A new B.C.-based coalition will take the lead in advocating for increased choice and free-market competition for ridesharing in this province. Ridesharing Now BC is made up of eight major B.C. organizations in the tech, business, and the not-for-profit sectors.
The coalition’s anchor members include Vancouver Board of Trade, BC Business Council, Vancouver Economic Commission, BC Chamber of Commerce, Urban Development Institute, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Finger Food Studios, Lyft, and the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association.
Ridesharing Now BC will immediately begin a letter writing campaign to MLAs, calling on them to legislate a distinct framework allowing for a competitive ridesharing industry that can deliver much needed choice to B.C. passengers.
“British Columbians want choice. We’ve all suffered through lengthy waits for taxis with no other option for getting from point A to point B,” said coalition spokesperson Ian Tostenson. “Politics, rather than public opinion, is driving the decision-making in Victoria. Right now, the B.C. government appears to be moving toward a model that would simply replace the taxi monopoly with a one-app monopoly that favours taxis. That’s not the ridesharing British Columbians want and expect, and it won’t add choice for passengers.”
The coalition is encouraging members of the public to visit their website www.ridesharingnow.com and sign a letter to their MLA.
“We shouldn’t take it for granted that companies like Lyft and Uber will inevitably come to B.C.,” said Tostenson. “Government sets the conditions that will encourage a broad range of ridesharing companies to set up shop here. The only way they can fulfill their promise to British Columbians and increase choice for passengers is by bringing in a separate set of rules that allow every ridesharing company a chance to be successful. Let the public decide from there.”
NEW parents, don’t forget to take advantage of the many benefits and credits available that can be a big boost to your family budget.
How do you apply?
Use the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) to automatically apply for child benefits when registering the birth of your new baby. If you live in a province or territory that has ABA and you register the birth, you will automatically be applying or registering for:
the Canada child benefit (CCB)– A tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children. You could get up to $6,400 per year for each eligible child under 6 years old and up to $5,400 for each eligible child from 6 to 17 years old.
the goods and services tax / harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit – A tax-free quarterly payment of up to $560 per year and an additional $147 annually per child, made to eligible individuals and families with low and modest incomes to offset all or part of the GST/HST that they pay.
related provincial/territorial programs that are administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – Most provinces and territories also have child and family benefits and credits, which eligible individuals and families can get in addition to the CCB and the GST/HST credit.
Use My Account or the MyBenefits CRA web app to find out when your next CCB payment will be made and how much it will be.
Other benefits and credits
Child disability benefit – A tax-free benefit for eligible families who care for a child under 18 who is eligible for the disability tax credit. The child disability benefit is paid monthly along with the Canada child benefit.
Working income tax benefit (WITB) – A refundable tax credit that provides tax help for working low-income individuals and families. Eligible individuals and families may be able to apply for WITB advance payments, which are paid quarterly.
VANCOUVER Police are investigating after a 51-year-old man was found in serious medical distress in front of the Astoria Hotel in the Downtown Eastside on Tuesday night.
Police and BC Ambulance were called on February 6 at around 11:30 p.m. to East Hastings Street near Hawks Avenue by a passerby who discovered an unconscious man. He was rushed to hospital where he is in critical condition.
Based on the information collected so far, it appears the victim had been in physical altercation and may have hit his head as result. The suspect, a 42-year-old Vancouver man, was arrested at the scene and has been released pending further investigation.
Detectives from Vancouver Police’s Major Crime Section are searching for additional witnesses and video. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Eric Basran in action against Poland’s Maciej Jozwik.
Photos: Boxing Canada
Eric Basran (left) in action against Poland’s Maciej Jozwik. Photos: Boxing Canada
SURREY’S Eric Basran on his way to the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, April 4-15, defeated Poland’s Maciej Jozwik in the 56 kg category at the Club de Boxe de l’Est in Montreal recently.
Team Canada stepped into the ring against Poland on January 26 and 28 as part of a Dual Match, an international Olympic-style boxing competition where various countries will be invited each year to challenge the Canadian delegation. For its 1st edition, Canada welcomed Poland.
After a week-long training camp, eight international bouts were on the card for the first of two boxing events and Team Canada won five of them, including the one in which Basran won 3-0.
Eric Basran declared the winner.
The boxers had the opportunity for a rematch two days later. Due to a few injuries, six bouts were on the card for the rematch and Team Canada won five of them, including the one in which Basran 3-0 again.
Boxing Canada said that overall, the first edition was a great success as Team Canada claimed 10 victories over a total of 14 bouts. It was a great preparatory event for the boxers who will take part in the 2018 Canadian Championships in March or the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in April.
