roadways. Reducing fatalities and injuries is a goal which can be achieved when everyone makes the commitment to safety and preparing for winter with the use of winter tires is one way to keep our roads safe.”

Customers interested in participating in the program are encouraged to visit Manitoba Public Insurance’s website at mpi.mb.ca for more information on program rules and to select one of almost 600 participating retailers throughout Winnipeg and rural Manitoba.

Quick Facts:

• The average length of a winter tire loan is currently about three years.
• The average loan amount is approximately $1,200.
• At temperatures just below freezing on dry pavement, winter tires have been shown to reduce stopping distances by as much as 30 per cent compared with all-season tires.
• Winter tires offer significantly better traction on snow-covered or icy road surfaces at temperatures well below -30 C than all-season tires have at 4 C.

With 2016 already recording higher than normal road fatality counts, Manitoba Public Insurance is putting out a call for road-safety action by all Manitoba motorists, heading into the August long weekend. Disturbingly, 35 percent of all holiday long weekend road deaths and injuries occur on the Friday, according to claims data collected by Manitoba’s public auto insurer.

On average, one person is killed and more than 80 others are injured over a long holiday weekend ─ with Friday being the worst day. Conversely, Saturday and Monday have the smallest proportion of victims per day, according to claims data collected between 2011-2015.

“There is never a safe time to drive distracted, fatigued or impaired,” said Ward Keith, Business Development, Communications & Chief Product Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“If you do, you are not only risking your own life, but endangering the lives of other road users. The statistics confirm that road safety needs to be a priority for all motorists as we head into this August long holiday weekend when traffic on provincial highways is typically more active.”

Higher than normal counts in 2016

Half way through this year, a total of 44 people have been killed on public roadways in Manitoba – 22 percent higher than the average of 36 people killed in each of the last five years over the same period of time.

“It’s important to remember that 44 fatalities is much more than a number. These are fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers and best friends. These are lives that have been tragically lost and must serve as a reminder to all Manitobans that safety on our streets and highways must stay top of mind as we head to our destinations this coming weekend,” said Keith.

Top Five Road Safety Tips:

Don’t text and drive. It’s against the law and now attracts five demerits on the Driver Safety Rating scale. One in four fatal crashes in Manitoba are related to distracted driving.

Alcohol and driving is a deadly mix. One in four fatal accidents in this province is alcohol related.

Buckle up. People not using their seatbelts are 30 times more likely to be killed and five times more likely to be seriously injured in a collision than people using their seatbelt.

Don’t speed. Speeding at-fault drivers are responsible for an average of 22 fatal and 400 injury crashes each year.

Slow down in construction zones. Watch for signs as the speed limit will be lower in a construction zone. Follow directions. The flag person helps control the flow of traffic. Follow their directions, including slowing down or stopping.

For more information contact:

Manitoba Public Insurance

Media Relations Unit

204-985-7300

The Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP), sponsored by Manitoba Public Insurance, is celebrating its Silver Anniversary this year. There are now 48 active groups across the province and more than 1,000 volunteers dedicated to reducing crime within their communities and neighbourhoods.

“As a former member of COPP, I can speak first-hand to the important role that our community volunteers play. This program allows residents of their community to take a hands-on approach in helping reduce crime in their neighborhoods,” said the Honourable Ron Schuler, minister of Crown Services.

“There’s a real sense of community ownership among COPP volunteers, knowing they are truly making a difference. On COPP’s 25th anniversary, I congratulate all past and current members for their volunteerism in this excellent program. I also encourage those interested in COPP to take that next step and become involved.”

COPP began in Manitoba in 1991 when partnerships were formed with local law enforcement and citizens desiring to make their communities safer. The three main goals of COPP are deterrence, education and awareness. Last year COPP volunteers provided nearly 15,000 patrol hours and 23,000 hours of other volunteer service related to the program.

“COPP is a grassroots program specifically designed to serve as a highly visible crime deterrent,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“This community-based crime prevention and education program provides additional eyes and ears for local police agencies. The program has successfully stopped criminal activities and heightened people’s awareness of public safety.”

COPP volunteers actively raise awareness of road safety risks in their communities. Groups have participated in initiatives such as speed-reader board monitoring, auto crime vehicle audits, patrolling at school crossing zones, identifying impaired drivers on the road and conducting seatbelt and cell phone use surveys in conjunction with the RCMP.

“The 25th anniversary of COPP is a great opportunity to recognize all the volunteers, past and present, and the positive impact they continue to have on our communities.” said C/Supt Scott Kolody, OIC Criminal Operations of the Manitoba RCMP.

