Transit-Oriented Areas (TOA) Provincial
Policy Manual Updated
On March 8, 2024, the Provincial Policy Manual: Transit-Oriented Areas was updated in response to concerns expressed by several local governments on the use of the density bonus tool in TOAs. In the short term, the changes will allow local governments to use existing base densities established in their respective zoning bylaws, instead of the minimum allowable densities set out in the TOA regulations, which would limit some local governments in their ability to use the density bonus tool. A further change requires local governments to notify the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure of the final adoption of a bylaw compliant with TOA requirements, and include a final copy of the bylaw. The updated manual is available in the Policy Manuals & Guides section on the Quickscribe Civic Laws platform, and can also be downloaded from the BC government website.

Bill 16 - Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 Introduced
On April 3rd, the BC government introduced Bill 16, the Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, which supports the recent legislative changes intended to increase the supply of housing in BC. According to the government, this bill presents the second phase of this work by providing governments with new authorities that will allow them to continue to secure important outcomes outside of rezonings, increasing transparency and certainty in the development approval process. This will happen in three ways:

1. Establish a new authority for inclusionary zoning that will let local governments require affordable housing and new developments, subject to appropriate financial analysis, consultation and guardrails to ensure homes get built.
2. Provide municipalities with clear authorities to protect tenants who are evicted as a result of redevelopment.
3. Expand local government authorities to secure important site-level infrastructure like wider sidewalks, protected bike lanes and other infrastructure that is important to building complete communities.

BC Court of Appeal Clarifies Law of 
Confidentiality and Indemnification
The BC Court of Appeal’s recent decision in Anderson v. Strathcona (Regional District), 2024 BCCA 23 sheds some light on both the scope of the duty of confidentiality under section 117 of the Community Charter and the principles governing the indemnification of elected officials for their legal fees in connection with the exercise of their powers. The case arose from a decision of the Regional District Board to censure Director Anderson for disclosing confidential Board information to her legal counsel. The alleged improper disclosure occurred in the context of a proceeding that attempted to disqualify Director Anderson for allegedly accepting a gift. Read the full article by Sukh and Nick Falzon on the Young Anderson Barristers & Solicitors newsletter.

BCSC Affirms: Good Faith Local Government Decisions to  
Not Enforce Bylaws Are Immune From Negligence Claims
In Fahr v Schnitzer Steel Canada Ltd., 2024 BCSC 296, the BC Supreme Court affirms that municipalities are not required to enforce bylaws so long as their decision to not undertake enforcement is done in good faith. This decision follows the Court’s prior decisions in Suncourt Homes (2019 BCSC 2258) and Lebourdais (2022 BCSC 281). Specifically, the Court endorsed the statement that “[m]unicipalities will be immune from liability if they contemplate [bylaw] enforcement in good faith, regardless whether action is ultimately taken.”

Background
The defendant, Schnitzer Steel Canada Ltd (“Schnitzer”), operates an automobile wrecking business within the Cowichan Valley Regional District (the “CVRD”). The plaintiffs are neighbours of Schnitzer and complained of “ongoing nuisance causing them property damage, emotional upset and pecuniary loss.”

Read the full article by Josh Krusell with Stewart McDannold Stuart.

Bill 11 – Vancouver Charter Amendment Act Introduced  
Proposed legislative amendments support reconciliation and delivery of social housing for people living in Vancouver. If passed by the legislature, Bill 11, Vancouver Charter Amendment Act, 2024, will recognize First Nations as a level of government that qualify for exemptions from the City of Vancouver’s development cost levy and amenity cost charge for social housing projects built on First Nations-owned land in Vancouver. The bill would grant First Nations and First Nation corporations the same exemptions that are applied to the federal and provincial governments, the City of Vancouver and non-profit organizations. Local First Nations have the potential to be a significant supplier of housing. This amendment is intended to reduce costs for First Nations and create opportunities for development, including new social housing. Read the government news release. 

An Analysis of the Federal Housing Investment
for BC Local Governments
In advance of the 2024 Budget, the Federal Government has announced a significant series of housing-related measures including: a $6 billion infrastructure fund comprised of $1 billion for municipalities for urgent infrastructure needs, and $5 billion to Provinces and territories; additional housing-focused requirements to access a forthcoming public transit fund; $15 billion in additional funding for rental construction; a Canada Builds fund modelled on BC Builds; and a $400 million top-up to the Housing Accelerator Fund. Housing measures announced by the Federal Government this week include: Read the UBCM article.

Province Releases Further Guidance
Around Housing Bills
In our previous articles “Proposed Changes to Eliminate Zoning Barriers and Increase Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing” and “Proposed Legislation to Provide Builders with Transparency and Cost Certainty Upfront”, we detailed the changes proposed by Bill 44: Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023 and Bill 46: Housing Statutes (Development Finance) Amendment Act, 2023. Last month, the Province released Frequently Asked Questions documents for Bills 44 and 46, as well as Bill 47: Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas) Amendment Act, 2023. This article summarizes the government’s guidance around questions it has encountered since the legislation received royal assent late last year. Read the full article by Sarah Jones and Harman Kang with Clark Wilson.

