MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2023 - Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is owned by Manitobans with a mandate to provide quality customer service related to insurance and licensing of drivers at an affordable price.
Integral to being able to deliver on quality service and affordability is an organizational structure that can properly control expenses, anticipate rate and revenue changes, and effectively manage major corporate projects and initiatives.
Following concerns raised by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) in recent rate applications as well as concerns I have raised both publicly and privately to MPI, I have today ordered an external organizational review of MPI as allowed for under the Crown Corporations Governance and Accountability Act .
The review is to be completed by Dec. 31. While it is ongoing, MPI will continue to engage with the PUB to address issues previously identified by the board. Until the review is complete, MPI is directed to not propose any changes to rates for service or materially change its operations.
As I have stated in the past, the Manitoba government is reluctant to interfere in the general operations of Crown corporations. However, a publicly held corporation is answerable to Manitobans for its service, expenditures and operations. This accountability is delivered through the PUB, but also by the minister responsible for the corporation.
This is a responsibility that I take seriously, particularly since most Manitobans rely on MPI for vehicle insurance. I look forward to the findings of the organizational review and believe that it will improve MPI and help ensure its future as a publicly owned insurer, delivering quality service at an affordable price.
As has been a long-standing Manitoba government practice, MPI will have a member of the governing caucus appointed to its board of directors. I am grateful that Ron Schuler (MLA for Springfield-Ritchot) has agreed to take on this appointment and I know his experience will prove invaluable to the corporation.