Pilot project allows injured Manitoba motorists to appeal to mediator

Claimants appealing Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) decisions for compensation for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash will be able to appeal to an independent mediator.The initiative is part of a joint pilot project between MPI and the Ministry of Family Services and Consumer Affairs to be launched this summer, a Manitoba government release says. The Automobile Injury Mediation Office pilot project will operate over a two-year period. During this time, data will be collected to ensure the government has objective evidence to use when determining the future of mediation for PIPP claimants. Currently, injured Manitobans are entitled to benefits within MPI’s Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP). If there’s an issue involving coverage, the injured person can request MPI to conduct an internal review. If the MPI review doesn’t satisfy the injured person, an appeal can be launched with the Automobile Injury Compensation Appeals Commission (AICAC). “The goal of this mediation is to reduce the time between filing an appeal to the commission and the hearing to deal with the dispute,” said Gord Mackintosh, minister of family services and consumer affairs. “This will make it easier for the motorist to help resolve the dispute.”