New Legislation Paves the Way for Police Reform
Changes introduced to the Police Act will improve governance and oversight of policing as part of the Province’s work to make systemic improvements to the policing and public safety landscape in B.C. “We count on our police to respond in difficult situations to keep us safe and there are ongoing conversations on how to change policing to keep pace with a changing world, particularly for many Black, Indigenous and other people of minority communities who have had negative experiences with the police,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “By focusing on changes to municipal policing, we are setting the foundation for a modern policing system that is fair, equitable and responsive to all communities.” The legislation makes changes to municipal police governance, oversight and police superintendence. The changes address recommendations from the 2022 Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act and from the 2019 Special Committee to Review the Police Complaint Process, and addresses legislative changes requested by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner. Read the government news release.

Restricted Zoning: the BCCA Confirms Powers to Enact
Rental-Only Bylaws Under the Local Government Act
Last year, in V.I.T. Estates Ltd. v New Westminster (City), 2023 BCCA 183, the British Columbia Court of Appeal (BCCA) dismissed a challenge to a municipal bylaw that restricted zoning to residential rentals. The court found that the impugned rental-only zoning bylaw did not conflict with the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) and was within the jurisdiction of the enacting municipality. Notably, the court also held that the RTA does not confer a right of occupation on owners of residential rental units.

Background
In an effort to preserve rental housing, the City of New Westminster (the City) adopted a bylaw (the Bylaw) that unilaterally rezoned certain residential buildings as “residential rental tenure” such that all units in the buildings could only be lawfully occupied by residential tenants who are unrelated to the owner of the unit. This prohibited owners from occupying their units in these buildings. The City purported to adopt the Bylaw pursuant to the Local Government Act (LGA), which authorizes municipalities to enact rental-only zoning bylaws.

Read the full article by Mark V. Lewis, Alana Walter and Brienne Gloecker with Bennett Jones LLP.

Province Introduces BC Flood Strategy
Last week, the Province introduced From Flood Risk to Resilience: a B.C. Flood Strategy to 2035. The Flood Strategy outlines the Province’s direction for flood management, and includes 25 concepts to improve flood resilience. While the UBCM membership has consistently requested that the Province be established as the diking authority in all local governments, the Flood Strategy confirms that the Province will not assume this role. Read the UBCM article.

UBCM Seeks Intervenor Status for Injunction 
Application Related to Public Consumption
The Union of B.C. Municipalities intends to apply to the B.C. Supreme Court for intervenor status in a lawsuit brought against the Province of B.C. by the Harm Reduction Nurses Association challenging the legality of the Province’s Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act. The act, which received Royal Assent in November 2023 but which has not yet been brought into force, bans the use of illicit drugs in certain public and recreation-focused spaces. Read the UBCM article.

CRA Announces Exemption for Bare Trusts from
New Reporting Rules for 2023
On March 28, 2024, the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) released a statement exempting bare trusts from having to file a T3 Income Tax and Information Return (a “trust return”), including Schedule 15 for the 2023 tax year, unless the CRA makes a direct request. This was an unexpected statement released just before the filing deadline for 2023, which would otherwise have been April 2, 2024. The CRA says that it will work with the Department of Finance over the coming months to further clarify its guidance on the bare trust filing requirement. As of this latest announcement, bare trusts would still be required to file a trust return and Schedule 15 for the 2024 tax year, and for future taxation years thereafter. More details can be found on the CRA’s website. We are closely following developments regarding the bare trust reporting requirement. Read the full article by Rahul Sharma and Katerina Ignatova with Fasken.

3295940 Canada Inc v The King – Federal Court of Appeal 
Overturns GAAR Assessment Based on the Similar
Economic Result of Alternative Transactions
The Federal Court of Appeal (the “FCA”) recently released its decision in 3295940 Canada Inc v His Majesty The King, 2024 FCA 42. This decision is a welcome development in the jurisprudence regarding the application of the General Anti-Avoidance Rule (the “GAAR”) in subsection 245(2) of the Income Tax Act (the “Act”), particularly regarding the scope of the abuse analysis and relevance of alternative transactions.

Background
Gestion Micsau Inc. (“Micsau”) indirectly held a minority interest in a generic drug business (the “Business”). An American investment fund, RoundTable, indirectly held the majority interest in the Business. When Roundtable began negotiations to sell its interest in the Business to a third party, Micsau was forced to also sell its interest.

Read the full article published by Morgan Watchorn with Thorsteinssons LLP.

BC Court of Appeal Adjourns Leave to Appeal 
Arbitral Award in Bankruptcy Dispute
The BC Court of Appeal has adjourned an application for leave to appeal an arbitral award, which concluded that the debt owed by the appellant would not be discharged in his personal bankruptcy. In Brown v. Smithwick, 2024 BCCA 83, Brown challenged the award’s compatibility with s. 178(1)(e) of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, citing a lack of established causal connection between his fraudulent misrepresentations and the debt's creation. Read the full article by Angelica Dino with Canadian Lawyer.

The Importance of Shareholder Participation: CSA Release  
Updated Guidance on Virtual Shareholder Meetings
On February 22, 2024, the Canadian Securities Administrators (the “CSA”) provided updated guidance regarding virtual shareholder meetings (the “2024 Guidance”). The 2024 Guidance is intended to assist reporting issuers in Canada in complying with their obligations under corporate and securities legislation when conducting virtual or “hybrid” (virtual and in-person) shareholder meetings. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, certain corporate statutes in Canada were amended to permit virtual shareholder meetings and include requirements reporting issuers must meet when conducting virtual meetings. In conjunction with these amendments, the CSA released initial guidance in February of 2022 (the “Initial Guidance”) to assist issuers in complying with the amended requirements under corporate legislation. Read the full article by Sydney Kert, Brendan Smith and Matt Prucha (Articling Student) with DLA Piper.