The VOICE had reported last December that Basran is one of seven boxers nominated by Boxing Canada to represent Canada at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Basran won gold at the Canadian National Boxing Championship last April making him the titleholder for the elite men in the 56 kg category and also earned him a spot on the Canadian National Boxing Team.
His first international bout was against Cuba in Regina at the end of May for the Ken Goff Memorial Boxing Classic. He fought twice against Maikel Barro and won both bouts.
Last September he fought against Team Mexico’s Oscar Fabela in Winnepeg. He won both bouts and Best Bout and Best Boxer.
The draw for the Commonwealth Games in Australia will be known on April 4 and the boxing tournament will be held at Oxenford Studios, film studio and home to Hollywood blockbusters. The Canadian boxing delegation will field a stellar roster which combines veteran leadership and youthful pugilists. In addition, it will be the first multi-sports Games environment for five boxers on the team, according to Boxing Canada.
A last training camp will take place at Smithy’s Gym in Toowoomba, Australia to put the final touches on their preparation and to acclimatize to the time difference.
The entire Canadian Team will be officially announced by Commonwealth Games Canada in March 2018.
THE British Columbia government and Airbnb have reached an arrangement allowing the online company to collect provincial sales taxes on all short-term rentals conducted through its platform — a move that will help fund housing affordability measures for British Columbians — Finance Minister Carole James announced on Wednesday.
“British Columbians want access to the sharing economy – and they want it to be fair,” James said. “This initiative will provide additional revenues to address housing affordability, and it improves tax fairness for all British Columbians.”
Once legislative and regulatory changes are made, Airbnb will begin collecting the 8% provincial sales tax (PST) and the up-to-3% municipal and regional district tax (MRDT) on short-term accommodations provided in British Columbia through its platform.
To streamline the process of collecting taxes, Airbnb will remit on behalf of its hosts in British Columbia, ensuring that no additional administrative burden is placed on them.
“This is a defining moment for Airbnb in British Columbia,” said Alex Dagg, public policy manager for Airbnb in Canada. “These changes are a welcome opportunity to continue helping the province and its residents benefit from the positive economic impacts of home sharing.”
This is the first arrangement of its kind in British Columbia. Airbnb is a leader in its sector for coming to the table with the Province, and agreeing to voluntarily register its platform to collect the PST and MRDT.
In the near future, the Province will be looking to move forward with similar arrangements with other accommodation platforms.
Quick Facts:
There are 18,500 Airbnb providers operating in British Columbia.
The Province estimates Airbnb will remit approximately $16 million through the PST and an additional $5 million through the MRDT.
MRDT is up to 3% and is applied to rentals of short-term accommodations, paid by consumers.
Elsewhere in Canada, Airbnb also collects the 3.5% tax on lodging, on behalf of its hosts in the Province of Québec.
Airbnb collects and remits occupancy taxes on behalf of its hosts in many jurisdictions around the globe, including:
For the 2018 model year, the Volkswagen Passat continues on as one of the best sedans in its class. It is smart, beautifully made and extremely good value for money. The Passat is a smart, sleek looking car. LED headlights and taillights add sophistication, and class to this pretty four –door sedan. For 2018, the 1.8-litre TSI engine has been replaced by a 2.0-litre producing 174 hp and 184 lb-ft. There is also a 3.6-litre V6 option with 280 hp and 258 lb-ft. We tested a smart looking 2018 Passat Highline model, which is the top tier version equipped with 19 inch “Salvador” alloy wheels, with a Corn silk beige Vienna leather interior with heated front seats. Base priced at $35,795 (plus freight and Excise AC Tax) and came with the Driver Assistance package option package and the smart looking R-Line option for a final tally of $39,375 plus freight, PDI and AC tax. The R Line package adds such niceties as a wonderful grey Vanadium interior décor theme, paddle shifters, R-Line aluminum door sills exterior badging, special front bumper and side skirts and an R-Line rear diffuser. The optional Driver Assistance Package for an additional $1,365, is highly recommended. It includes adaptive cruise control, which keeps a pre-set distance from the vehicle in front; lane assist that warns and assists you back if you cross the line; park distance control that sound a an audio alert if you are too close proximity to other objects or vehicles. Seats are firm, yet comfortable and offer good lumbar support. There is plenty of interior space while the rear has a roomy 60/40 folding rear seat with a folding armrest and a pass through. The trunk has an Easy open feature and provided an impressive amount of cargo space.
On the road, the Passat’s 2.0 liter engine proves to be a smooth unit with ample torque in the mid-range, where it’s needed I like the predictable and non- dramatic way the Passat handles – solid, and stable feeling on the highways and around town with a decent amount of grip. It has a typically European flavour to the way it drives, firm, yet supple, with well weighted steering. The electric power steering is precise, and very good highway stability makes it an excellent long-distance machine. In short, nothing to really complain about with Passat. Highly recommended for families everywhere.
