Insurance companies must be reined in as Irish Rose Pub set to become latest victim of gouging

TORONTO — York South—Weston NDP MPP Faisal Hassan said insurance companies need to be regulated to stop them from using COVID-19 as an excuse to gouge small businesses and deny claims and coverage. Hassan’s call comes as The Irish Rose Pub on Weston Road, a valued community establishment for over 28 years, faces ruin thanks to insurance companies.

Pub owner Jaqueline McConnell was given just days’ notice by her insurer that it would no longer provide coverage. Scrambling for another insurer, McConnell said quotes came in four times higher than the pub’s existing premiums.

“Like The Irish Rose, many business owners in Ontario are faced with impossible choices during this pandemic, struggling to make it through. We have to put an end to the pandemic price gouging that is crushing small businesses, family-owned establishments, and community organizations,” Hassan said. “It’s time to put people ahead of greedy corporations that gouge in the name of the pandemic with tough, fair regulations.”

McConnell says the insurer’s short notice puts them in a desperate situation.

“As a family we realize we may be forced to close our doors. We value and believe that we are all in this pandemic together. It is unfortunate that the insurance industry doesn't seem to support this motto,” McConnell said.

Andrea Horwath and the NDP have released a complete Save Main Street plan, which calls for regulation to prevent insurance companies from using COVID-19 as an excuse to jack-up rates or deny coverage. That includes ensuring that insurance companies properly pay out business interruption claims.

“We need to protect every small business, every entrepreneur and every job during this incredibly difficult time,” said Hassan.