BC 2024 Budget: Provincial Sales Tax (“PST”) Changes
BC announced several proposed tax measures in its 2024 budget (released on February 22, 2024). Included in the long list of proposed changes – the more notable of which were summarized in our recent Tax Alert – are several significant amendments to the BC Provincial Sales Tax Act (“PSTA”). This blog discusses two of those measures:

• Amendments to the PSTA’s software rules with the effect of making many more digital services taxable.
• Amendments to the appeals process, which may potentially lengthen the time it takes to appeal an assessment.

Read the full article published by Zheting Su, Rosemary Anderson and Kimberley Cook with Thorsteinssons LLP.

CSSB Releases Proposed Canadian Sustainability
Disclosure Standards
On March 13, 2024, the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (“CSSB”) released proposed Canadian sustainability disclosure standards (the “CSSB Standards”) that are modelled after the sustainability disclosure standards developed by the International Sustainability Standards Board (“ISSB”). The Canadian Securities Administrators (“CSA”) have welcomed the launch of the consultation on the CSSB Standards and the feedback that the CSSB receives could inform revisions to the CSA’s proposed climate-related disclosure rules (published in October 2021 but currently on hold). Read the full article by Ramandeep K. Grewal with Stikeman Elliott.

Provincial sales tax (PST)

• March 6, 2024
  PST exemptions and documentation requirements has been revised to add information on guide and service dogs. This page and the following bulletins have also been revised to remove gendered terms and outdated language:
  • Bulletin PST 206, Grocery and Drug Stores (PDF, 430KB)
  • Bulletin PST 207, Medical Supplies and Equipment (PDF, 380KB)
  • Bulletin PST 211, Exemptions for Hydroelectric Power Generation (PDF, 320KB)
• March 15, 2024
  The Guide to completing the provincial sales tax (PST) return has been updated to:
  • Clarify that PST returns received by mail are considered on time if they were postmarked on or before the last day of the month following the end of the reporting period
  • Clarify how to convert payments in international currency to Canadian dollars
  • Add information on how to authorize a representative to act on your behalf
• March 20, 2024
  Bulletin PST 301, Related Services (PDF, 400KB), has been revised to correct and clarify the types of charges that must be included in the purchase price of taxable related services.

Motor fuel tax and carbon tax

• March 7, 2024
  Effective April 1, 2024, the carbon tax rates will change. Find the scheduled rate changes on our Carbon tax rates by fuel type page.
  If you're a deputy collector or retail dealer, you must determine your fuel inventory as of the end of day on March 31, 2024 and will be required to report and pay any additional security due by April 15, 2024. Inventory returns must be filed online using eTaxBC. Find out more on our Report and pay additional security when tax rates change page.
• March 12, 2024
  Effective April 1, 2024, large industrial operations that are registered in the B.C. Output-Based Pricing System (B.C. OBPS) will be able to claim an exemption from carbon tax when purchasing or using fuel or combustibles for an exempt facility purpose. For more information, see our B.C. output-based pricing system carbon tax exemption page.
• April 2, 2024
  Bulletin MFT-CT 005, Tax Rates on Fuels, is now web content. Find the new webpage at Motor fuel tax and carbon tax rates on fuels and substances. Please update your bookmarks to the new location on our website. This page has also been updated to reflect the carbon tax rates effective April 1, 2024.
  FIN 467, Certificate of Exemption – B.C. Output-Based Pricing System Registrants (PDF, 180KB), is a new certificate large industrial operations registered in the B.C. Output-Based Pricing System (B.C. OBPS) must provide to the seller at or before the time of purchase to claim an exemption. For more information, see our B.C. output-based pricing system carbon tax exemption page.

Tobacco tax

• March 7, 2024
  Effective for the reporting periods that start on or after February 1, 2024, all tobacco wholesalers must file returns online using eTaxBC. Learn more at Reporting and paying security for tobacco wholesalers.

For more information, visit the BC government website.

BC Securities – Policies & Instruments
The following policies and instruments were recently published on the BCSC website:

• 81-334 – ESG-Related Investment Fund Disclosure (Revised) [CSA Staff Notice]
• 25-311 – Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) Staff Notice 25-311 – 2023 Annual Activities Report on the Oversight of Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization and Canadian Investor Protection Funds

For more information, visit the BC Securities website.

Amendments to the Forest and Range
Practices Act Now in Force
On March 11, additional provisions of 2021 Bill 23, c. 37, the Forests Statutes Amendment Act, 2021 came into force by B.C. Reg. 57/2024. The Bill amended the Forest and Range Practices Act to allow the minister to designate areas of catastrophic damage due to wildfires or natural events, to establish plans for reforesting those areas and to grant relief or funding for establishing free growing stands.

Recent Forestry Legislation Changes
On April 1, amendments were made to forestry-related legislation, particularly the Forest Act and Forest and Range Practices Act, by 2023 Bill 41, c. 43, the Forests Statutes Amendment Act, 2023, which were brought into force by B.C. Reg. 62/2024.
The Forest Act was amended to provide greater discretion to decision-makers when issuing cutting permits and road permits, and authorizing them to request additional information in relation to the issuance of permits and during the term of the permits, as well as impose certain conditions on or refuse a permit. The Forest and Range Practices Act was amended to reflect the changes to the Forest Act and to modify the provisions for administrative penalties and orders for remedial work.

