Alberta briefs - July 30
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Auto insurance rollback ordered
EDMONTON — Alberta drivers are to get a bit of a break on their automobile insurance.
The government-appointed Insurance Rate Board has ordered insurance companies to reduce premiums on mandatory automobile insurance by five per cent this year.
On average that will amount to a $30 dollar saving for each driver when the change comes into effect on Nov. 1. Alfred Savage, chairman of the board, says the rate cut stems from a decline in the number of injury claims.
He says the decision to reduce premiums is based on input from Albertans, the board’s consumer representative, the board’s actuary and insurers.
The change only applies to mandatory coverage.
Liberals blast province for laying off nurses, then rehiring
The Alberta Liberals are accusing the provincial government of damaging the health-care system by recently laying off, then rehiring nurses.
The Liberals say documents show 450 nurses were bought out last year at a cost of $23 million.
But now, they say, the province is planning to rehire about 900 nurses.
Liberal health critic Kevin Taft says instead of paying $23 million to let them go, why not assign them to jobs that need to be filled.
Alberta Health officials say the buyout was necessary when the province posted a deficit budget.
Spokesman Andy Weiler says it was a voluntary exit program and no one was forced into it, but now times have changed.
Police officer dragged by car
LETHBRIDGE — A Lethbridge police officer has sustained minor injuries after being dragged by a vehicle during a traffic stop.
Staff Sgt. Scott Penich says that on Wednesday, the officer stopped a car when he recognized the driver as someone whose licence was suspended.
The officer directed the man to turn off the vehicle but he refused and began to drive forward, dragging the officer a short distance and hurting his arm.
Richard John Dewar, 44, of Lethbridge, was arrested Thursday.
He is charged with assaulting a peace officer, flight from a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer, disqualified driving and dangerous driving.
