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Calgary Herald
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Calgary Herald
Alberta lawyers express concerns with auto insurance overhaul set to come into affect
Article content Alberta's legislation to overhaul the auto insurance system is set to come into affect pending royal assent and lawyers are expressing their disappointment with the bill for limiting litigation. Article content Article content In late March the province introduced legislation which aims to make Alberta the first province in Canada to adopt a privately delivered 'care-first' auto insurance system. Under the new model, Albertans would have limited ability to pursue legal action, except in select cases, which has been a major concern for many lawyers. Article content Article content The Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Alberta branch said in a press release on Wednesday that it is 'disappointed' that the province had passed the bill without considering public opinion or legal input. Article content Article content 'This is a fundamental change to how care and compensation are delivered,' CBA Alberta president Robert Bassett said. Article content 'Albertans told us they value fairness, accountability and the ability to seek justice. These concerns should have been central in shaping this legislation.' Article content In a statement to Postmedia, the office of the minister of finance said at-fault drivers would be penalized with higher premiums and accident victims will have access to the 'best medical benefits of any insurance system in Canada while paying lower premiums when the system is fully implemented in 2027.' Article content Mark McCourt, an auto accident injury lawyer, has been vocal about his concerns about the auto insurance changes, specifically when it comes to the limited litigation. He said he is also disappointed the bill passed without amendments. Article content Article content 'While I recognize that this bill is open for improvement, regulations can be passed to afford some semblance of fairness for injured Albertans. The reality is a government that's willing to pass a bill as unpopular, unfair and unnecessary as this one is highly unlikely,' McCourt said. Article content Article content He said Albertans will see large increases to their premiums over the next two years and will have their rights to bring injury claims against at-fault motorists disappear. Article content Under the bill, in some cases Albertans who were injured in collisions would be able to sue at-fault drivers for pain and suffering damages if the driver was convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code or Traffic Safety Act.
Hamilton Spectator
12-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Eby warns against jumping to conclusions about Lapu Lapu suspect's care before attack
VICTORIA - British Columbia Premier David Eby says there's a disconnect between what health authorities say about the prior condition of the suspect in the Lapu Lapu festival attack and the reality of what happened. But Eby also says people shouldn't jump to the conclusion that those involved in Adam Kai-Ji Lo's care did anything wrong, adding the province is committed to a full public inquiry to answer those questions. Lo, 30, is facing multiple second-degree murder charges after 11 people were killed when an SUV plowed through the Filipino street festival in Vancouver on April 26. Lo received mental health care from a Vancouver Coastal Health team and Eby says the authority described Lo as compliant with his medication and having no history of violence. Eby has previously been vocal with his opinions about the case, calling Lo 'a murderer' who 'should spend the rest of his God damned life in jail.' His comments were criticized last week by the B.C. branch of the Canadian Bar Association, which said it was deeply concerning that Eby would express such opinions before a fair trial could take place. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
12-05-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Eby warns against jumping to conclusions about Lapu Lapu suspect's care before attack
VICTORIA – British Columbia Premier David Eby says there's a disconnect between what health authorities say about the prior condition of the suspect in the Lapu Lapu festival attack and the reality of what happened. But Eby also says people shouldn't jump to the conclusion that those involved in Adam Kai-Ji Lo's care did anything wrong, adding the province is committed to a full public inquiry to answer those questions. Lo, 30, is facing multiple second-degree murder charges after 11 people were killed when an SUV plowed through the Filipino street festival in Vancouver on April 26. Lo received mental health care from a Vancouver Coastal Health team and Eby says the authority described Lo as compliant with his medication and having no history of violence. Eby has previously been vocal with his opinions about the case, calling Lo 'a murderer' who 'should spend the rest of his God damned life in jail.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. His comments were criticized last week by the B.C. branch of the Canadian Bar Association, which said it was deeply concerning that Eby would express such opinions before a fair trial could take place. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2025.
