Minister asks for investigation into complaints of double pricing

Walter Noel, Minister of Government Services and Lands, today contacted the Competition Bureau of Industry Canada requesting an investigation be conducted into consumer complaints of double pricing by auto glass companies for glass replacement and repair performed on vehicles covered by insurance.

"Officials in my department have received complaints from consumers that glass companies often charge a higher rate for repairing or replacing glass on automobiles if an insurance company is paying the bill," Mr. Noel said. "I am very concerned with any practice which would cause automobile insurance rates to be higher than they need to be."

The minister has written several companies asking whether, and if so why, they charge different prices. He has written the Competition Bureau because the repair firms have not responded to the request for information.

Media contact: Sam Whiffen, Communications, (709) 729-4860.

2003 01 17                                       5:10 p.m.