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By Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu

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SOUND OFF: BC NDP getting ICBC back on track

Feb 10, 2021 | 3:08 PM

British Columbians have been wary of ICBC for some time, and for good reason.

The BC Liberals made a mess of ICBC over 16 years, raiding the bank account for political gain. Because of this, the public auto insurer was dealing with consistent losses and was increasing rates for drivers to make up for it. And instead of fulfilling its purpose and supporting people after a motor vehicle accident, British Columbians were dragged through the court system instead.

The BC NDP took the reins four years ago and in that time, have brought ICBC back on track. The insurer is now on good financial footing. Drivers will see an average 20 per cent rate reduction this year. Most policy holders will also receive a rebate from $50 to $300 in March due to lower collision rates during COVID-19.

Because of the decision of British Columbians to elect an NDP government, they’re getting money back in their pockets.

If we had continued on the path set by the BC Liberals, we would all still be padding the wallets of the rich with ICBC’s money under the guise of a balanced budget.

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As it turns out, the BC NDP’s budgets were balanced anyways prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, all without stealing anyone’s insurance money.

Two significant changes have been introduced by our government which have streamlined service, reduced rates, and got the public auto insurer on strong financial footing.

The new system, modeled after other successful public auto insurers, saves hundreds of millions in legal costs and allows ICBC to provide more efficient service to people who have been in accidents and reduce motor vehicle insurance rates for drivers.

In addition, we brought in legislation that bans the raiding of ICBC so that no future government can repeat the BC Liberals’ mistakes.

And the BC Liberals stood against these changes the entire time. If they had their way ICBC would still be in a poor financial position, instead of rates going down by $400 they would still be climbing, and British Columbians would not be getting an insurance rebate like they will be in March.

Governing is about choices.

Our government chose to make ICBC work for people again through lower rates, easier and faster service, and putting unused funds back into the pockets of British Columbians.

And we’re going to keep making choices that are good for people and building a province that works for everyone.

Harwinder Sandhu is the BC NDP MLA for Vernon-Monashee.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.