The Alberta government says it has a "good basis" to appeal a ruling that struck down the province's payout caps for some automobile injuries.
Premier Ed Stelmach announced the appeal during a campaign stop in Calgary Tuesday, leading opposition parties to accuse him of launching the appeal to keep the controversial cap from becoming an issue in the March 3 election.
Campaigning at Calgary's Telus World of Science on Tuesday, Premier Ed Stelmach said the province will appeal a court ruling on car insurance payouts.
(CBC)
"The government firmly believes it's in the best interests of Albertans to appeal the judge's decision and apply for a stay," Stelmach said of the ruling that struck down the province's $4,000 limit on claims for things like whiplash or strains.
Associate Chief Justice Neil Wittman of the Court of Queen's Bench ruled Friday that the government's cap was unconstitutional because it discriminates against specific victims of vehicle accidents.
The decision has led insurance industry officials to predict auto insurance rates would jump by about $200 dollars per vehicle.
Justice Minister Ron Stevens said the government's case is a solid one. "We think this is a good piece of business. We think we had the right intention," Stevens said.
Neither Stevens nor the premier would guarantee Albertans will not end up paying more for car insurance.
Opposition critical of decision
Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft said in Calgary Tuesday the Conservatives have "fumbled" the file and need to start from scratch.
"Instead of appealing this and dragging the process out for years and years, which leaves any number of people in limbo, I think it's time to revisit the entire issue and reconsider how we deliver auto insurance in this province," Taft said.
NDP Leader Brian Mason predicted the government's appeal will fail.
"The Conservatives will protect the insurance industry and blame the courts for a $200 increase in insurance prices," he said in Calgary Tuesday.
Mason called on the government to bring in public auto insurance, which he said would save the average family at least $400.
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Alberta Votes 2008 »
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- Political observers in Alberta are calling it remarkable and opposition politicians are wondering what hit them after Ed Stelmach guided his Conservative party Monday to one of its biggest majorities ever.
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More Alberta Votes Headlines »
- It's 'Ed's Empire' after Alberta election sweep
- Political observers in Alberta are calling it remarkable and opposition politicians are wondering what hit them after Ed Stelmach guided his Conservative party Monday to one of its biggest majorities ever.
- Low voter turnout in Alberta election being questioned
- As Premier Ed Stelmach and Alberta Conservatives savour their sweeping election victory, some people are raising a nagging concern: why so few people bothered to vote.
- Albertans elect historic 11th straight Tory government
- Voters in Alberta stuck with tried-and-true blue, giving the Progressive Conservative party an unprecedented 11th consecutive majority government in Monday's provincial election.
- Political tide turns in Edmonton
- Alberta Progressive Conservative Leader Ed Stelmach has proven true to his word, putting the "Ed" back in Edmonton.
- Conservatives' Calgary fortress resists change
- The Progressive Conservatives' fortress in Calgary stood strong as the party took 18 of the city's 23 ridings Monday night.
