Hi Michael.

MG> The concept of public insurance is not popular here in Alberta. British
MG> Columbia instituted it a while ago, and we've been hearing horror stories ever
MG> since from BC residents who've been injured in accidents and have not been
MG> fairly compensated, and are not allowed to sue for fair compensation. While we
MG> agree that rates under the private system have gotten way out of hand, (We've
MG> seen a 50% increase in rates this year alone) and would like to see
/some/ sort
MG> of government controls put in place, Albertans want to insure that if they are
MG> severely injured, they can still seek recourse by suing those responsible.

Yeah,  the insurance co.'s would have you believe it's an either/or 
thing.  But just take a look at last year's profits from some of them and 
you'll find that's not the case.  Almost every stinking one of them 
decided to jack up their rates this year - at the same time.  And they cite 
stuff like 9/11 as proof of their sudden need for more cash.  No one in 
their right minds would trust them.

MG> The privitization of power has not gone well, both here in Alberta as well as
MG> in Ontario. So far, the Tories in Alberta have bought off voters with rebates,

So that's where Eves had his sudden idea to do the same.

MG> but there is starting to be some cynicism displayed about the energy rebates,
MG> especially since Ralph Klein used the rebates to get re-elected, then once
MG> elected proceeded to make all sorts of spending cuts.

MG>  DP>  Auto insurance is a *huge* deal here.  In fact, that might
be the straw
MG>  DP>  on the camel's back for us.

MG> What's the Liberal's position on it?

They recognize it as a problem and have proposed their own solution to 
it.  They want to make it mandatory for insurance co's to provide a 
customization service for clients:  where you can write your own policy. 
Basically, they want to experiment a bit.   I don't think the public has 
much confidence in that approach.


shades{at}shadesworld.net
http://shadesworld.net

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