IBC applauds B.C. Limitation Act

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) supports British Columbia’s proposed legislation that will limit civil actions in the province.

B.C.’s Bill 34, the Limitation Act, was tabled in the provincial legislature earlier this week. It simplifies the limits for filing civil lawsuits, establishing a single two-year basic limitation period for all civil claims. It also changes the general 30-year ultimate limitation period to a single 15-year period.

“We believe this change is a positive one for insurance consumers,” commented Lindsay Olson, IBC vice-president of British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. She added the amendments could favourably influence insurance product availability and access.

If passed, the Limitation Act would replace current legislation that dates back to 1975. Other provinces, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick, have modernized their limitations laws.