“I speak on behalf of all of our officers when I say that the partnership we share is not only essential to our Division, but greatly valued.”

In addition to providing funding for COPP, Manitoba Public Insurance offers coordination assistance in co-operation with Manitoba Justice, Manitoba Housing, the Winnipeg Police Service, the RCMP, the Brandon Police Service and other municipal police services.

If someone is interested in joining a COPP group, or starting one in their community, training and equipment are both provided at no charge. Prior to participating in COPP patrols, all new members receive training delivered by one of COPP’s certified trainers, as well as a training manual. In addition, new members are provided with one-on-one supervision with an experienced member during their first patrols.

More information can be obtained by calling the provincial coordinator at 204-985-8849, or toll-free at 1-866-326-7792, or visiting citizensonpatrol.mb.ca.

Due to the potential disruption in postal services, Manitoba Public Insurance has implemented a contingency plan to ensure customer service is maintained.

Effective June 24, all non-essential outgoing mail will be held by Manitoba Public Insurance until postal service resumes, including basic driver licences and identification cards.

Claim and refund cheques and enhanced driver’s licences and enhanced identification cards (those used for cross-border travel to the United States by land), will be available for pick-up, as well as basic driver’s licences and identification cards on an urgent basis only. If a cheque, driver’s licence or identity card needs to be picked up on an urgent basis, Manitobans will be able to do so at the Manitoba Public Insurance Service Centre nearest to their mailing address. Manitobans can visit the Corporation’s website (mpi.mb.ca) to determine by postal code which Service Centre they will be able to pick up their cheques, driver’s licences or identification cards from.

Customers will need to show identification, and if picking up mail for someone else, will require a letter of authorization. Only the named person ─ with proper identification ─ can pick up an enhanced driver’s licence or identification card.

“Serving our customers’ needs with minimal disruption during a possible postal disruption is our first priority,” said Dan Guimond, President/CEO of Manitoba Public Insurance.

During this potential postal disruption, customers are still expected to make all payments and renew their driver’s licences and vehicle insurance policies before expiry. Customers can check their driver’s licences and vehicle registrations to confirm upcoming expiry dates. Any driver’s licence or identification card with an expiry date that occurs during the postal disruption period can be used during this period, provided it has been paid for. Autopac agents will continue to provide licensing and auto insurance services for customers during this time. Payments can also be made online, at a Service Centre or through a financial institution.

Manitobans are also encouraged to contact their broker and/or visit Manitoba Public Insurance’s website (mpi.mb.ca) for more information and updates regarding customer service.

Coming off an unprecedented year for comprehensive (non-collision) claims payouts, Manitoba Public Insurance has asked the Public Utilities Board for a two per cent increase to Basic Autopac rates. If approved, the increase will result in the average passenger vehicle owner paying about $17 more in premium.

“The Corporation experienced an unprecedented 68 per cent increase in comprehensive claims costs,” Dan Guimond, president and chief executive officer of Manitoba Public Insurance said today.

“Hail claims were the big driver in this increase, coming in $50 million over our projected forecast. Last year’s payout for comprehensive was $125 million, compared to the previous five-year average of $74 million.”

There were approximately 13,000 hail claims opened last year, compared to about 4,000 in 2014. As with other insurers, a number of other financial factors had a negative influence on the Corporation’s overall financial performance in its 2015 fiscal year. Forecasted return for Canadian and U.S. equities was $14 million, or 17.1 per cent, below previous forecasted amounts. Investment income for Basic Autopac was $6 million below previous forecasted amounts.

The Corporation’s financial strength was somewhat stabilized with the transfer of $72.7 million to the Basic rate stabilization reserve from non-Basic lines of business. Ongoing efforts to control costs and reducing operating expenses have also mitigated the effect of rising claims costs and lower investment income.

“Higher claims costs and a negative financial climate resulted in the Corporation seeking a small overall rate increase for next year,” said Guimond. “Manitoba Public Insurance collects premiums to reflect projected claim costs, and we are addressing the business reality that claims costs are continuing to rise.”

If approved, a total of 674,894 vehicles (excluding trailers and off-road vehicles) will receive a premium increase ─ 83 per cent of these vehicles (558,561 vehicles) will increase by $40 or less.

The average premium for the private passenger vehicle class will be $1,018.

Major Use	Applied for Rate Changes
Private passenger	1.7%
Commercial	5.4%
Public	3.7%
Motorcycles	-1.7%
Trailers	11.1%
Off-road Vehicles	0.0%
Overall (applied for)	2.0%

If approved, this will be only the third overall rate increase in the last ten years. The proposed rates will be effective March 1, 2017 but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners won’t pay the new rates until February 28, 2018.

