In 2020, changes to the Insurance (Vehicle) Act (the Act) introduced a “no-fault” insurance model or “enhanced care” coverage for auto insurance in BC.

Recently introduced Bill M 237, Insurance (Vehicle) Amendment Act, 2026  proposes specific changes related to the time period to make a claim for benefits for a catastrophic injury and proposes a change to the meaning of a catastrophic injury.

On June 25th, Disability Alliance BC made a written submission to The Special Committee to Review Provisions of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act during their consultation process, in which we provided a number of recommendations and feedback on Bill M 237.

Read our submission below or download it here.

Learn more about the consultation here: https://consultation-portal.leg.bc.ca/consultations/230

No-Fault Should Not Mean No Voice: Ensuring Fair Access to Enhanced Care within BC’s No Fault Insurance System

Written Submission to the Special Committee to Review Provisions of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act

By Disability Alliance BC

June 25, 2026

Introduction

For almost 50 years, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in BC. As a registered charity, we work to support people with all disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and as equal and full participants in the community. Our organization has several direct service programs that support people with disabilities across BC to access critical benefits and services, which range from provincial and federal income supports, filing taxes, legal advice and representation, accessibility legislation compliance and accessible housing.

DABC supports the objectives of BC’s no-fault insurance model. We recognize that the previous litigation-based system was often slow, adversarial, and costly, which effectively marginalized and inhibited many low-income people with disabilities injured in a motor vehicle accident from receiving compensation and care  We also recognize the efforts ICBC has made to improve customer service and accessibility through ongoing engagement with disability organizations, including DABC’s participation on ICBC’s Disability Advocacy Advisory Group.

However, based on feedback received from our clients, DABC believes improvements are needed to ensure that individuals understand and can effectively access the full range of benefits and supports to which they are entitled under Parts 10 and 11 of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act.

Enhanced Care and its Limitations

Part 10 of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act represents a significant shift from a fault-based compensation model to a benefits-based system. DABC supports the principle that individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents should receive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and income support without needing to engage in lengthy litigation to prove whose fault the accident was.

However, the removal of most rights of legal action under the Insurance (Vehicle) Act has created an unintended consequence: many people injured in motor vehicle accidents no longer have access to the advocacy and representation that previously helped them understand their rights and obtain their entitlements.

The enhanced care model is highly complex. Benefits vary depending on the nature of the injury, employment status, treatment needs, income history, and many other factors. Many individuals struggle to understand what supports are available, how to request them, and how to challenge decisions when ICBC denies or reduces their access to care.

Through DABC’s direct advocacy work, we regularly hear from individuals who do not understand what benefits they are entitled to receive with ICBC; feel unable to challenge decisions made by ICBC, experience difficulties in navigating requests from ICBC for medical documentation, and feel ill-equipped to partake in this process in which ICBC acts as both the enhanced care administrator and decision-maker.

We acknowledge that many ICBC Customer Care employees work diligently to support their customers. Nevertheless, a system that relies heavily on individual employees requires strong safeguards to ensure consistency, transparency, and accountability.

Independent Rights Advice and Advocacy

The most significant improvement the Province could make would be the creation of an independent rights advice and advocacy service for individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents.

Under the previous tort system, injured individuals often had access to legal representation that helped them understand their rights and pursue compensation. Under the enhanced care model, many people no longer have access to equivalent assistance.

An independent rights advice service could explain available benefits and entitlements under enhanced care, assist customers in navigating the enhanced care process, and help these individuals through dispute resolution with ICBC. DABC believes such a service would improve fairness while preserving the cost savings associated with the enhanced care model.

Feedback on Bill M 237

DABC supports Bill M 237. The proposed amendment extending the time period to make a claim for catastrophic injury benefits is a positive and necessary change. Individuals with catastrophic injuries often face prolonged rehabilitation, extended disability-related needs and significant disruption in daily living.

While DABC supports Bill M 237, we encourage the Committee to undertake a broader review of the catastrophic injury framework to consider the long-term impacts of chronic pain, traumatic brain injuries, psychological effects, and other disabilities which can permanently alter a person’s ability to work, participate in community life, and maintain independence.

