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.

Manitoba Justice has appointed two new members to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission (MHRC) and selected a new vice-chair. The MHRC is responsible for administering The Human Rights Code in the province, ensuring all Manitobans are treated solely on the basis of personal merit and free from discrimination. John Burchill, a current MHRC member, has been selected to serve as vice-chair.  He was reappointed to the MHRC in October 2017 and is currently a civilian manager with the Winnipeg Police Service.  He has over 25 years’ experience as a police officer, served as a Crown attorney for Manitoba Justice, and taken training related to hate crimes and human rights.  Burchill assumes the role of vice-chair from Loretta Ross, who remains on the board and has been reappointed to a one-year term. Ian Grant and Tracy Leipsic have been newly appointed as members of the MHRCC.  Grant is the former chief of police of the Brandon Police Service and has been a member of law enforcement since 1980.  Leipsic is a speed-skating coach, has worked as an insurance broker and served on many community and non-profit boards.

Brandon Police Service Media Release At approximately 8:20 p.m., Police responded to an alarm at a business in the 1600 Block of 18th Street. Officers observed two individuals inside the building and upon approaching, both suspects attempted to run away. Officers chased the suspects and apprehended them after a short foot pursuit. The suspects were in possession of BB guns and knives that had been stolen from the store. A 16-year-old male youth and a 14-year-old male youth were arrested for Break, Enter and Theft. They were released on conditions and scheduled to attend Court in February.  

Brandon Police Service Media Release A 43 year old Brandon man, who resides in the 400 block of 4th St, was arrested as a result of a search warrant being done at his house and the resulting search showing evidence of child pornography. The man was charged with Possession of Child Pornography, Access to Child Pornography, and Making Child Pornography Available. He was released for a later court date.

The Manitoba government has extended its moratorium on increases to park land lease and service fees for cottages in provincial parks for another two years, Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires announced today. “We believe cottagers are prepared to pay a fair price for the services they receive and for the value of using provincial park land for their vacation retreats,” Squires said.  “We are continuing to explore the development of a fair and sustainable fee structure, and are working in partnership with cottagers to ensure Manitobans can enjoy their cottages and be able to pass them on to future generations.” Cottage service fees cover a variety of services including garbage disposal, water and wastewater, and road maintenance.  Lease fees are based on a percentage of assessed land values.  Service fees are calculated annually based on the cost of delivering services over the previous season. “Cottagers derive great joy from the year-round beauty and tranquility of Manitoba’s wonderful provincial park system,” said Daniel Klass, of the Manitoba Provincial Parks Cabin Owners Association.  “The extension of the current freeze is a positive indication of faith on the minister’s part that will provide an additional period of cost certainty for cottagers. “Also, it will allow the continuation of current productive discussions we’ve had with the minister to reach a funding formula that will support the park system and benefit the province, Manitobans and cabin owners in the long run.” The moratorium, initially established in 2016, had been set to expire in July.  This extension means cottagers in provincial parks will pay the same fees in 2019 and 2020 as they did in 2017.  Cottage owners and associations will continue to be consulted and future changes will be developed with their input, Squires noted.