On May 1st 2021, British Columbia’s publicly-owned auto insurer moved towards a no-fault auto insurance system. The Canadian Defence Lawyers organization presents a webinar to discuss the impact of the move on their BC members. We are here to support our BC clients during this time of transition and beyond, and are happy to sponsor and attend the program titled: The Sky is NOT falling: The Move to No-Fault Auto Insurance in British Columbia.
In June 1990, Ontario introduced a no-fault scheme via the Ontario Motorist Protection Plan (OMPP), followed by a complex no-fault schedule on January 1, 1994 via Bill 164, which drastically changed the first party benefits legislation for auto insurance and ushered in a new practice area for many lawyers in the province. Philippa Samworth, insurance defence (Accident Benefits) expert at Dutton Brock LLP in Ontario, was retained by the Ministry of Finance of Ontario as a consultant to provide analysis and technical advice to the Ministry on its preparation and drafting of the new Automobile Insurance Legislation – Bill 59 – and its regulations. As British Columbia transitions to the new “Enhanced Care Model”, CDL invited Miss Samworth to provide some guidance and lessons learned from the Ontario experience with Accident Benefits, and explore the following areas:
- What was Ontario’s experience in ’91 (OMPP) and ’94 (No Fault)?
- How did it change the insurance defence practice – transition from court to tribunal; oral to written etc.?
- What role does the lawyer play in the tribunal system?
- How did lawyers position themselves to succeed in the new system?
Philippa Samworth is joined on the virtual podium by co-chairs Alison Hopkins of Sound Law LLP and Elizabeth Harris of Morelli Chertkow LLP.
Canadian Defence Lawyers (CDL) in a Canada-wide organization representing the interests of civil defence lawyers. They offer members from coast to coast to coast opportunities to unite over common issues. They provide civil defence lawyers with a national perspective, quality defence-specific education and networking opportunities.