ICBC Updates, Real Estate News and Three Harassment and Discrimination Cases
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 recent ICBC updates and a class-action lawsuit, followed by local real estate news, wrapping up with three different harassment and discrimination cases involving victims from vastly different age groups.
ICBC Updates and Conundrums
No more line-ups or license plate decals!
Many British Columbians are pleased to learn that they can renew their automobile insurance online (and in advance) as of this month.
Mismanaging victims’ benefits
ICBC is accused of wrongfully giving portions of victims’ benefits to MSP, sparking a $900 million class-action lawsuit.
Slow down and take heed of speed traps!
Warmer weather and more favourable driving conditions often translate into more speeding (and, consequently, preventable speed-related accidents). So ICBC is warning drivers to slow down while B.C. police officers crackdown on drivers exceeding speed limits this month.
Good news for injured cyclists and pedestrians
Imagine being required to pay for the damage your body caused to a vehicle that hit and injured you? While it doesn’t sound like something that would happen in Canada, that’s what happened to a Vancouver cyclist who was billed over $3K before ICBC redacted the charges.
Is ICBC doing enough?
Depending on the severity of a collision, the aftermath often includes medical treatment, collision investigations, automobile repairs and accommodating victims with a rental vehicle. For B.C. drivers, these things are typically arranged through ICBC. However, ICBC is under fire for what a Vancouver accident victim claims are unacceptable delays and lacklustre responsiveness.
Local Real Estate Updates
House prices are still high despite receding sales
B.C. home prices are holding steady this month despite a significant decrease in home sales last month compared to April 2021. The decline in sales is surmised to be due, at least in part, to rising interest rates, while the steadfast house pricing is due to more demand than supply.
Buying and selling considerations
Moneywise Canada outlines how to avoid making costly real estate mistakes whether you’re buying or selling a home in Canada.
They did what?
What happens when a local government sells a citizen’s property without notifying the homeowner? Unfortunately, the Township of Spallumcheen is finding out the hard way, and it will cost them.
Discrimination and Harassment Cases and Concerns
Three different harassment and discrimination cases
Harassment and discrimination affect people of all ages, races, genders, socioeconomic statuses and abilities, as reflected in these local and recent cases:
One recent harassment lawsuit example involves a 13-year-old Canadian athlete who felt forced out of her sport due to the verbal and physical abuse that she alleges she and her teammates sustained from two adult coaches.
Another recent case involves a 35-year-old former Delta police officer whose bullying and harassment complaints that led her to resign went unaddressed until further investigation revealed the inappropriate conduct of two colleagues.
And yet another ongoing case illustrates an ageism complaint made to the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal by the former employee of a Luxury Condominium strata in Richmond. The claimant insists she was demoted due to her age before being replaced by a much younger employee whom she was asked to train.
What Do You Think?
What do you think about these updates affecting citizens, employers, homeowners, and renters across Canada? If you have questions about employment law, family law, or your rights as a tenant or landlord for our team at Spraggs Law, we’d love to hear from you. Contact one of our lawyers in Vancouver today.
