Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen has released a statement regarding the order of an organizational review of MPI to ensure affordability, reliability and quality customer service.

Manitoba Public Insurance is owned by Manitobans with a mandate to provide quality customer service related to insurance and licensing of drivers at an affordable rate.

Integral to being able to deliver 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.

Minister Goertzen ordered an external organizational review of MPI due to the concerns raised by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) in recent rate applications and concerns he has raised himself. This review will happen as allowed for under the Crown Corporations Governance and Accountability Act.

However, the review will take until the end of the year, December 31. While it is ongoing, MPI and PUB will continue to cooperate to address the issues raised by the board. Until the review is complete, MPI is directed to not propose any rate changes 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," says the minister. "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. Ron Schuler, MLA for Springfield-Ritchot) has agreed to take on this position.