VICTORIA, B.C.: Sheldon Clare, MLA for Prince George–North Cariboo, spoke today at second reading of Bill M237 – Insurance (Vehicle) Amendment Act, 2026, urging the government to end delays and act in the interests of British Columbians who have suffered catastrophic injuries.

Originally introduced in November 2025 as Bill M224 – Insurance (Vehicle) Amendment Act, 2025, the legislation predates the establishment of the Special Committee on ICBC. Despite this, members of the BC NDP, led in opposition to the bill by MLA Stephanie Higginson, have chosen to defer meaningful action, citing ongoing committee work.

“Let’s be clear: this bill was originally introduced before the Special Committee on ICBC even began its work,” said Clare. “British Columbians who have suffered life-altering injuries should not be forced to wait indefinitely while government members hide behind process and delay.”

Clare emphasized that while committee reviews can play an important role, they are inherently time-consuming and do not guarantee action. He pointed to the recent example of the Special Committee on Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, whose recommendations from June 2022 have yet to be fully implemented by government with no certainty that those recommendations will ever be implanted by the BC NDP government.

“Committees can study and recommend, but they do not legislate,” Clare stated. “We have already seen that recommendations can sit idle. Meanwhile, injured British Columbians are left in limbo, waiting for help that may never come.”

The Conservative Opposition underscored the real human impact of continued delay, highlighting the presence of Chantal Sutton of Quesnel, who traveled to Victoria to witness proceedings and advocate for change.

“Ms. Sutton’s presence is a powerful reminder that this is not an abstract policy debate – it’s about real people facing real hardship,” said Clare. “Every day of delay is another day that individuals with catastrophic injuries are denied fairness and left at the mercy of a system that is not working for them.”

The Opposition maintains that immediate legislative action is both necessary and justified, regardless of ongoing committee work.

“Further delay is fairness denied,” Clare concluded. “This Legislature has the ability to act now. We call on the government to stop obstructing progress and support Bill M237 so that British Columbians can finally receive the justice and care they deserve.”

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