Quickscribe's early consolidations of the proposed 2019 Bill 21, c. 25 amendments to the Forest and Range Practices Act and the proposed 2021 Bill 23, c. 37 amendments to the Act have been updated to reflect the recent changes.

New BC Wildfire Service Open Fire Policy
The BC Wildfire Service has published a new policy on the use of open fire under sections 20 to 24 of the Wildfire Regulation, intended to provide guidance on requirements for the safe use of open fire, including fuel breaks, preventing open fires from becoming out of control, burn registration numbers and documenting extinguishment. Quickscribe Envirofor has BC Wildfire Services policies available, or the policy can be found on the BC government website.

Amendments Coming to the Environmental Management Act:
British Columbia to Introduce More Robust Regulation of the
Decommissioning and Closure of Industrial Facilities
In April 2022, the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change released a discussion paper on its Public Interest Bonding Strategy, an initiative aimed at ensuring that owners of large industrial projects – as opposed to taxpayers – pay for the full costs of environmental clean-up and reclamation, even if projects are abandoned. The strategy was implemented in part due to the recent instances of companies becoming unwilling or unable to complete their environmental clean-up and reclamation activities, highlighting the need to review how the Province approaches financial assurance.

The first phase of the strategy involves a review of financial assurance mechanisms under the Environmental Management Act and the Mines Act, with a focus on the foreseen clean-up and reclamation costs for existing active and new projects that pose a high environmental and financial risk. In the second phase, the unforeseen clean-up costs under a broader range of statutes, including the Land Act, Forest Act, and Environmental Assessment Act, will be reviewed with the aim of improving co-ordination of financial assurance across ministries. Read the full article by Kinsey Furniss and Adam R. Way with Harper Grey LLP.

BC Court of Appeal Confirms the Defence of Statutory Authority
Applies where Aboriginal Fishing Rights are Engaged
On February 26, 2024, the Court of Appeal for British Columbia (the "Court") issued its decision in Thomas v. Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2024 BCCA 62. The underlying trial dealt with claims of nuisance brought by the Saik'uz First Nation and the Stellat'en First Nation (collectively, the "Nechako Nations") against Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. ("RTA") as a result of its operation of the Kenney Dam, a government authorized project, on the Nechako River. A central issue considered by the Court on appeal was whether the defence of statutory authority was available to RTA to avoid liability. The Court concluded that the defence applied in this instance. Read the full article by Dani Bryant, Samuel Geisterfer and Dustin Horvat with Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP.

Federal Impact Assessment in Flux: The Implications
of the Supreme Court's Decision in the
Reference re Impact Assessment Act
On October 13, 2023, Canada's Supreme Court found core components of the federal Impact Assessment Act ("IAA") to be unconstitutional. This is the first time a majority of the Supreme Court has declared any federal environmental legislation unconstitutional in four decades.

Although the final impacts of this decision are far from settled, there are some clear implications for proponents of major energy, infrastructure and mining projects in Canada going into 2024. Read the full article by Liane Langstaff, Stacy Porter and Maggie Sainty with Gowling WLG.

Environmental Appeal Board Decisions
The following Environmental Appeal Board decision was made recently:

Environmental Management Act

• 518235 BC Ltd. dba Xausa Family Trust v. Director, Environmental Management Act [Dismissal Order – Appeal Dismissed]

Visit the Environmental Appeal Board website for more information.

Forest Appeals Commission Decisions
The following Forest Appeals Commission decision was made recently:

Wildfire Act

• Canadian Forest Products Ltd. v. Government of British Columbia [Final Decision – Appeal Dismissed in Part]

Visit the Forest Appeals Commission website for more information.

BC Court of Appeal Upholds Immunity of Nurses from
Personal Liability in Medical Negligence Case
The BC Court of Appeal has upheld the immunity of nurses from personal lawsuits, finding that the Health Authorities Act shields them from suits for the actions they undertook in good faith within their professional duties. The dispute in Manns v. Vancouver Island Health Authority, 2024 BCCA 110 concerns nurses who were involved in the medical care of Erik Michael Manns. In 2017, Erik tragically passed away at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital following complications from pancreatitis. The appeal, initiated by Erik's mother, Paivi Manns, centred around the legal liability of the nurses and the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) under the Health Authorities Act for alleged medical negligence. Read the full article by Angelica Dino with Canadian Lawyer.

BC Cost Recovery Legislation Has Significant Implications for
Product and Service Providers
The Government of British Columbia has announced its intention to facilitate civil suits by provincial and federal governments seeking cost recovery, on an unprecedented scale, for “health-related wrongs” from companies that promote, market and distribute products and services in British Columbia via Bill 12: the Public Health Accountability and Cost Recovery Act (the “Act”). This proposed legislation is scheduled to be debated at second reading when the British Columbia legislature reconvenes in April. The proposed Act expands upon existing cost recovery legislation in British Columbia (and subsequently other provinces in Canada) that is targeted at manufacturers and distributors of tobacco and opioids, including the Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act and the Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act.

Implications of Bill 12
The proposed legislation carries the potential for significant consequences upon targeted companies found liable. Key features include:

Read the full article by Kate Findlay with Aird Berlis LLP.

