Public Hearings Begin on Insurance Issues

N.S. INSURANCE REVIEW BOARD--Public Hearings Begin on Insurance Issues

The Nova Scotia Insurance Review Board wants to hear from Nova Scotians over the next four weeks on two important insurance issues.

The board is tasked with conducting studies on two insurance topics and reporting back to government by Nov. 1. The board will examine: -- the rates and availability of fire, other property, casualty, and liability insurance for homeowners, tenants, non-profit organizations and small business; and -- the use of gender as a risk classification factor in determining automobile insurance rates.

The Insurance Review Board was appointed in December 2003 as part of the government's auto insurance reforms designed to protect consumers. The new board will review rates and rules and will monitor the system to ensure reforms are working for consumers.

Hearings have been widely advertised and are taking place across the province from May 13 to June 2. They will be held in Port Hawksbury, Sydney, New Glasgow, Amherst, Liverpool, Yarmouth, Middleton, Truro, and Halifax.

Presenters are encouraged to pre-register by contacting the Insurance Review Board. Registration will also take place before each hearing session on a first-come, first-served basis only. Written submissions can also be sent to the board by e-mail at [email protected], by fax at 902-428-5781, or by mail to the Nova Scotia Insurance Review Board, P.O. Box 697, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2T8.

For more information or to register, contact the board by phone at 902-424-8685 or by e-mail at [email protected] .

Note: Following is a list of hearing locations and times:

Port Hawkesbury Thursday, May 13 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Maritime Inn, 717 Reeves St.

Sydney Friday May 14 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Civic Centre, 320 Esplande St.

New Glasgow Wednesday May 19 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Council Chambers, 111 Provost St.

Amherst Thursday, May 20 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Town Council, 5 Ratchford St.

Liverpool Wednesday May 26 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. White Point Beach Resort

Yarmouth Thursday May 27 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Town Hall, 400 Main St.

Middleton Friday, May 28 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Town Hall, 131 Commercial St.

Truro Monday May 31 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Howard Johnson Hotel, 437 Prince St.

Halifax Tuesday June 1 10 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Four Points Sheraton (public is advised to use Maritime Centre entrance at 1505 Barrington St.)

Halifax Wednesday, June 2 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Four Points Sheraton (public is advised to use Maritime Centre entrance at 1505 Barrington St.)