By Pete McIntyre

‘They just wanted to change the channel:’ MLA comments on proposed ICBC changes

Feb 7, 2020 | 5:17 AM

The Liberal MLA for Vernon-Monashee says the NDP government is just trying to divert attention from their bad decisions.

“They just wanted to change the channel. They’ve done a terrible job on the [Vancouver] Island with forestry and the stand-off on the gas pipeline, and now this is one they’re going to try and change the channel on,” Eric Foster told Vernon Matters.

Foster says proposed changes for the Insurance Corporation of B.C. are at least a year away, and in the meantime, many drivers will be paying much higher rates, some as much as $3,000.

The veteran MLA says the only way rates can be cut by $400 a year — and to balance ICBC’s books — is to stop paying people for injuries, which is what he says they’re proposing to do with this no-fault system.

“But how long is that $400 going to last you if you’re in a car accident and you can’t work?”

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“They’re basically saying unless it’s a catastrophic injury, there is no compensation for pain and suffering. So if you have a life altering-injury instead of getting a settlement, you’re going to have to deal with ICBC every two weeks, or every month, or twice a year. And they haven’t been the best outfit to deal with so that really concerns me,” Foster added.

Foster says the Liberals have been pushing for choice for buying auto insurance like some other provinces have.

“Basically we’re saying this doesn’t do anything to people’s choices as far as buying insurance. And I’ve been a proponent for many years for giving people the option of how they want to buy their insurance.”

The legislation will allow those hurt in a crash to apply for benefits without hiring a lawyer — in what the government says is a care-based insurance system.

The Trial Lawyers Association of B.C. says the move by the government to cut legal costs at ICBC will put injured and vulnerable people at risk.

The association says the government is taking away the legal rights of residents while protecting ICBC management who created the mess in the first place.

(With files from The Canadian Press)

by Pete McIntyre

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