October 25, 2005 - Halifax, NS - NDP Leader Darrell Dexter has once again called on the Conservatives to eliminate the $2,500 cap on insurance settlements after highlighting how this practice disproportionately affects women, the elderly, and students.

"We have been presenting examples of this discriminatory practice since the Tories introduced the cap to appease the insurance industry," says Dexter.

"Time and time again, we hear about pensioners whose quality of life has been reduced to nil, students encountering difficulties pursuing their education, and women whose ability to work has been compromised by these paltry settlements."

During Tuesday's Question Period, Dexter introduced the case of Stanley Martin, a 74-year old veteran injured in an automobile accident in December 2003 which was not his fault. Mr. Martin's insurer deemed his injuries to be minor and within the cap, though his daily life continues to be affected by his injuries.

"There is a growing body of research-based evidence that shows caps on non-economic loss disproportionately affect women, the elderly, and students. The cases we have presented to the House bear that out."

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