BC Driving Crackdowns and New Income Support for Canadians
Each month Spraggs Law publishes Vancouver Legal News, a curated selection of articles about legal issues being discussed in the news. This month we start off with cautionary reminders about driving laws in BC and local COVID-19 related updates affecting jobs, income, and small businesses.
Provincial Mandates on Winter Tires, and Driving Crackdowns in BC
Winter Tires Become a Must Have
As of October 1st until April 30th, the province mandates the use of winter tires on all non-commercial and recreational vehicles, and winter tires or tire-chains for all licensed GVW commercial vehicles using the Malahat and other high-elevation, provincial routes listed here.
No Earbuds While Driving
Most drivers are aware by now that it’s illegal to use your phone or other electronic devices while driving, but what about wearing earbuds? According to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, wearing earbuds while driving (even if attached to a device that is not in operation) is still considered “using an electronic device while driving.” You can read more about the case involving a Vancouver driver here.
Port Coquitlam Driving Crackdowns
Slow down and observe the speed limits, especially around schools, parks, residential and shopping areas. Port Coquitlam is cracking down on speeders after recent data collected revealed drivers neglecting to slow down in pedestrian-heavy areas.
Bonus Links:
The TranBC website outlines how to choose winter tires for your vehicle.
Local Businesses Brace for Second Wave While CRA Introduces New Temporary Income Support Programs
Businesses Struggling to Stay Afloat
The official arrival of Autumn has small business owners bracing for the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19, forcing many to close up shop indefinitely. Even as things are now, a significant number of Vancouver’s small businesses are struggling to keep their doors open.
MEC Employees Fired Without Severance
Following MEC’s acquisition by the American investment firm, Kingsway Capital Management, some employees have found themselves out of work and without severance pay.
Canada Revenue Agency Rolled Out Three New Income Support Programs
While CERB came as a relief to Canadians experiencing job disruption due to COVID-19, Canadians who remain employed have been falling through the cracks when a sudden illness or self-quarantine measures require their unpaid absence from work.
Suppose you are one of many Canadians facing income loss due to temporary illness or caring for an immediate family member that is sick or self-quarantining due to COVID-19. In that case, you may be eligible to receive one of three new temporary income support benefits recently rolled out by the Canada Revenue Agency.
Bonus Links:
After CERB: Transitioning to new benefits – Canada.ca
What Do You Think?
What do you think about these local updates on driving crackdowns, COVID-realated matters and other stories? If you have any questions about ICBC claims, or personal injury for the team at Spraggs, we’d love to hear from you. Contact one of our lawyers in Vancouver today. We offer free, no-obligation initial consultations.
Please note: This article does not contain legal advice. If you would like advice on your specific situation, please contact Spraggs Law.