What’s New: In Brief (November 18, 2009)

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is cautioning that current conditions in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley are similar to those that led to floods of the Fraser Valley in 2003 and 2007.
The provincial, federal and municipal governments have made significant investments in flood protection since 2007, but it’s not known whether the improved dykes, berms and bridges will be enough to prevent widespread flooding, IBC said.
“What that in mind, it’s important for homeowners to make sure that floods won’t put their property in danger,” said Lindsay Olson, IBC’s vp British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
“Preventative action is especially important because any damage caused by overland flooding or water seeping into the residence cannot be covered by home insurance.”

To prevent the crashes that kill an average of 424 British Columbians each year, the province is moving ahead with an aggressive road safety campaign.
“The cost of road crashes to individuals and families is immeasurable, with hundreds dead every year and another 4,000 seriously injured,” Solicitor General Kash Heed said.
The most recent means of reducing accidents is through the implementation of only hands-free cell phone use, which will be implemented on Jan. 1, 2010.
Those in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) will not be able to use cell phones at all, including hands-free.
A fine of $167 will be levied for violations.