Coalition Representing Regulated Health Professionals in Auto Insurance
Reform supports the government in its efforts to ensure efficiency and
effectiveness of services provided under auto insurance

TORONTO , Nov. 2 /CNW/ - The Government of Ontario today released a package of proposed reforms to automobile insurance in the province, which aims to provide improved choice and flexibility for consumers.

The Coalition Representing Regulated Health Professionals in Auto Insurance Reform has been actively involved in providing feedback to the Ministry of Finance on the recommended changes submitted by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) in advance of today's announcement.

"The Coalition supports the government in its efforts to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of services provided under auto insurance," says Coalition Co-chair Dorianne Sauvé, CEO of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association.

"We are pleased that the government will be engaging in ongoing consultations in advance of the amendments taking effect. We look forward to working with the government and other stakeholders to assist in further developing and implementing these changes."

A significant change is the focus on consumer choice and optional benefits. The Coalition is committed to working with government and other stakeholders to ensure consumers have the information necessary to make informed choices. It will be important to educate consumers about the coverage options that will be offered to them and the risks and benefits of those options.

"The Ministry of Finance faces a difficult challenge to balance the need to manage auto insurance premiums in the province with the need to provide adequate benefits to Ontarians." says Coalition Co-Chair Dr. Bob Haig , Executive Director of the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA). "We are supportive of this goal and, as front-line healthcare professionals, our expertise will help the government reach it."

The reforms announced today include 41 recommendations and will impact the way Ontarians access care following an auto accident. The coalition will continue to evaluate the recommendations to better understand this impact and to effectively contribute to the ongoing consultations the government has promised on these reforms.

The Coalition Representing Health Professionals in Automobile Insurance Reform includes the associations representing most health professionals active in the Ontario automobile insurance system. Over the past decade, the Coalition has partnered with the government and other stakeholders through the various changes to the automobile insurance system. Health care practitioners are in the best position to understand the impact of changes to the automobile insurance system on injured Ontarians.

For further information: Media inquiries, contact: Dr. Bob Haig, Executive Director, Ontario Chiropractic Association, [phone]; Ms. Dorianne Sauvé, CEO, Ontario Physiotherapy Association, [phone]