Global News
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
David Eby calling Lapu Lapu suspect a ‘murderer' concerns law society
The Canadian Bar Association is expressing concern about B.C. Premier David Eby's comments surrounding the Lapu Lapu tragedy. On April 27, in the B.C. legislature, Eby said, 'It is hard not to feel rage at the man who did this, who murdered innocent people.' On May 1, during question period, Eby said, 'In my opinion, he is a murderer. He should spend the rest of his life in custody.' Now, the B.C. branch of the Canadian Bar Association has written an open letter saying they are 'deeply concerned that the premier… is expressing opinions on legal outcomes prior to a fair trial. 'By ignoring the presumption of innocence and the requirement of due process in your public remarks, you give permission for others to do the same.' Story continues below advertisement On April 26, 11 people were killed, including seven women, two men, one non-binary person and one child when an SUV drove into a crowd at the festival that honoured Filipino culture and heritage. The victims range in age from five to 65 years old. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Dozens of people were injured but the exact number of people remains unknown. 1:00 B.C. to launch review of summer event safety after deadly Lapu Lapu tragedy Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. BC Conservative leader John Rustad said he is concerned that Eby's comments could 'jeopardize this trial.' The legal proceedings have started and a judge has ordered the accused to undergo a mental health assessment but the case is expected to least many months, if not longer. Story continues below advertisement Eby, who is a lawyer, did not back away from his comments when asked about them on May 7. 'I think I have a stronger level of confidence in the judicial to withstand my personal comments of the judiciary,' he said. 2:23 Counsellors helping those grieving after the Lapu Lapu festival attack Attorney General Niki Sharma was asked to defend the premier's comments this week. She says she told the premier to be cautious but ultimately he respects the role of an independent judicial system. 'I think it is clear we need to be cautious and I said that in the house and I said that to my colleagues,' Sharma said. Both Eby and Sharma said the comments stem from the reality that this has been an emotional time for everyone.
The Province
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Province
B.C. premier says court can handle his suggestion accused Lapu Lapu Day killer spends 'rest of his goddamned life in jail'
The B.C. branch of the Canadian Bar Association has criticized David Eby for comments he made last week in the legislature Published May 07, 2025 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 2 minute read B.C. Premier David Eby. Photo by B.C. Government B.C. Premier David Eby says he is confident the independence of the court won't be influenced by his feelings that the man accused of killing 11 people at a Filipino festival should 'spend the rest of his goddamned life in jail.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The B.C. branch of the Canadian Bar Association has criticized Eby for comments he made last week in the legislature about the man accused of ramming his vehicle through crowds at the Lapu Lapu Day festival on April 26. Branch president Lee Nevens said in a letter to Eby this week that the group is 'deeply concerned' that the premier was expressing opinions on legal outcomes before a fair trial. 'By ignoring the presumption of innocence and the requirement of due process in your public remarks, you give permission for others to do the same. Such action undermines the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, and it fosters distrust in our justice system,' the letter said. Eby angrily replied to a question from the Opposition last week, saying the accused did a 'despicable' and 'most hateful thing.' 'Because my opinion is that the man made the decision to drive a vehicle into a crowd of children, parents and seniors, volunteers, kill them,' he said. 'In my opinion, he's a murderer. It's my opinion that he should spend the rest of his life in custody.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Vancouver Police evidence specialists examine the scene where a vehicle drove into a crowd at a Lapu Lapu Day street festival Saturday evening in Vancouver, Sunday, April 27, 2025. Photo by Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press The premier said Wednesday that he already apologized in the legislature for his 'intemperate language.' Eby said he feels close to the Filipino community and knows people who were at the festival at the time of the attack. 'I think that I have a stronger level of confidence in the independence of the judiciary and their ability to withstand my own feelings about what should happen to this individual and I'll leave it at that,' he said. The suspect in the case, 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, is facing eight charges of second-degree murder. Read More Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks Local News Vancouver Canucks News
