Fewer crashes mean more cash in the pockets of Manitoban drivers, and this time the total rebate allocation is more than double the previous two rebate amounts combined.

 

Approved rebate and rate changes

A $312 million Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) rebate has been approved by the Manitoba Public Utilities Board (PUB). This is the largest lump rebate sum set to go out since MPI began the rebates during the pandemic. In May of 2020, $58 million worth of rebates were approved, and $69 million was approved in December of 2020.

"Since the start of COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to benefit from having a public insurance model which has resulted in almost $500 million going back into the hands of Manitobans," Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton says in a statement.

Cheques will arrive in February. MPI says more details will be coming in the upcoming weeks.

“The assistance provided by these rebates to customers when they need it most is an important way to deliver direct relief to Manitobans during these trying times.”

In order to reduce the need for more rebates, the average Manitoban can expect to see their Basic compulsory motor vehicle premiums lower in April by 1.57 per cent. The average Manitoban will save $16 a year.

The Driver Safety Rating system is getting a new tier, moving from +15 to +16. Manitobans can expect the system to see higher levels in the future. MPI says almost 95 per cent of drivers at DSR level +15 will move to +16. Licence premiums for both levels will be $15. The levels will share the same vehicle premium rates in 2022/2023.

Passenger Vehicle For Hire registrations, including the major class, will see a big increase. Those rates will both be going up by 20 per cent in 2023.

“We remain committed to providing value to Manitobans while ensuring the financial strength of the Corporation," MPI President and CEO Eric Herbelin says in the statement.

Rates will change on April 1, but some people will not see this change until March 31, 2023.

 

Transparency concerns

The Manitoba Public Utilities Board (PUB) says they have concerns about Manitoba Public Insurance's (MPI) financial transparency.

While looking at MPI's financial statements, the PUB found they were lacking in transparency, specifically about a $63 million transfer from Extension to Driver and Vehicle Administration (DVA). 

"MPI ratepayers are effectively subsidizing what was once a Government responsibility," PUB's statement says. "If the Government of Manitoba intends to use monies held by MPI for Government purposes, The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act dictates the process that must be followed, which ensures transparency."

PUB only has access to review the records as they are "at arms-length from Government." They cannot direct MPI to transfer the Extension excess capital, reversing the transfer from Extension to DVA.

MPI says a capital transfer from Extension business to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing was in full compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations.

"Manitobans can therefore be assured that MPI will remain financially strong across all of its lines of business in its delivery of services," MPI says.