2018 Volkswagen Passat Highline Price as tested; $39,095 Plus freight, PDI and AC Tax.
The 2018 Toyota Sequoia is a large, luxurious SUV, which although superbly equipped can be optioned up to even more lavish levels. Compared to older models, the 2018 edition offers a somewhat smaller, sleeker, refined look. Fuel economy is not frugal in the in the 5.7 liter V8 powered model. However if you need to haul around seven or eight people and tow a boat or trailer in style and comfort, you really could not do any better. More refined than an optioned out pickup truck and as comfortable and plush as a limo the 2018 Toyota Sequoia offers a brawny engine, sophisticated All-wheel drive system and enough room to host a party in it if that’s your thing. We tested a 2918 Magnetic Grey Metallic sporty SR5 version equipped with the 5.7 Litre i-FORCE V8 engine and 4WD Part Time, One-Touch 4WD, with a 6-Speed, (Super ECT), Automatic Transmission. The Sequoia SR5 features: 18″ Aluminum Alloy Wheels , Lock Package, power heated leather seat, climate Control: Cabin Air Filter , Rear Seat Heater Ducts, 3-Zone Independent Automatic Climate Control, Audio: 8 Speakers , Bluetooth Capability, AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA Player, Integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Audio Auxiliary Input Jack, USB and Audio Input. Interior room is fantastic with lots of space and storage. Safety wise the Sequoia features the full complement of Safety equipment plus Toyotas excellent Safety Sense Suite with: Pre-Collision System, Auto High Beam, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (full speed), and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.
On the road the big 5.7 liter V8 offers superb power. The ride is soft and comfortable and the big Sequoia takes all matter of road conditions, pot holes and transitions in its stride. The Sequoia is no nimble, athletic SUV and needs care in negotiating tight urban streets and parking lots. It is however in its element on the highways and on long trips when it long legs, unfettled power and sheer comfort make it a relaxing effortless cross-country tourer.
You may well wince when it comes to fuel fill ups, still with seven or an optional eight seat configuration and enough torque to tow a building it seems the Sequoia is highly recommended if you need the full weight of its formidable attributes. Luxurious, well equipped and very addictive with the big V8. Highly recommended.
2018 SEQUOIA 4WD SR5 5.7L base MSRP of $59,850.
Total MSRP price $63,762.50 with (Pre-delivery service & destination charges).
THE government is proposing a system to cap “minor injury claims” at $5,500. The question then becomes how will this work on a practical level, based on the recent government announcement.
It would seem to be that, if you are the victim of a car accident, and do not have a fracture or a diagnosed concussion (brain injury), you will automatically be slotted as a “minor injury”, subject to a $5,500 compensation limit. This will catch the majority of car accident victims. It is unknown how the cap system will treat scars. I also note that pedestrians who are hit are often thrown considerable distances without fractures or brain injuries – I presume such a person would be considered to have only suffered a “minor” injury.
This of course does not mean that you automatically get $5,500. It means that this is the maximum you can receive. If you wish to try to get the maximum, you will need to go argue your case before the BC Civil Resolution Tribunal. For that argument you would not use a lawyer – the amount simply does not justify it. Further, s. 20 of the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act discourages the use of lawyers, and requires hoops to be jumped through if one is going to represent you. Practically speaking, you would therefore have to argue the amount of compensation you are entitled to on your own, and present your own evidence.
Now, let us say that your injury goes on more than 12 months, and continues to be a problem for you. It may be chronic. Under the proposals, you can, in theory, apply to have your injury re-classified as a “moderate” or “major” injury.
How does that occur?
Well, you apply to the Tribunal for a reclassification. Again, and unless something changes with the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act, you will generally have to do this without the assistance of a lawyer.
You will then have to convince the Tribunal that you have an ongoing injury that is having a “significant” impact on your life.
What will be deemed to be “significant”? That is unknown.
Now, in our court system, the judges assess your injury on the basis of evidence, including your own testimony. Medical doctors and diagnosis are helpful but not required. The court recognizes that medical science has difficulty making a diagnosis of soft tissue injuries, chronic pain and headaches, because there is no way to physically prove or disprove their existence.
From what I have read, the Tribunal will require a medical diagnosis of your injury, and a medical person to say it is “significant”. This is different than what our courts require and will make it much more difficult for you, as an injured person, to prove chronic pain, chronic headache, or chronic mental injury. If taken to the extreme – i.e. if your own testimony as to your pains is considered not sufficient evidence of your pains – it would almost make it impossible. As an example, the Tribunal could conclude: “Dr. X has diagnosed a chronic headache, however that is based on her believing the claimant that he has ongoing headaches – as his testimony is insufficient to prove the existence of headaches, I reject Dr. X’s conclusion”.
