The B.C. government introduced the Attorney General Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2025 in the legislature on Tuesday, proposing changes to strengthen child protection services and clarify ICBC’s health care reimbursements to the Province.
The bill updates the Public Guardian and Trustee Act to better protect children for whom the Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) acts as property guardian. The amendments aim to provide a more consistent and comprehensive legal framework, improving clarity and information-sharing, while addressing gaps in current legislation. The updates ensure that children receiving child and family services—from either the Province or Indigenous service providers—have access to PGT support where needed.
The legislation also proposes significant amendments to the Insurance (Vehicle) Act. Since the 1970s, ICBC has reimbursed the Province for health-related costs from vehicle accidents. The proposed amendments confirm this practice through a valid retroactive tax, preventing litigation from forcing the Province to repay past reimbursements. Courts have upheld retroactive taxation as a constitutional tool in similar cases.
No additional funds will be collected from ICBC or drivers, and the change does not impact accident benefits or basic insurance rates. Moving forward, ICBC will no longer reimburse the government, as the Province explores new models for funding health-related costs linked to vehicle accidents.
This new legislation builds on past reforms, including 2021 updates validating previous reimbursement agreements and 2020 legislation ensuring ICBC surpluses remain with the insurer for the benefit of B.C. drivers.
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