Manitoba launches pilot mediation program for auto accident victims

Manitoba is launching a pilot project offering mediation to Manitobans who disagree with Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP) decisions by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI).
The mediation pilot office will use independent, qualified mediators and operate over a two-year period. Data collected during that time will include claimant satisfaction surveys to help evaluate whether participants felt the process was worthwhile, an MPI release says.
Currently under the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act, claimants who are unsatisfied with their case manager’s PIPP decision can request an internal review by MPI. If the claimant is still not satisfied, they can request a hearing with the appeals commission and the Claimant Adviser Office (CAO) is available to assist with that process.
“The goal of this pilot project is to resolve as many cases as possible without the need for a hearing at the commission,” said Gord Mackintosh, Manitoba’s Consumer Affairs minister. “This should mean individuals will have their cases heard faster and ultimately receive better customer service.”