Pharmacare Promises
Whether the bill leads to anything concrete will depend on the cooperation by the provinces and territories. In two years, maybe three, a lot of people in health policy circles might be wondering what happened to that whole pharmacare thing. Or it might not be that much of a mystery. The initial flurry of bullish press coverage that followed the tabling of Bill 64 – “An Act respecting pharmacare” – was itself followed almost immediately by more caustic commentary questioning whether the bill really represented the sea-change in social policy its proponents said it was. “You see a lot of ‘path-toward’ language in the legislation but I struggled to find anything that looked like a concrete path to a new system,” says Marion Sandilands, a specialist in constitutional law at Conway Litigation. “It’s very limited in terms of what’s on offer and what the federal government is obliged to do.” Read the full article by Doug Beazley with CBA National.

BC Court Dismisses Malpractice Claim against Psychiatrists
Involved in Electroconvulsive Therapy
In a recent decision, the BC Court of Appeal upheld the dismissal of a medical malpractice claim against three psychiatrists regarding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In Rybakov v. Khattak, 2024 BCCA 96, the court found that the plaintiff had argued negligence in administering and communicating the ECT treatments without providing expert evidence to support his claims. Read the full article by Angelica Dino with Canadian Lawyer.

Canada Is Not Yet Ready to Expand Its Medical  
Assistance in Dying Legislation
Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) laws were set to change in March 2024 to include mental disorders. But the federal government has once again delayed implementation until at least March 2027. Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) was legalized in Canada in 2016 and became available to eligible adults with terminal illnesses. In 2021, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) expanded MAID to include people whose natural death was not considered reasonably foreseeable. The 2021 changes came in response to the 2019 Superior Court of Quebec’s decision in Truchon c Procureur général du Canada (Truchon). The Superior Court found the requirement that an individual’s death needed to be reasonably foreseeable to be eligible for assisted dying was unconstitutional and violated both Charter sections 7 and 15. The Court also found the violations were not justified under Charter section 1 (at paras 682-735).

The Current Law
Section 241.1 of the Criminal Code defines MAID as:

Read the full article by Myrna El Fakhry Tuttle with LawNow.

BC Supreme Court Clarifies Proper Parties in
Medical Residency Charter Challenge
The Supreme Court of British Columbia struck a Charter challenge against the Canadian Residence Matching Program Service (CaRMS) and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) regarding the system by which medical school graduates are matched to available residency positions in British Columbia. The challenge was initiated by two Canadian citizens, Oliver Kostanski and Harris Falconer, who graduated from international medical schools and the Society for Canadians Studying Medicine Abroad. They contested the residency matching system that places Canadian or American medical school graduates in one stream and international graduates in another. They argued that this system unfairly limits their opportunities to secure residency positions in BC and subsequently practice medicine. Read the full article by Angelica Dino with Canadian Lawyer.

Changes to the Definition of Strike in the
Labour Relations Code Proposed
On March 11, the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 was introduced. The Bill proposes amendments to a number of laws, including the Labour Relations Code. These amendments would change the definition of "strike" to include picketing by employees under federal or other provincial jurisdiction, which would allow BC workers to legally respect those picket lines.

British Columbia: Minimum Wage Increases
to Be Based on Consumer Price Index
The British Columbia Employment Standards Act (ESA) will soon be amended to provide for an annual adjustment to the minimum wage rate, calculated based on changes in the annual average Consumer Price Index.

The government of British Columbia previously announced that the general minimum wage will be increasing from $16.75 to $17.40 per hour effective June 1, 2024. This represents a 3.9 percent increase, consistent with British Columbia's average rate of inflation in 2023. Moving forward, the ESA will automatically provide for an annual adjustment to the minimum wage equal to the percentage year-over-year change in the All-Items Consumer Price Index for British Columbia. Read the full article by Duncan Burns-Shillington with DLA Piper.

Driving Change: B.C.'s Bill 48 Provides
Clarity to Gig Economy
As the weather warms up and more individuals look to transition to their summer jobs, gig economy workers and providers of gig work platforms should be aware of the changes to the Employment Standards Act (the ESA) and the Workers Compensation Act (the WCA) as a result of British Columbia's Bill 48: Labour Statutes Amendment Act, 2023 (the Act), which received royal assent on November 30, 2023.

There has long been confusion as to the legal standards that apply to gig economy workers, including the question as to whether these workers are subject to the provisions of the ESA and WCA. Bill 48 attempts to provide some clarity to the gig economy by providing a definition for such workers as "online platform workers," which includes all workers who accept and perform prescribed work through an online platform. Read the full article by Shaun Parker, Abigail Omale and Matthew Li with Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.

Repudiation Upheld Thus Valid
Termination Clause of No Effect
In Klyn v Pentax Canada Inc., 2024 BCSC 372, Justice Edelman had a situation where the Defendant failed to honour their own termination clause. The result was that the Defendant could not rely on their otherwise enforceable termination clause and thus the Plaintiff was entitled to common law reasonable notice. This is what the Judge said:

[6] The parties agree on the applicable law. Repudiation is a breach of contract by one party giving rise to the right of the other party to terminate the contract and pursue the available remedies for the breach. A breach is a repudiation of the contract if it is a breach of a contractual condition or of some other sufficiently important term of the contract so that there is a substantial failure of performance (see Potter v. New Brunswick (Legal Aid Services Commission), 2015 SCC 10 at paras. 144-145).

Read the full article by Barry Fisher, published on Barry Fisher's Employment Law Blog.

Check-in on Card Check: British Columbia Sees
20-Year Record in Union Organizing Activity
After amending the Labour Relations Code (the "Code") in 2022 to allow for automatic card-check certification, 2023 saw the highest number of union certification applications in British Columbia since 2001.

