What’s New: In Brief (March 03, 2009)

In a move intended to make Saskatchewan roads safer, SGI has increased by 400% the financial penalty for Criminal Code driving-related offences resulting in injury or death.
The policy change to the Safe Driver Recognition program raises the financial penalty from Cdn$500 to Cdn$2,500.
The Safe Driver Recognition program is an incentive program that offers discounts on basic vehicle insurance. It also uses financial penalties to discourage drivers from developing a history of at-fault crashes.
The program came into effect Mar. 1, 2009.
Drivers subjected to financial penalties under the Safe Driver Recognition program will continue to be subject to all other sanctions associated with Criminal Code convictions, SGI notes in a release.
“Saskatchewan has some of the strongest road safety programs and legislation in the country,” Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “This policy change supports the government’s stand that risky driver behaviour, like street racing, is not acceptable in Saskatchewan and will not be tolerated.”

Western Financial Group has acquired Bakes-Jarvie Insurance Brokers Ltd. in Nanaimo, B.C. effective Jan. 1, 2009.     
“We have been looking to acquire a strong and solid broker on Vancouver Island on which we can build our presence there, and we are very pleased Bakes-Jarvie is joining our agency network,” said Scott Tannas, president and CEO of Western Financial Group.
Lana Wood, president of Western Financial Group’s Agency Network adds: “Their book of business has traditionally shown low loss ratios, and the enthusiastic and customer-focused staff have strong commercial expertise, which is a great addition to our overall ability to service businesses of all types.”