NDP call for 15% cut in auto insurance rates; say industry costs down $2 billion

TORONTO – Ontario’s New Democrats want the government to order auto insurance companies to cut their rates by 15 per cent within one year.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says the government introduced changes in 2010 that “dramatically” lowered benefits for drivers while also cutting statutory benefit pay outs in half for insurance companies.

However, Horwath says premiums still jumped by an average of five per cent in 2011, so she wants the provincial regulator to mandate a cut in rates.

She says if the industry is not willing to pass along savings from the changes, then the government should force them to do it.

Horwath also wants a five-day guarantee for seniors to get home care, part of a growing list of NDP demands for premier-elect Kathleen Wynne.

Last week the NDP called on Wynne to close $1.3 billion in corporate tax loopholes and spend nearly $200 million over two years on creating jobs for youth.

Horwath says all her suggestions do not have to be in the upcoming budget, but adds they are things that should be dealt with in the spring session of the legislature.