“A single major limb amputation is life-changing. It affects mobility, employment, mental health, family life and the ability to live independently. British Columbians facing this level of injury and loss should not be denied catastrophic injury benefits due to outdated definitions or procedural time limits.”
– Sheldon Clare, Conservative MLA for Prince George-North Cariboo
VICTORIA, BC: Sheldon Clare, Conservative MLA for Prince George–North Cariboo, introduced amendments to the Insurance (Vehicle) Act and related regulations to support catastrophically injured British Columbians, particularly those who underwent amputations and experienced delays in diagnosis or accessing benefits.
The amendments address critical gaps in the ICBC injury and benefits regime by:
- Extending the time period within which catastrophically injured individuals can file for accident benefits,
- Expanding the statutory definition of “catastrophic injury” from requiring multiple amputations to include individuals who undergo one or more amputations.
“These changes are about fairness, compassion, and aligning the law with medical reality,” said MLA Clare. “A single major limb amputation is life-changing. It affects mobility, employment, mental health, family life and the ability to live independently.
“British Columbians facing this level of injury and loss should not be denied catastrophic-injury benefits due to outdated definitions or procedural time limits.”
Medical experts have long noted that even a single major limb amputation results in lifelong functional impairment, complex prosthetic needs, significant home and vehicle adaptations and substantial long-term care requirements.
MLA Clare is calling for actuarial modelling and consultation with ICBC, clinical experts, amputee advocates, legal practitioners and the Civil Resolution Tribunal to finalize implementation timelines and ensure amendments are smoothly adopted.
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Media Contact:
Ryan Painter
Communications
Ryan.Painter@leg.bc.ca