Summary of Recommendations

• Maintain the no-fault insurance model.
• Establish an independent, publicly funded, third-party rights advice and advocacy service for individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents.
• Create stronger independent oversight and review mechanisms for enhanced care decisions.
• Improve transparency regarding eligibility criteria, enhanced care benefit calculations, and dispute resolution processes.
• Conduct a review of the definition of catastrophic injury to ensure it reflects the broader impacts of disability.

The theme of the Summer 2026 edition of Transition magazine is Sex and Disability!

You can download it from our website in PDF format and text only format.

Check out past editions here: https://disabilityalliancebc.org/publications/transition-magazine/

We’re always happy to consider articles or creative work from our community partners and from people living with a disability. If you’d like to send along your ideas or feedback, email: transition@dabc.ca.

Join the Disability Alliance BC Board: Make a Difference! Are you passionate about disability advocacy? Do you want to use your lived experiences to drive positive change? Disability Alliance BC (DABC) is looking for one (1) individual to join our Board of Directors in 2026!

About You

• You are passionate about disability rights and advocacy.
• You want to use your lived experiences to drive positive change.
• You are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected.
• You have a desire to engage and work closely with others – both within and outside the organization.
• You demonstrate a strong work ethic and responsiveness in your tasks.
• You embody empathy and compassion in all your interactions.
• We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds; however, our Board particularly encourages individuals from specific sectors to apply.
  • Lawyers and legal professionals
  • Public sector employees (government)
  • Corporate or for-profit sector workers
  • Fundraising and Community Development
  • Financial professionals
• Diverse Voices: We would love to see applications from all over British Columbia, especially those with lived experience from Northern, Interior, and rural areas.

Why Join Us?

Since 1977, DABC has been a powerful voice for people with disabilities in British Columbia. We are a provincial non-profit and registered charity dedicated to supporting people with all disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and as equal participants in the community. We promote disability issues through direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research, and publications.

What You’ll Do:

As a Board Member, your responsibilities will include:

• Promoting DABC’s mission, vision, and values within your community and networks.
• Providing leadership and guidance to our Executive Director.
• Evaluating the Executive Director’s performance annually and giving constructive feedback. This process helps ensure ongoing improvement and the organization’s success.
• Ensuring that DABC fully complies with all legal, financial, and ethical standards and accountability.
• Reviewing and providing suggestions for our systemic advocacy and policy work based on your lived experience.
• Ensuring that the strategic plan is adhered to, regularly updated, and thoroughly reviewed.

For more information, please go to: Board member summary.

Term and Commitment:

The Board of Directors meets virtually for approximately 90 minutes, six times a year. During these meetings, they discuss key issues, make important decisions, and strategize for the future.

In addition to the regular meetings, Board members have the opportunity to participate in various committees and special initiatives as they arise. They prioritize a manageable commitment to ensure that participation is accessible and value each member’s contributions.

Board Directors typically serve a three-year term, with opportunities for re-election.

This position is voluntary and does not offer financial compensation.

Eligibility:

To join, you must meet the following criteria:

• You are at least 18 years of age.
• Be a person with a disability.
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).
• Be a member in good standing with DABC (membership fee: $15).

How to Apply:

Ready to make an impact? Email our Board & Communications Coordinator, Chloe Krause, at chloe@dabc.ca for a nomination package.

This will include:

• A Nominee Application Form for Candidates Seeking to Apply to the DABC Board of Directors.
• A DABC Nomination Form for Candidates Seeking to Apply to the DABC Board of Directors.
• A detailed overview of the history and role of Board duties and responsibilities.
• A two-page summary of the role of a DABC board member.
• DABC’s Annual Report.

Deadline: Applications are open on a rolling basis and will be considered until 8:29AM on Wednesday August 5th. We look forward to hearing from you!

Please attach a resume along with your completed nomination and nominee forms. If this poses a barrier, please let us know.

Please note that you may not hear from a representative of the committee until after 8:29AM on Wednesday August 5th. If you are successful in moving to the interview phase, you will be contacted to schedule your interview during the week of August 9th. We will update you regardless of the outcome of your application.

Thank you for your patience, and please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

The final decision about joining our Board will be made by a vote of our membership at our AGM each year in September.

Download a copy of this Call for Nominations here.