BC’s Premier says the province hasn’t decided if it will appeal a Supreme Court ruling that overturned limits on the testimony of medical experts in crash-related court cases.
But speaking on the NL Morning News, John Horgan admitted the ruling is disappointing.
“It means that we have to reboot and take a look at the budget issues of course. Minister James, Carole James will be looking at what the consequences will be for ICBC’s bottom line,” he said. “This decision is going to give us pause, we’re going to have to take stock on how we can best provide insurance for drivers.”
Horgan says the government’s job now will be to work around this latest challenge, while also trying to keep rates for drivers affordable.
He was asked about a claim by the Trial Lawyers Association of BC, who dispute that limiting testimony would have led to $400 million in annual savings.
“If the lawyers are correct, that will be fine, but that’s not the preliminary estimates that we’re getting and that’s not why we made the choices. We made the decision to move in this direction, with the rules of court because the costs were so high,” Horgan added. “If the lawyers can do it for a fraction of the price, then good for them, but that’s certainly not the evidence of the billings that we were receiving.”
Meanwhile, the leader of the BC Liberals is slamming the NDP government for its handling of ICBC.
Andrew Wilkinson pulled no punches while speaking on the NL Morning News when it comes to the car insurance business in the province.
“British Columbians can’t afford the NDP and their idea that ICBC needs to be pumped up with your money is ridiculous,” Wilkinson said. “Nobody else in the world uses the ICBC model for good reason, because it doesn’t work, so why can’t they agree to look at choice for motorists.”
The Opposition leader was asked to respond to claims in Question Period by Attorney General David Eby that his government tried to give away ICBC buildings to lobbyists.
“Well that’s just nonsense,” he replied. “I mean let’s focus on those premiums that people are getting. 230,000 people a month are these invoices in the mail and getting whopping big increases, that’s what it’s all about Mr. Horgan.”
“This is supposed to be about affordability and just like you’ve done with gas prices, you’re busy blaming other people and doing nothing.”
Wilkinson also slammed John Horgan on the monopoly the provincial insurer has.
“The NDP are the ones who prop up ICBC, we say you deserve a choice,” Wilkinson said. “Why can’t you have a choice of how to insure your motor vehicle? Why do you have to slavishly do what David Eby tells you to do and John Horgan says ‘Give me the money or you can’t drive.'”
– With files from Bill Cowen
