VICTORIA, B.C.: Sheldon Clare, MLA for Prince George – North Cariboo recently introduced Bill M 237 – 2026, Insurance (Vehicle) Amendment Act, legislation aimed at improving fairness and access to benefits for individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries in motor vehicle accidents.

“Constituents in my riding and across the province have brought forward serious concerns about the current definition of catastrophic injury,” said Clare. “In one case, the loss of an entire leg at the hip was not deemed to be a catastrophic injury. There is clearly a flaw with existing legislation. Other Canadian jurisdictions including Ontario define such an injury as catastrophic.”

The proposed bill addresses gaps in the current insurance framework. The goal is to ensure that severely injured individuals are not unfairly limited by definitions. Amendments to the Permanent Impairment Regulation reduce the threshold for qualifying as catastrophically injured. Specifically, the requirement related to amputations is lowered from two limbs to one, allowing more individuals experiencing severe injuries to access enhanced benefits. The bill also retroactively expands the timelines in which an affected individual may apply for the benefit.

“These changes are about restoring fairness to a system that has left many without sufficient resources,” stated Clare. “British Columbians expect their car insurance provider to be there when they have a catastrophic accident; far too many have not been made whole at the very moment when they need support the most.”

Bill M237 should come up for Second Reading later in April.

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Media Contact:
Francesca Guetchev, Press Secretary
Francesca.Guetchev@leg.bc.ca
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