2020 Legislation

The B.C. Government has introduced amendments to the Court of Appeal Act that, if passed, will make the process of filing an appeal easier to understand and more efficient for lawyers and people who are self-represented.

Government is taking steps to create a new fairness officer focused on ensuring ICBC’s decisions, actions and practices are transparent and fair, as the corporation transitions to Enhanced Care coverage on May 1, 2021.

The Interim Supply Bill allows government to continue to fund important programs ahead of tabling Budget 2021.

The Firearm Violence Prevention Act will address public safety concerns of the growing inventory of illegal guns and gang members buying, transporting and possessing real and imitation firearms.

Amendments to the Local Government Campaign Financing Act will strengthen local elections campaign financing rules, and increase accountability and transparency in local elections to ensure people – and not big money – are at the centre of community politics throughout British Columbia.

Proposed amendments to the Real Estate Services Act and financial institutions legislation will transfer responsibility for the regulation of the real estate market to the BC Financial Services Authority and help create a single modern and efficient regulator of the financial services sector, including real estate, in B.C.

The centralization of the Home Owner Grant program will give B.C. homeowners full online and phone application access, and quicker application processing, and will also ensure that those who are eligible for the home owner grant receive it.

Proposed legislative changes will strengthen tenancy laws in B.C., helping to make life more affordable for renters.

Changes to the Workers Compensation Act will provide better support to injured workers and their families and enhance WorkSafeBC’s ability to investigate workplace incidents, while keeping premiums low.

Updates to the Financial Institutions Act and Credit Union Incorporation Act will modernize British Columbia’s regulatory framework and align it with international best practices.

Proposed changes to the Mental Health Act will improve the care and safety of youth under the age of 19 who are experiencing severe problematic substance use by providing short-term voluntary emergency stabilization care following and overdose.

Proposed changes to the Mines Act in B.C. will support an improved permitting process and strengthen government’s ability to hold mines accountable.

New legislation helps confirm supports for people and businesses and responds to the fiscal impacts of COVID-19 by allowing government to run deficit budgets.

The Clean Energy Amendments Act will help make life more affordable for people while leveraging B.C.’s clean electricity advantage to advance low-carbon electrification across the economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The COVID-19 Related Measures Act will extend certain ministerial orders made under the Emergency Program Act (EPA), create regulations that provide protection from civil liability, and introduce two permanent, targeted amendments to the EPA.

Government is proposing amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act (No.2) to offer policy flexibility around the use of decals on licence plates.

Changes to the Wills, Estates and Succession Act will make it easier for British Columbians to make a will, especially during the pandemic.

The amendments to the Strata Property Act and Financial Institutions Act will help stratas better mitigate the rising costs of insurance by bringing more transparency to the strata insurance industry and give strata owners and corporations the tools they need to do their part.

Changes to the Vehicle Insurance Act will introduce a new insurance model, Enhanced Care coverage, that will save drivers an average of 20% or $400 starting in spring 2021.

Changes to the Employment Standards Act will provide five days of paid job leave for workers or their children facing domestic or sexual violence.

This legislation puts into the School Act – for the first time – recognition that school boards can provide before and after school care directly.

The Interim Business Property Tax Relief program gives a tool to local governments to help commercial tenants, particularly small businesses, non-profits and arts and culture organizations starting with the current 2020 tax year.

A new Arbitration Act will modernize B.C.’s domestic arbitration system and improve how British Columbians can resolve their disputes outside court.

This Bill proposes amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act to support road safety and better trained drivers and also includes minor housekeeping amendments to update authorities and clarify rules.