Motorcycle Rates Decreasing

The Corporation has requested a 1.7 per cent overall average decrease to motorcycle rates. If approved, the rates for 77 per cent of motorcycles will decrease or remain the same, while the rates for 23 per cent will increase. In total, 11,699 motorcycle owners will receive a decrease in their premiums. The majority of those owners are registered in Winnipeg and central and western Manitoba.

Mopeds and small-engine displacement motor scooters (2,553units) rates will increase an average of $9 to $313 per year, up from $304.

“Over the last five years, motorcycle rates have decreased overall by 19.8 per cent,” said Guimond. “The Corporation works very closely with the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups on topics relating to both safety and rates, and this collaboration is making a positive difference for all motorcyclists in our province.”

Interest Rate Forecast Risk Factor

In addition to an overall 2% increase in Basic Autopac rates for 2017, the Corporation has requested that the Public Utilities Board consider introducing an Interest Rate Forecast Risk Factor, effective March 1, 2017, the form and magnitude of which would be developed through a collaborative process with the Board and intervenors. The purpose of the Risk Factor would be to mitigate the risk of a significant premium increase in the future, due to year-over-year underperformance of interest rates against the forecasts established by the major Canadian banks, and which has an ongoing affect on the Corporation’s ability to achieve investment income forecasts.

Annual Report

Manitoba Public Insurance also released its 2015 annual report this week. The Corporation reported a net loss from operations of $31.3 million. A $4.7 million investment income loss reflected the current market conditions around equities and bonds.

Last year, Manitobans filed an average of 1,102 claims every working day. This represents about $2.7 million in claims every working day.

Additional information

Coming off an unprecedented year for comprehensive (non-collision) claims payouts, Manitoba Public Insurance has asked the Public Utilities Board for a two per cent increase to Basic Autopac rates. If approved, the increase will result in the average passenger vehicle owner paying about $17 more in premium.

“The Corporation experienced an unprecedented 68 per cent increase in comprehensive claims costs,” Dan Guimond, president and chief executive officer of Manitoba Public Insurance said today.

“Hail claims were the big driver in this increase, coming in $50 million over our projected forecast. Last year’s payout for comprehensive was $125 million, compared to the previous five-year average of $74 million.”

There were approximately 13,000 hail claims opened last year, compared to about 4,000 in 2014. As with other insurers, a number of other financial factors had a negative influence on the Corporation’s overall financial performance in its 2015 fiscal year. Forecasted return for Canadian and U.S. equities was $14 million, or 17.1 per cent, below previous forecasted amounts. Investment income for Basic Autopac was $6 million below previous forecasted amounts.

The Corporation’s financial strength was somewhat stabilized with the transfer of $72.7 million to the Basic rate stabilization reserve from non-Basic lines of business. Ongoing efforts to control costs and reducing operating expenses have also mitigated the effect of rising claims costs and lower investment income.

“Higher claims costs and a negative financial climate resulted in the Corporation seeking a small overall rate increase for next year,” said Guimond. “Manitoba Public Insurance collects premiums to reflect projected claim costs, and we are addressing the business reality that claims costs are continuing to rise.”

If approved, a total of 674,894 vehicles (excluding trailers and off-road vehicles) will receive a premium increase ─ 83 per cent of these vehicles (558,561 vehicles) will increase by $40 or less.

The average premium for the private passenger vehicle class will be $1,018.

Major Use	Applied for Rate Changes
Private passenger	1.7%
Commercial	5.4%
Public	3.7%
Motorcycles	-1.7%
Trailers	11.1%
Off-road Vehicles	0.0%
Overall (applied for)	2.0%

If approved, this will be only the third overall rate increase in the last ten years. The proposed rates will be effective March 1, 2017 but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners won’t pay the new rates until February 28, 2018.

Motorcycle Rates Decreasing

The Corporation has requested a 1.7 per cent overall average decrease to motorcycle rates. If approved, the rates for 77 per cent of motorcycles will decrease or remain the same, while the rates for 23 per cent will increase. In total, 11,699 motorcycle owners will receive a decrease in their premiums. The majority of those owners are registered in Winnipeg and central and western Manitoba.

Mopeds and small-engine displacement motor scooters (2,553units) rates will increase an average of $9 to $313 per year, up from $304.

“Over the last five years, motorcycle rates have decreased overall by 19.8 per cent,” said Guimond. “The Corporation works very closely with the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups on topics relating to both safety and rates, and this collaboration is making a positive difference for all motorcyclists in our province.”

