GOVERNMENT ELIMINATES INJURY BENEFITS FOR AUTO THIEVES

Convicted car thieves no longer have access to auto injury benefits through SGI, effective immediately.

The amendments to The Automobile Accident Insurance Act introduced last week by government were passed today in the Legislative Assembly.

"I am very pleased that we were able to make these changes so quickly during this legislative session," Minister responsible for SGI Tim McMillan said. "This ensures that convicted auto thieves will no longer benefit from the auto insurance paid for by law-abiding SGI customers."

Under the new legislation, anyone convicted of stealing a vehicle involved in a crash, or convicted of possession of a stolen vehicle involved in a collision, will not have access to any auto injury benefits through SGI. This includes benefits such as income replacement, rehabilitation or a lump-sum payment if they suffer a permanent impairment such as scarring or loss of a limb.

About SGI

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the province's self-sustaining auto insurance fund. SGI operates 21 claims centres and five salvage centres across Saskatchewan with a head office in Regina. SGI also works with a network of more than 400 motor licence issuers across the province. Visit SGI at www.sgi.sk.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Kelley Brinkworth
Saskatchewan Government Insurance
Regina
Phone: 306-751-1837
Email: kbrinkworth@sgi.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-6207