Barrett urges people to testify on insurance bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 28, 2014

QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett agrees with committee hearings to allow more input on Bill 15, Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act, 2014 in the wake of second reading debate on the legislation Monday.

The Standing Committee on General Government will conduct hearings on Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Each witness will receive up to only five minutes for their presentation, followed by nine minutes for committee member questions. The deadline for written submissions is 6 p.m. on Nov. 5.

Barrett stressed he wouldn’t want to see legislation introduced to reduce insurance costs that would create more bureaucracy and red tape for legitimate tow truck operators in Haldimand-Norfolk.

“I’m particularly interested in the related insurance costs coming from the towing industry: storage yards, garages, health clinics,” Barrett said in the Legislature. “By and large, these companies, these garages provide an efficient, reputable service, but there is a minority that are taking advantage of consumers and their insurance coverage—another reason to move this to committee.

“To create a whole new bureaucracy because there are a few bad apples is counterproductive,” he added outside the Legislature. “We need to go after those who are abusing the system.”

During debate, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli, the Opposition Finance Critic, made several suggestions of how the proposed legislation could be improved, resulting in lower insurance rates. He suggested tackling fraud, a different rating system and looking at elevated costs from some operators in the towing industry. He was also concerned about a proposal to issue licenses to health care providers assisting accident victims.

For more information on how to submit written submissions, or to appear before the committee, contact Barrett’s office at the number below.

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For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or by e-mail at toby.barrett@pc.ola.org