B.C. Labour Relations Board's Annual Report Proves the Deck is Stacked in Favour of Unions
The NDP's 2022 amendments to the Code re-introduced single-step "card-check" certification in the province. This system permits automatic certification of a union without a representation vote where the union can demonstrate support of 55% or more of the employees in a bargaining unit. For details on the full amendments, see our initial blog here. Based on the Board's recent data, our prediction that the amendments would "stack the deck" in favour of unions has proven correct.

Read the full article by Kris R. Noonan, Justina Sebastiampillai and Cameron Penn with Stikeman Elliott LLP.

Remote Worker Dismissed Over Vaccination
Status Denied EI by Federal Court
In Spears v. Canada (Attorney General), 2024 FC 329, the employee, a public servant, was dismissed for misconduct after failing to comply with her employer's Covid-19 Vaccination Policy, despite her status as a remote worker. Her subsequent application for employment insurance ("EI") benefits was denied. After two failed appeals, the employee brought the matter before the Federal Court on judicial review. On February 28, 2024, the Federal Court dismissed her application, thereby affirming the original decision to deny her EI benefits. Read the full article by Sharon Canete and Daniel E. Attwell with Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP.

Fired BC Worker Gets 18 Months' Pay,
$25,000 Punitive Damages
"It's really important for employers to be fair in the way that they treat employees, including upon termination, and one of the things that's fundamental in treating an employee fairly is to adhere to the terms of the contract that you have with them."

So says Natalia Tzemis, an employment lawyer at Harris and Company in Vancouver, after a British Columbia court ordered an employer pay a fired worker nearly $500,000 for 18 months' pay in lieu of notice and $25,000 in punitive damages. Read the full article by Jeffrey R. Smith in the Canadian HRReporter.

Changes to Commercial Transport Act
2024 Bill 10, the Commercial Transport Amendment Act, 2024, came into force on March 14, and amended the Commercial Transport Act to increase the maximum penalties for commercial truck drivers who commit offences under the Act. The amendments will allow courts to impose fines up to $100 000 and prison sentences up to 18 months for violations.

Speed Limiting Devices to Become Mandatory
on Heavy B.C. Commercial Trucks
The British Columbia Transportation Ministry says commercial trucks above a certain weight will soon be required to be fitted with technology to limit how fast they travel on provincial roadways.

The ministry says the "speed-limiter devices" will be mandatory on April 5 for commercial trucks weighing more than 11,793 kilograms and if they were built after 1994.

An information bulletin from the Transportation Ministry says the technology will limit vehicles fitted with the devices to 105 kilometres per hour.

The ministry says the new requirement stems from amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act announced last year, and drivers found without a device or one that's improperly programmed will face a fine. Read the BIV article.

Clarity About Road Ownership and Access
Vital to British Columbians
Who owns this road? Who can use it? These are critically important questions, especially in rural and remote areas.

In a new report, Ombudsperson Jay Chalke calls on the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) to address problematic road legislation that has real-life consequences for many British Columbians.

"This legislation continues to give rise to problems and disputes between neighbours, private citizens and government," said Ombudsperson Jay Chalke. "It needs to be fixed, to protect the public interest and address an ongoing injustice."

Complaints examined in the Ombudsperson's report, On the Road Again, arose from the peculiar operation of section 42 of the Transportation Act, which states that in some cases, when public money is spent on maintenance, roads on private property can automatically be deemed to be public. Read the full article from the Office of the Ombudsperson.

BC Supreme Court Clarifies Civil Resolution Tribunal's
Authority Over Minor Injury Claims
In a recent ruling, the BC Supreme Court has clarified the jurisdiction and authority of the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) over claims that relates to a minor injury.

The dispute in Hauck v Kiem, 2024 BCSC 388 arose from a motor vehicle accident. The plaintiff sued the defendant, claiming damages for pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of employment income, loss of ability and opportunity to earn income, loss of housekeeping capacity and special damages. Read the full article by Angelica Dino in the Canadian Lawyer magazine.

A B.C. Class Action May Prompt Uber and Lyft to Ensure
Accessible Services for Wheelchair Users
For wheelchair users, travelling by using ride-hailing apps, like Uber and Lyft, can be complicated. On March 20, a class action was announced against Uber and Lyft in British Columbia for allegedly not providing service to a wheelchair user. One of the goals of the class action is to bring about systemic change to the companies' practices.

In the United States – where my research into ride hailing apps took place – lawsuits by wheelchair users or disability organizations against the companies are all too familiar. Sometimes, the outcomes of the suits resulted in payments to riders who were not provided service due to their use of wheelchair. Read the BIV article.

B.C. Opening New Rest Stop for
Commercial Truck Drivers
Site has parking for over 100 commercial trucks, includes washrooms, security cameras
The federal government and British Columbia are providing commercial long-haul drivers travelling through the Lower Mainland with a new place to stop and rest.

The provincial government is opening the North Surrey Truck Parking Facility on March 28. The new facility is on Highway 17, about 600 metres east of the Port Mann Bridge.

Ottawa contributed to the project as part of a larger $109-million investment that also includes funding for the widening of the Trans-Canada Highway 1 between 216th and 264th streets. This initiative is funded through the New Building Canada Fund's Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component, National and Regional Projects. Read the full article by Jim Wilson in the Canadian Occupational Safety magazine.