The result of this would be that it would be virtually impossible to have your injury reclassified – even if you have lifelong chronic pain.
Further, let us not forget that, absent system changes, you will be on your own in front of the Tribunal – without legal assistance. Medical reports are expensive – an average cost would be $5,000. In the courts, lawyers obtain medical reports on your behalf, and pay for them. In front of the Tribunal, you do not have a lawyer, so it would seem to be up to you to pay out the $5,000 to try and convince the Tribunal that your injury is not “minor”. If your argument fails, you presumably are stuck with that bill, with an injury cap of $5,500.
Also, let us not forget that somebody will presumably be arguing against you. I do not know who that will be – but it will obviously be somebody from ICBC’s side who has legal training. Therefore, the Tribunal will be constituted in such a way that you will have no legal representation, will have to pay considerable sums for a doctor report, and will be up against someone legally trained on the other side. Will ICBC obtain medical reports to dispute your claims? That is unknown but certainly seems likely.
What about the Tribunal itself? Who is sitting on the Tribunal and making these decisions? How are they qualified? Who is picking them? What is their background? Will these people be former ICBC adjusters? Former ICBC defence lawyers? Will it be one person making the decision or a committee?
Overall, there are considerable concerns with how the cap system is going to work. To summarize:
– How is a “minor” injury claim defined?
– Will a person classified as a “minor” injury be allowed legal representation?
– What will be the test to pass for an injured person to prove their injury is not “minor”?
– If the injured person requires a doctor report to argue their injury is not “minor”, who is paying for that report?
– Will ICBC obtain medical reports to refute “moderate” or “major” injury claims in front of the Tribunal?
– Who will be sitting on the Tribunal and making decisions as to what is “minor” and what is not?
If these issues concern you, I would encourage you to contact your local MLA and voice your concerns.
DELTA South MLA and BC Liberal Agriculture Critic Ian Paton said on Tuesday that it is time for Premier John Horgan to stop his trade spat with Alberta.
“This is has gotten absurd. You now have two NDP governments fighting a trade war over a project that has received approval from the federal government, who has the final say in this,” said Paton. “As the Premier looks to delay and defer decisions, his inability to stand up to pressure from his junior Green partners is now threatening agricultural jobs across B.C. He needs to stop playing games – these are people’s livelihoods.”
Paton was responding to the news that Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says her province will stop importing wine from British Columbia, after the BC NDP continue to throw up more roadblocks to prevent the Trans Mountain Pipeline. The Trudeau government has given the green-light to the project and has said it will proceed.
Paton also noted the B.C. wine industry’s $2.8 billion economic impact is a significant driver of the province’s economy and more than 12,000 people in every region of the province have jobs related to the industry.
“I get it, the BC NDP are trying to throw a bone to the Greens after the Premier reluctantly approved Site C,” said Paton. “Unfortunately, this trade spat is simply a lose-lose for everyone. We have agricultural workers who are going to lose jobs and Albertans who are going to lose out on our premium wine. British Columbians shouldn’t be in the crossfire of NDP governments fighting.”
THE Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC), on Tuesday said that it acknowledges that the Government of BC needs to find ways to address the financial situation at the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). However, some of the proposed actions by the government do not adequately protect the rights and well-being of victims of motor vehicle accidents, specifically the implementation of a limit on pain and suffering claims for minor injuries, it argued.
Rather than imposing limitations on the rights to compensation, CBABC said it encourages the government to implement changes that will serve three purposes: protection of the rights of British Columbians; reduction in the incidence of accidents and injuries; and improvement of the rate of recovery following injury.
“The unintended consequences of implementing a cap will deprive many British Columbians of the compensation they deserve. Caps decrease the accountability of unsafe drivers, the cost of which is then borne by the victim who was not at fault. The answer to ICBC’s current financial woes is not to place the burden on the shoulders of innocent victims,” said Bill Veenstra, CBABC President.
Veenstra added: “CBABC looks forward to working with the government to see a modernized system of premium assessment that motivates reasonable and prudent behaviours, penalizes risky and unsafe behaviours, and costs drivers more to insure luxury vehicles.”
CBABC noted that it has been strongly advocating for improvements in accident benefits, which have been frozen since 1991, and supports this change as beneficial to the public. The doubling of the lifetime allowance for medical care and recovery costs from $150,000 to $300,000 reflects modern realities and will reduce the need for victims to pursue litigation against ICBC. While victims of motor vehicle accidents who are not at fault are entitled to full compensation for these costs in any event, paying the full costs of treatment up front is a key improvement as well.
However, CBABC asserted that these changes will not have as significant a financial impact as suggested, and should not be treated as a “trade-off” for the imposition of a cap.
By Autoreviewman
By Autoreviewman
