Filipino BC Supports New Bill Improving Benefit Access for Victims of Motor Vehicle Accidents
June 26, 2026
Filipino BC has submitted recommendations to the Special Committee reviewing British Columbia's no-fault automobile insurance system, urging the provincial government to strengthen access, transparency and equity.
The Special Committee was seeking feedback on the existing Insurance (Vehicle) Act as well as a new bill proposing changes that would increase access to benefits for victims suffering from catastrophic injuries after a motor vehicle accident.
Drawing on the organization's experience supporting survivors, witnesses and families following the April 26 tragedy, Filipino BC’s submission supported the proposed changes while also encouraging further consideration into how to ensure injured people can meaningfully access the benefits they are entitled to receive.
"When British Columbians are recovering from serious injuries or trauma, they shouldn't have to navigate a complex administrative system on their own," said Kristina Corpin-Moser, Executive Director of Filipino BC. "The no-fault system has brought important improvements, but we have also seen where communication, coordination and accessibility can be strengthened so that everyone, regardless of language, income, disability or immigration status, can access the care and support they need."
Filipino BC notes that while the no-fault system has reduced reliance on litigation, injured people often require significant health literacy, administrative capacity and persistence to access benefits—barriers that disproportionately affect newcomers, racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency.
In its submission, Filipino BC also expressed support for Bill M 237, which would broaden the definition of catastrophic injury and extend limitation periods. The organization highlights how these proposed amendments better reflect the realities of serious physical and psychological trauma, recognizing that recovery is rarely linear and the long-term impacts of catastrophic injuries are not always immediately apparent.
Among its recommendations, Filipino BC is calling for:
a broader framework for evaluating Enhanced Care that acknowledges accessibility and quality of care;
stronger proactive outreach and claims support, particularly following mass casualty events;
plain-language information explaining available benefits and review processes;
trauma-informed and culturally safe service delivery;
improved language accessibility;
better coordination between ICBC, health authorities, Victim Services and other government agencies;
greater transparency when medically recommended treatments are delayed or denied; and
public reporting on claimant outcomes to help identify systemic inequities.
Filipino BC emphasized that many of the challenges faced by those struggling to navigate accident benefits are not necessarily the result of the legislation itself, but of how benefits are communicated, coordinated and administered in practice.
After the April 26 tragedy, many individuals did not initially engage with ICBC because they did not know they qualified, were overwhelmed by trauma, or found the claims process intimidating. Enhancing the accessibility of the province’s motor vehicle insurance system is essential to ensuring all victims receive appropriate care and avoid undue financial burden.
The submission was made as part of the Special Committee's statutory review of Parts 10 and 11 of the Insurance (Vehicle) Act and Bill M 237. The Committee accepted written submissions between May 19 and June 25, 2026 and intends to invite presentations this fall.