CVSE Bulletins & Notices
The following documents were posted recently by CVSE:

• Bulletin 07-2023 – Over-height Regulations, Speed Limiters and In-Cab Warning Devices – Updated with FAQ
• NSC Bulletin 02-2023 – Publication of Carriers Cancelled for Cause

For more information on these and other items, visit the CVSE website.

Passenger Transportation Board Bulletins
The following updates were recently published by the BC Passenger Transportation Board:

News and Updates

• Update on climate change programs and initiatives
  The scale of the climate emergency demands urgent action. Responding to climate change is a significant priority for the B.C. government. The Passenger Transportation Board (Board) continues to review its policies and procedures to ensure they support the government's climate change programs and initiatives. The following initiatives are a few of those currently being undertaken by the Province and the Board. Read the full notice.
• 2024 Vancouver Cruise Ship Schedule for Transportation Network Services and Taxi Companies
  Transportation Network Service (TNS) operators are reminded to review the terms and conditions (T&C) of their licence as the 2024 cruise ship season begins in Vancouver. Read the full notice.

Applications Received

• 19458-24 – Transfer from Penticton Yellow Taxi Ltd. to Penticton Klassic Kabs Ltd.
• 19576-24 – Skeena Taxi Ltd.
• 19666-24 – Tutt Bros Transportation Ltd.
• 19525-24 – Hoodoo Adventure Company Ltd.

Application Decisions

• 19904-24 – Robert Charles Darwin and Leticia Natalie Darwin (This Rides for U Wheelchair Services) [Approved]
• 19528-24 – Coquitlam Taxi (1977) Ltd. [Approved]

Visit the Passenger Transportation Board website for more information.

Permanent Disability Evaluation Schedule – Range of Motion  
Method and Disabilities of the Spine
from WorkSafeBC:
Our Policy, Regulation and Research Department (PRRD) is releasing a discussion paper on the Permanent Disability Evaluation Schedule – Range of Motion Method and Disabilities of the Spine to stakeholders for comment. Following concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the reliability and validity of the range of motion (ROM) method for measuring permanent disabilities involving the spine, a systematic review on the appropriateness of the ROM method and other diagnostic approaches was undertaken. Read the full WorkSafeBC news release. 

National Safety Council Releases New   
Opioid Prevention Initiatives
Thanks to the National Safety Council (NSC), employers now have more resources that can help them address the issue of opioid misuse in the workplace. The nonprofit has launched several new initiatives to combat overdose in the workplace. "Workplace overdose deaths are occurring at devastating rates, and we know more can be done to save lives,” said Lorraine Martin, president and CEO of the NSC. “By providing essential tools, resources, and education, we can empower workplaces to be prepared, resilient, and ultimately save lives. We implore employers to join NSC in stocking these medications at all worksites." Read the full article by Jim Wilson with Canadian Occupational Safety.

OHSR Guidelines Updated (March 14):
from Worksafe BC:
The following guidelines were revised:

• Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents
  G5.48-5 Welding fumes
• Part 12 Tools, Machinery and Equipment
  G12.124 Respiratory protection during specific short duration welding, burning, or similar operations and during emergency work

New and revised guidelines are posted for a 60-day preliminary period, during which time the stakeholder community may comment and request revisions. Visit Worksafe BC for these and other guideline updates.

Public Consultation on the Permanent Disability Evaluation Schedule –
Range of Motion Method and Disabilities of the Spine
from WorkSafe BC
Following concerns raised by stakeholders about the range of motion (ROM) method for measuring permanent disabilities involving the spine, a systematic review on the appropriateness of the ROM method and other diagnostic approaches was undertaken. Overall, the systematic review found that all assessment methods were weak, and that there was no preference for one instrument over another. This consultation is to determine whether this issue should remain on the current workplan. Our Policy, Regulation and Research Department is releasing a discussion paper on the Permanent Disability Evaluation Schedule – Range of Motion Method and Disabilities of the Spine, for public consultation. You’re invited to provide feedback until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024.

BOD Decision: Cancer as a Compensable Consequence
from WorkSafe BC:
On February 6, 2024, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved changes to Item C3-22.40, Compensable Consequences — Certain Diseases and Conditions, in the Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual, Volume II. Amendments were made to policy on cancer as a compensable consequence to reflect current medical and scientific literature. The amended policy applies to all decisions made on or after June 1, 2024, respecting claims for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2014. You can also review the complete Resolution.

Crane Safety Improvements
Needed in British Columbia
In the wake of a series of incidents involving tower cranes in British Columbia, the state of crane safety in the province has come under intense scrutiny. "When we look at the recent spate of unfortunate events relating to tower cranes, they are extremely concerning," says Clinton Connell, executive director of BC Crane Safety. There were two incidents within four days in January, and fortunately nobody was hurt. But a third incident in February caused the death of 41-year-old mother of two Yuridia Flores. A rally was held on Friday [March 15] calling for justice and better safety conditions. Read the full article by Shane Mercer with Canadian Occupational Health & Safety.

Bill 14 – New Renter and Landlord Protections  
Bill 14, Tenancy Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, introduces changes to the Residential Tenancy Act and the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act intended to protect renters from bad-faith evictions and unfair rent increases, provide landlords with more flexibility and clearer guidelines for ending a tenancy with justified cause, and expedite the dispute resolution process. The changes include:

Protection Fund, Bill of Rights for Renters Coming;
'Renters Matter,' Trudeau Says
A federal government announcement that rental history could be used on a credit score is a "gamechanger" for those who have been faithfully paying their rent for years, said a longtime advocate of the idea. Jackee Kasandy, CEO of the Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Canada Society, said getting funding from banks remains a challenge for longtime renters like her, unlike homeowners who can put up property as collateral. "I've rented successfully for 20 years. Why doesn't that count?" Kasandy said. "I've always asked that question."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the plan Wednesday [March 27], along with other supports for renters, including a renters protection fund and a bill of rights. Read the BIV article.

