Today David Eby announced that drivers will see another two-year rate freeze and a rebate of $110 this spring. Minutes later, BC Conservative leader John Rustad came out against the rebate and doubled down on his promise to roll back the Enhanced Care model that makes it possible to freeze rates.

Rustad has opposed Enhanced Care since it was introduced – voting against it in 2020 – and is now promising to roll back the changes. By bringing back expensive legal fees, he’d drive up ICBC’s costs and force them to increase rates on drivers.

Rustad also suggested that the money should be used to reduce the deficit, raiding ICBC’s coffers while raising car insurance rates. David Eby made this illegal in 2020.

David Eby’s changes have brought ICBC back into the black, allowing ICBC to reduce rates by 20% in 2021 and then freeze them for six years. Under the old BC Liberal government and without the switch to Enhanced Care, rates were projected to climb year after year.

Mike Farnworth, Minister Responsible for ICBC, responded on social media to Rustad’s opposition to the rebates: “People need help now, John. Imagine being against a rate freeze and a rebate for drivers at a time like this, when people need help with costs.”