VANCOUVER, BC: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released shocking numbers today showing that while British Columbians hit the road in their campers and RVs this summer, they are getting burned by ICBC’s forced insurance rates.

“People are trying to get out there and enjoy our beautiful province, but they are paying $1,000 more for insurance than their camping cousins in Alberta, because ICBC is a bloated government monopoly,” said Kris Sims, B.C. Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “Most B.C. drivers already pay the highest gasoline prices in North America and they can’t even escape to the wilderness in their motorhomes without getting ripped off by ICBC. It’s time for drivers to tell the government that they want a choice in auto insurance.”

According to new quotes obtained by the CTF, to insure an average class C camper, valued at $10,000, built in year 2000, costs:

• In Calgary: $400 per year. 
• In Burnaby: $1,400 per year.

“It’s crazy that it costs $1,000 more in British Columbia to insure the same vehicle,” continue Sims. “Our politicians need to get an earful this summer if drivers want anything to change.”  

The CTF is launching a campaign to urge the B.C. government to change ICBC into a co-op and open it up to competition so drivers can shop around for lower rates. In addition to bumper stickers and other promotional materials, the CTF is urging motorists to visit ICBCChoice.ca where they can send Premier Horgan, Green Party leader Andrew Weaver, Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson, Attorney General David Eby and their local MLA a letter expressing their concern about ICBC.  

ICBC was started back in the 1970s during the era of the Gremlin and the Pinto, the CTF website uses the theme to tell That Seventies Corpto get with the times and compete.