New Brunswick seeks changes to auto insurance; appoints negotiator

The Government of New Brunswick is negotiating with the province’s insurance industry to seek “the elimination of existing [auto insurance-related] territories and the elimination of discrimination based on gender when evaluating consumer risk,” according to a recent press release.
The government recently appointed Fredericton lawyer Bill Anderson, a longtime government litigator, as its lead negotiator.
The Office of Justice and Consumer Affairs Minister T.J. Burke said Anderson “has been given the mandate move quickly on the insurance file.”
“Mr. Anderson is an experienced negotiator and I know that he will achieve the government’s goal of having the best auto insurance coverage and the best price for New Brunswickers,” Burke said. “We committed to securing fair treatment for New Brunswick policy holders within 60 days of taking office. This is a priority for government and for the people of New Brunswick.”
Anderson’s first priority, the government announced, is discussing with insurance industry representatives the protocol and terms of reference for the negotiations.
Anderson’s mid-October appointment follows the election of the Liberal Party to power in the Sept. 18, 2006 provincial election.
During the election, the Liberals raised the issue of auto insurance rates in the province; at least one Liberal candidate discussed introducing a public auto system if the province’s auto insurance rates did not come down.
Privately, brokers and insurers have expressed confidence an agreement can be reached with the province that would not lead to the introduction of a public auto system.