B.C. Premier John Horgan won’t be troubled by the fact his political opponent Andrew Wilkiinson has come out against his latest move: no-fault insurance at ICBC. Jason Payne / PNG files
Opinion: The B.C. premier has rolled the political dice with no-fault auto insurance. The Liberals came out against the idea. That won’t bother Horgan a bit
The move to no-fault auto insurance is one of the boldest by Premier John Horgan’s government to date and, so far, it’s working out just the way he wants.
Horgan said the stunning overhaul of ICBC is all about making sure people injured in car crashes get the medical care they need, while drivers get lower auto-insurance premiums.
But don’t kid yourself: There’s a lot of politics at play here. And you just have to look at the province’s electoral timetable to see it.
The new no-fault system removes the right of car-crash victims to hire a lawyer and sue ICBC for their pain and suffering, except in cases involving criminal conduct like drunk driving.
It’s devastating news for personal-injury lawyers, who say car-crash victims will now get less money than they could win in court.
“They will get nothing for their pain and suffering,” said John Rice, president of the Trial Lawyers Association of B.C.
“We’re talking about people whose lives have been changed forever by catastrophic injuries. Brain injuries. Spinal-cord injuries. Orthopaedic fractures, amputations and burns.
“These people are supposed to trust ICBC now to take care of them for the rest of their lives? No one should be forced to do that.”
It’s a strong argument for the lawyers to make, and you can bet they will make it forcefully as they fight the changes.
But while the government admits ICBC is not exactly the most beloved institution in B.C., they are betting that griping lawyers will receive even less sympathy from the public.
And it looks like the lawyers will have to fight this battle alone, as major organizations representing people injured in car crashes are, so far, backing the government.
As part of the dramatic overhaul, the government announced a new schedule of care benefits that will be paid out to accident victims.
It includes a maximum limit of $7.5 million for medical and rehabilitation services, and many new categories of care like travel-and-accommodation benefits, a caregiver indemnity, lump sums for students who miss school, grief counselling and more.
Medical and disability groups like what they see.
“We’re excited,” said Justina Loh, executive director of the Disability Alliance of B.C. “They’re including more categories and making sure people are fully supported.”
Personal-injury lawyers argue you’ll be at the mercy of ICBC if badly hurt in a crash under no-fault insurance. Their opposition doesn’t have many others taking their side, though, other than Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson.
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The province’s top doctor also backed the government.
“These changes mean better coverage for patients who are injured in traffic accidents,” said Dr. Kathleen Ross, president of Doctors of B.C. “It provides more medical care and more enhanced support for our patients during recovery.”
Securing the backing of medical and disability groups is crucial to the government’s effort to promote these auto-insurance changes, the biggest in ICBC’s history.
It stands in stark contrast to the last time any government tried to introduce no-fault insurance in British Columbia.
That was in the 1990s under another NDP government. Back then, personal-injury lawyers teamed up with disability groups and doctors and forced the government to back down.
This time, the lawyers are on their own. I think they are in for a tough battle, especially if the government can deliver its promised cut to drivers’ insurance premiums.
And that’s where the politics comes in here for the New Democrats, who were worried that rising ICBC rates could drive votes to the B.C. Liberals.
But now the NDP has frozen basic auto-insurance rates for this year, while promising dramatic rate cuts next year.
The new no-fault insurance system — officially called “Enhanced Care” by the government — is scheduled to take effect in May of 2021.
The government says the new system will save so much money in legal costs that drivers will start to see premium cuts immediately.
“When you renew your Enhanced Care coverage policy after May 1, 2021, you will see the full benefit of the savings — an average of $400 or approximately 20 per cent compared to the previous year,” ICBC announced on its website.
What if you renew your insurance before the new system kicks in? No problem, the government says, because you will get a rebate cheque in the mail.
“Customers will receive a pro-rated refund on the portion of their existing insurance policy beyond May 1, 2021,” ICBC announced.
Imagine that! Drivers will be getting 20-per-cent rate cuts and rebate cheques in the mail as 2021 unfolds, all with an election looming in the fall of the year.
