Minister Noel rejects law firm advertisement

Government Services and Lands Minister Walter Noel says an ad published by the Williams, Roebothan, MacKay and Marshall law firm is misleading.

Minister Noel said: "It is unfortunate that some people continue to distribute misleading information in the public debate over automobile insurance reform. An ad published by the law firm on the front page of the March 7 edition of The Telegram stated: Ontario and Saskatchewan have no-fault insurance and are now trying to reverse it. So why does Minister Noel think it�s good for us?

The minister said: "Ontario does not have a no-fault automobile insurance system. While the accident benefits portion of their policy is no-fault, as it is in every province including ours, the third party liability portion of the policy is fault-based. The province does not have, and is not trying to reverse what is generally understood to be a no-fault system.

"Saskatchewan currently has a government-run, no-fault insurance system, with no right to compensation for non-economic loss, commonly referred to as pain and suffering. That province recently announced a plan to bring in an option to give drivers the choice of receiving compensation for non-economic loss with a $5,000 deductible, or not receiving such compensation. Saskatchewan is not abandoning its current system, but rather introducing another option for drivers. The existing option will continue.

"It is also inaccurate to suggest that I have indicated �no-fault insurance ... is good for us�. I have not said that. While I have suggested that people consider whether they would favour a restricted compensation system, and indicated I believe a restricted compensation system could control insurance costs, I have not recommended the restricted compensation system, and have acknowledged the choice is difficult to make.

"The ad in The Telegram is just one more demonstration of the careless action taken by some as they attempt to make the public see things their way. Consumers deserve the truth. The ad asks, "Who will fight for you?" On what basis would Williams, Roebothan, McKay and Marshall have the right to imply they are more likely to fight for people than others involved in this debate? I believe most people understand what they are in fact fighting for."

Media contact: Rick Callahan, Communications, (709) 729-4860.

2002 03 11                          3:55 p.m.