Bill 15 – New Rules For Housing Speculators
On April 3rd, the government introduced Bill 15, Budget Measures Implementation (Residential Property (Short-Term Holding) Profit Tax) Act, 2024. According to the government, the intent of this bill is to take action against speculators that use housing only to turn a quick profit. This Bill imposes tax on income from the disposition of specified residential property located in British Columbia. The tax will apply in respect of dispositions, made on or after January 1, 2025, of a beneficial interest in property with a housing unit, or in property that is zoned for residential use, or of a right to acquire such property. The tax is payable at a rate of 20% if the disposition occurs one year or less after the taxable property was acquired. If the disposition occurs between one and 2 years after the taxable property was acquired, tax is payable at a rate that declines in proportion to the length of time the taxable property was held. No tax is payable in respect of income from a disposition that occurs more than 2 years after the taxable property was acquired. This Bill also does the following:

• provides rules for calculating taxable income and net taxable income;
• provides for a tax deduction of up to $20 000 in respect of a disposition of a person's primary residence;
• provides for exemptions from the tax, including exemptions for particular life circumstances and in respect of additions to the housing supply;
• establishes rules for the administration and enforcement of the tax.

Lien Claimants Beware: Inflated  
Claims of Liens Can Cost You
Pursuant to the Builders Lien Act, SBC 1997, c. 45 (the “Act”), a contractor, subcontractor, or worker is entitled to a lien for the price of the work or materials that they provided to a project, to the extent the price remains unpaid. However, what happens if a lien claimant knowingly files a lien far in excess of the amount actually owed to it? Recently, in 601 Main Partnership v Centura Building Systems (2013) Ltd., 2024 BCCA 76, the BC Court of Appeal addressed the circumstances in which an inflated and improper lien will constitute an abuse of the court’s process, and the consequences that follow. Read the full article by Dan W. Melnick with Clark Wilson LLP.

Expanded Exemptions from Property Transfer Tax:  
A Welcome Change for Homebuyers
On February 22, the Provincial Government introduced Budget 2024, which made several significant tax changes focused on housing. Beginning April 1, 2024, changes will apply to the province’s Property Transfer Tax (the “PTT”) exemptions to benefit both first-time homebuyers and investors.

First-Time Homebuyers’ Exemption
Whenever property is transferred in British Columbia, it is subject to PTT unless the transfer qualifies for one of the exemptions offered by the province. Before the changes introduced by Budget 2024, qualifying first-time homebuyers could claim an exemption for homes with a fair market value of $500,000 or less. The changes implemented will increase that amount to $835,000, meaning qualifying purchasers will see an elimination of PTT on the first $500,000 of the purchase price of their first home. A partial exemption on homes with a fair market value of between $835,000 and $860,000 will be available for qualifying purchasers.

Read the full article by Kyle Ramsey with Pushor Mitchell LLP.

BC Supreme Stays Construction Dispute Claims in
Favour of Arbitration Agreement
The BC Supreme Court has deferred to arbitration and ordered a stay of a construction dispute arising from a significant construction project for a marine terminal berth at a natural gas liquefaction and export facility in Kitimat, BC. The project, undertaken by LNG Canada Development Inc. on a site leased from Rio Tinto Alcon Inc. and executed by the joint venture JGC-Fluor, faced legal challenges from another joint venture, Besix-Vanpile, over increased construction costs due to various issues, including hazardous waste discovery and the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full article by Angelica Dino with Canadian Lawyer.

BC Introduces Bill for First Nations
Land Acquisition, Holding Rights
The British Columbia's government has introduced a bill that would give federally recognized First Nations the legal right to acquire and hold land in the province. BC's Ministry of Indigenous Relations says in a statement that the changes to land title and property laws would allow First Nations to register at the land title office, "reducing discriminatory and racist barriers" for them to own land. The statement says First Nations in the province are currently not able to acquire, hold or dispose of land in their own names unless "enabled by specific legislation" such as a treaty. It means that First Nations without those pathways would need to set up corporations or alternative arrangements for land acquisition and holding purposes. Read the BIV article.

Do Standard Bylaws Change? 

Dear Tony:

Is there a chance that the Strata Property Act Standard Bylaws will ever change? It would significantly reduce the number of agreements we would require for owners to be responsible for the changes owners are making for EV charging, heat pumps, furnace conversions and balconies. We are a mix of an apartment style building and 22 townhouses and the bylaws don’t fit our type of strata very well. We are developing a very detailed set of bylaws and are concerned if there are any changes to the Standard Schedule of bylaws that we may have to go back to the drawing boards. – William T.

Dear William:

The Schedule of Standard Bylaws of the Strata Property Act are a placeholder set of bylaws that apply to every strata corporation in BC. If a strata corporation has never adopted any amendments, the Standard Bylaws automatically apply. The common practice when a strata corporation adopts a detailed set of bylaws designed for their unique strata corporation, is to repeal the Schedule of Standard Bylaws. By repealing the placeholder set, any future changes or amendments would not apply.

Read the full article by Tony Gioventu on Condo Smarts, published by CHOA.