NDP continues to push for an end to postal code discrimination

Tory half measure still allows insurance companies to charge GTA families more

NDP Official Opposition critic for auto insurance and Brampton East MPP Gurratan Singh said that the Ford government is playing politics with his bill to finally bring fairness GTA families by considering legislation that won’t end postal code discrimination.

If passed, Singh’s bill would end the unfair practice of auto insurance postal code discrimination, where insurance companies overcharge many GTA residents based solely on where they live.

“Ending postal code discrimination in auto insurance rates has been a long-standing priority for the Ontario NDP,” said Singh. “Too many families are feeling the squeeze because of high auto insurance costs. They’re frustrated that they’re targeted just because of their postal code. My bill will finally end this unfair practice, giving families in Brampton and across the GTA the relief they need.”

A Financial Services Commission of Ontario report found that the Ford Conservatives have already paved the way for way for a nine per cent premium increase. Now, Ford is making things even worse by pushing Singh’s bill aside and considering a Conservative private member’s bill that falls far short of lowering auto insurance rates and bringing fairness to families in the GTA.

In question period, Singh called on Ford’s finance minister to do the right thing, take this file seriously, and end postal code discrimination once and for all.

“Yesterday I tabled a bill that if passed will not only end postal code discrimination in auto insurance, but also hold insurance companies to account,” said Singh. “Drivers in areas like Brampton, Scarborough and Jane and Finch will no longer be gouged on the rates they pay and insurance companies would no longer be allowed to offer or renew discriminatory insurance contracts.

“The Ford government wants to raise rates by nine percent and pass a bill that leaves the door open to postal code discrimination. New Democrats know that Ontarians deserve better. Our bill will lower rates for drivers, and finally end unfair postal code discrimination. It’s the right thing to do,” said Singh.