Liberal cuts to Accident Benefits will hurt Ontario’s most vulnerable: NDP Consumer Services Critic

QUEEN’S PARK — Jagmeet Singh, NDP Deputy Leader and Consumer Services critic, spoke out against the Liberal government’s proposed changes to benefits today at a rally organized by the Accident Benefit Coalition (ABC).

“This government is  slashing benefits in half that will leave Ontario’s most vulnerable people without the services they need to recover or the support that will be required,” said Singh, MPP for Bramalea-Gore-Malton, “And, it’s not surprising that they’re also taking steps to further narrow the definition of catastrophic impairment which will just ensure that fewer people who need benefits receive them.”

The Wynne government is proposing changes that will reduce benefits from $2 million to $1 million for catastrophic and severely injured victims and minor accident benefits from $86, 000 to $65, 000 lasting up to a maximum of 5 years, reduced from 10 years.

“By allowing insurers to cut back on benefits, the government is leaving injured individuals at risk of having to pay out of pocket for these services in the event of a serious car accident, that can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Why is this government intent on seeing fellow Ontarians—whose horrific crashes have resulted in quadriplegia, severe brain injuries, and amputations—live the rest of their lives with little or no dignity?” Singh asked.

Singh notes that a report published by the Schulich School of Business indicated that in 2013, Ontario’s drivers were over charged for auto insurance by an estimated $840 million.

“The government justifies these cutbacks by claiming that this will help reduce insurance rates, but instead of protecting the most vulnerable, this Liberal government is more concerned with helping their small group of powerful friends.”

Singh tabled a petition today in the legislature on behalf of the Accident Benefit Coalition (ABC) that asks the government to stop the changes to accident benefits from taking effect.