Interest Rate Forecast Risk Factor

In addition to an overall 2% increase in Basic Autopac rates for 2017, the Corporation has requested that the Public Utilities Board consider introducing an Interest Rate Forecast Risk Factor, effective March 1, 2017, the form and magnitude of which would be developed through a collaborative process with the Board and intervenors. The purpose of the Risk Factor would be to mitigate the risk of a significant premium increase in the future, due to year-over-year underperformance of interest rates against the forecasts established by the major Canadian banks, and which has an ongoing affect on the Corporation’s ability to achieve investment income forecasts.

Annual Report

Manitoba Public Insurance also released its 2015 annual report this week. The Corporation reported a net loss from operations of $31.3 million. A $4.7 million investment income loss reflected the current market conditions around equities and bonds.

Last year, Manitobans filed an average of 1,102 claims every working day. This represents about $2.7 million in claims every working day.

Additional information

• Basic Autopac 2017
• History of Rate Changes

Manitoba Public Insurance reported a net income of $3.7 million for the first three months of its fiscal year ending May 31, 2016 – a decrease of $19.3 million over the same time period last year. This includes a net loss to the Basic insurance line of business of $5.0 million in the first quarter of the 2016/17 fiscal year.

Total earned revenues for the first three months rose by $14.2 million from the same period last year, driven mainly by increases in motor vehicle premium revenue due to an increase in the number of motor vehicles insured and the value of these vehicles.

“The overall financial picture was affected by an increase of $85.4 million in total claims costs – including a $58.2 million increase in bodily injury claims and a $15.3 million increase in physical damage claims compared to the first three months of the 2015/16 fiscal year,” said Heather Reichert, vice-president, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“While the bodily injury increase is primarily due to an interest rate adjustment on unpaid claims, an increase of 1,380 collision claims over this period also negatively impacted claims costs. The Corporation remains committed to achieving its corporate goals and best serving our customers,” said Reichert.

In June 2016, Manitoba Public Insurance applied to the Public Utilities Board for an overall increase of two per cent in Basic insurance premiums for the 2017/18 insurance year. This increase is driven by an unprecedented year for comprehensive (mostly hail) claims and lower investment returns. If approved, this would be only the third time in 10 years that Manitoba’s public auto insurer has requested a rate increase. Rates have in fact decreased by 11.8 per cent over the past 10 years.

Canada Road Safety Week: May 17-23

Nearly 1,500 impaired drivers have been taken off the road over the last six years thanks to RoadWatch, an impaired-driving initiative sponsored by Manitoba Public Insurance.

Over this same period of time (2010-2015), a total of 375,000 vehicles were screened by participating law enforcement agencies. In total, 12,000 Highway Traffic Act offence notices (e.g. suspended drivers, speeding, texting while driving, non-seatbelt use) were issued to offending drivers.

Now in its 18th year, RoadWatch begins again this Victoria Day long weekend, continuing until November. In total, nine police agencies are participating: Winnipeg, RCMP, Brandon, Morden, Winkler, Altona, Dakota, Rivers and Ste. Anne.

“Manitoba Public Insurance is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to eliminate impaired-related deaths and injuries,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.

“By combining visible enforcement with public education, we are optimistic that Manitobans will think twice before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs. While fatalities and serious injuries related to impaired driving have been declining steadily over the past 10 years, we still lose far too many Manitobans in impaired driving crashes every single year.”

On average, 25 people are killed each year on Manitoba roads in impaired driving collisions. With road safety at the forefront, the launch of this year’s RoadWatch aligns with Canada Road Safety Week, a national weeklong effort to raise awareness about safe driving habits that runs from May 17-23.

Keeping impaired drivers off Manitoba roads is also a priority of law enforcement.

“Many Manitobans head out to cottage country during the spring and summer seasons, resulting in more cars on the road,” said Inspector Joanne Keeping, Officer in Charge of Traffic Services with the RCMP and chair of the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Committee.

“It is essential for law enforcement and our road safety partners to work together to deter, reduce and prevent dangerous driving on Manitoba roadways. We are always working towards zero fatalities on the road, and high visibility RoadWatch checkstops are one more way we are doing this.”

Who is driving impaired?

• Young males make up the majority of those involved in impaired collisions.
• Males account for 73 per cent of impaired drivers involved in crashes.
• Drivers under age 35 (all genders) account for 59 per cent of impaired drivers involved in crashes.
• Drivers under the age of 35 have a rate of involvement in impaired driving crashes that is nearly three times that of drivers age 35 and older.