New deal for Manitoba, Saskatchewan commercial drivers

A new commercial vehicle registration agreement has been struck between the Saskatch-ewan and Manitoba governments.

The new reciprocal agreement will allow commercial trucks, buses and taxis to operate within 16 kilometres of the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border without having to pay for two vehicle registrations or a single trip permit, a Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) release says.

“We are very pleased to partner with our eastern neighbours on this initiative as it provides customers on both sides of the border with a faster, more efficient way to do business,” Harry Van Mulligan, minister responsible for SGI, said in a statement.

“This plan makes sense for border communities and business vehicle owners who will have less paper- work and reduced fees,” Ron Lemieux, Manitoba’s infrastructure and transportation minister, said in a statement.

“We are streamlining this service for commercial vehicles in Manitoba communities such as Flin Flon, Roblin and Russell so they can operate in a designated zone without paying two vehicle registration fees,” he added.

ICBC reports 2007 Q2 increase in profit

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) has reported a net income of Cdn$256 million for the first half of 2007, an increase from Cdn$110 million from the same period in 2006.

Insurance premiums earned in the first six months of 2007 increased to Cdn$1.7 billion from Cdn$1.57 billion for the first half of 2006, an ICBC statement says.

“The growth in earned premiums is the result of a 3.4% increase in the number of insured vehicles on B.C. roadways and strong sales of optional coverage,” the release says.

Net claims costs for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were Cdn$1.31 billion, which is consistent with the Cdn$1.33 billion reported for the same period in 2006.

Claims costs for 2007 have trended upwards, ICBC said.

“The strong B.C. economy means there are more vehicles being insured and our customers are opting for better levels of coverage,” Paul Taylor, ICBC’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

“As well, ICBC’s investment income is strong and our operating costs continue to be lower than industry benchmarks,” he added.