Victims of catastrophic auto injuries in Manitoba see Cdn$ 14-million worth of increased benefits after Bill 36

About 120 Manitobans catastrophically injured in vehicle crashes have received a share of Cdn$14 million in additional benefits arising from Bill 36, enacted in October 2009.
Bill 36 was first introduced in the spring to strengthen Manitoba’s Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP) and provide a clear definition of catastrophic injury.
The bill also clearly establishes Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)’s responsibility to help claimants obtain benefits under other provincial programs such as home care or family support.
No rate increase will be required to fund these Bill 36 enhancements, said Marilyn McLaren, CEO and president of MPI.
“The improved benefits that came into effect earlier in November 2009 are the result of an ongoing, cyclical review of the PIPP benefits program,” McLaren said. “Claimants will see immediate higher-income replacement indemnity, permanent-impairment payment and personal-care expense reimbursement.”
Enhanced benefits will be provided to all other current PIPP claimants whose injuries meet the new definition of catastrophic injury, McLaren said. 
The total financial impact is estimated to be Cdn$90.8 million on a one-time basis for existing claimants plus an annual increase of Cdn$7 million for future claims.
The PIPP program was established in 1994 to stabilize compulsory auto insurance rates for all Manitobans and significantly increase the benefits available to those seriously injured in automobile accidents.