May 4, 2011
The minister said these initiatives are saving Manitobans approximately $30 million annually, noting the savings have been passed on to Autopac premium rate payers. Rates have been reduced three times over the last five years.
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NEW LEGISLATION WOULD TERMINATE BENEFITS FOR CRIMINALS CONVICTED OF AUTO THEFT, FLEEING POLICE, STREET RACING: SWAN
Convicted auto thieves would no longer receive any benefits from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) as the result of the proposed Bill 31, the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act, introduced today by Justice Minister Andrew Swan, minister responsible for MPI.
“Manitoba families have a right to feel safe on our streets and in our neighbourhoods and communities. Every time someone steals a car, they put people’s safety at risk,” said Swan. “Auto thieves shouldn’t profit from their crimes and this change in legislation will close the door on MPI benefits immediately following conviction and allow MPI to recover any amounts paid prior to the conviction on behalf of ratepayers.”
Benefits would be terminated for both the driver and passengers, he added.
In addition to the Criminal Code offence of auto theft, including provisions successfully advocated by Manitoba, the amendments would also apply to the following Canadian Criminal Code offences:
The Personal Injury Protection Plan introduced in 1994 made convicted auto thieves eligible for full benefits, Swan said. The proposed legislation would tighten up existing penalties already in place for convicted auto thieves, he added.
“Our government recognized that convicted auto thieves should not be entitled to full benefits,” said Swan. “That’s why in 2004 we introduced amendments that reduced income replacement, permanent impairment benefits and death payments."
Addressing auto theft has been a priority of the Manitoba government and MPI for many years, said Swan. The province’s mandatory immobilizer program for the most at-risk vehicles, in addition to the award-winning Winnipeg Auto Theft Suppression Strategy, has resulted in a reduction in auto theft of 78 per cent in Winnipeg since 2004, the lowest level in nearly two decades, he added.“Manitoba families have a right to feel safe on our streets and in our neighbourhoods and communities. Every time someone steals a car, they put people’s safety at risk,” said Swan. “Auto thieves shouldn’t profit from their crimes and this change in legislation will close the door on MPI benefits immediately following conviction and allow MPI to recover any amounts paid prior to the conviction on behalf of ratepayers.”
Benefits would be terminated for both the driver and passengers, he added.
In addition to the Criminal Code offence of auto theft, including provisions successfully advocated by Manitoba, the amendments would also apply to the following Canadian Criminal Code offences:
- flight from a police officer,
- street racing,
- theft where the property stolen is a motor vehicle, and
- taking a motor vehicle without consent.
The Personal Injury Protection Plan introduced in 1994 made convicted auto thieves eligible for full benefits, Swan said. The proposed legislation would tighten up existing penalties already in place for convicted auto thieves, he added.
“Our government recognized that convicted auto thieves should not be entitled to full benefits,” said Swan. “That’s why in 2004 we introduced amendments that reduced income replacement, permanent impairment benefits and death payments."
The minister said these initiatives are saving Manitobans approximately $30 million annually, noting the savings have been passed on to Autopac premium rate payers. Rates have been reduced three times over the last five years.
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