The political timing of the reforms look perfect to NDP strategists, who were privately thrilled when Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson came out against the no-fault system.
“No-fault insurance best serves ICBC management, not B.C. drivers,” Wilkinson declared on Twitter.
“I’m standing with B.C. drivers and accident victims after the NDP’s announcement that they’ll be abolishing the right of compensation for pain and suffering if you’re injured in a car accident.”
This is exactly the position the New Democrats hoped Wilkinson would take. They wanted him to go against no-fault so they could paint him as a puppet of the personal-injury lawyers.
As one NDP insider told me: “He took the bait!”
Now watch for the NDP to step on the accelerator.
Their Enhanced Care insurance system will no doubt feature prominently in this Tuesday’s throne speech. Then the government will introduce legislation to establish the new system, and they will be very happy if Wilkinson and the Liberals vote against it.
Now all they have to do is deliver those big ICBC rate cuts next year. If they can do that, Wilkinson and the Liberals might feel like they were snookered by Horgan.
New Brunswick voters have elected a Liberal majority government, tossing out the incumbent Progressive Conservatives after six years in power and handing the reins to the first woman ever to lead the province. Liberal Leader Susan Holt spent much of the campaign rolling out proposed fixes for a health-care system racked by a doctor shortage, overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait-times. She promised to open 30 community health clinics across the province by 2028. (Oct. 22, 2024)
Susan Holt has made history in New Brunswick by becoming the first woman to serve as the leader of the province’s Liberal Party, a significant milestone in the province’s political landscape. Holt’s leadership victory signals a new era of representation, gender equality, and change in the region, which has long been dominated by male politicians.
Holt’s journey to the top has been one of perseverance and dedication. Before entering politics, she built a distinguished career in the private sector, where she held numerous leadership positions. Her experience in business development and public policy has equipped her with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of politics.
In a province where women have historically been underrepresented in politics, Holt’s election represents a watershed moment. Women’s involvement in leadership roles has been steadily increasing nationwide, but New Brunswick, like many parts of Canada, has seen slower progress in achieving gender parity. Holt’s rise to the top of the Liberal Party not only shatters a glass ceiling but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aiming for political leadership.
As the leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, Holt has laid out a vision of inclusivity and progress. Her policies focus on economic development, healthcare reform, environmental sustainability, and addressing social issues that have plagued the province. She has also emphasized the importance of transparent governance and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, making her platform both modern and forward-thinking.
Holt’s leadership arrives at a time when many voters are calling for change, especially in the face of challenges like economic uncertainty and the need for healthcare improvements. She aims to bring fresh ideas to tackle these issues while ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, have a voice in government decisions.
Susan Holt joins the ranks of other trailblazing women across Canada who have led provincial parties and governments. Women like former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Ontario’s Kathleen Wynne have paved the way, and now Holt is contributing to this growing legacy of female political leadership in Canada.
Her achievement highlights not only the growing number of women entering politics but also the demand for leaders who can bring diverse perspectives to the table. In a field often dominated by entrenched traditions, Holt’s election is a step toward a more inclusive and representative political landscape in New Brunswick.
Holt’s leadership signals a broader shift in Canadian politics, where more women and diverse voices are gaining prominence. For young women across the country, her rise serves as a powerful reminder that leadership roles are within reach, even in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
With her election, Susan Holt has proven that perseverance, skill, and a vision for change can break even the toughest barriers. Her leadership will not only reshape New Brunswick’s political future but also inspire others across Canada to pursue leadership positions and continue to challenge the status quo.
NDP Leader Carla Beck has two planned campaign events today, starting the day with an availability in Moose Jaw and then later this evening attending an event in the capital with the Regina Medical Staff Association.
Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe, meanwhile, will speak in Prince Albert at the start of Voting Week in the province.
Saskatchewan residents can vote for five days starting today in the lead-up to next week’s provincial election, although polls won’t be open Sunday.
The NDP and the Saskatchewan Party are urging voters to cast their ballots early.
Voters can find their polling stations on their information cards or by visiting the Elections Saskatchewan website.
Chief electoral officer Michael Boda says there are about 810,000 registered voters in Saskatchewan.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
