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Vol: X  –  Issue: VI  –  June 2011

QUICKSCRIBE NEWS:

 

BC Legislative Digest Update
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CATEGORIES
 

ENERGY & MINES

Energy and Mines News:

New Version of National Instrument 43-101 Now in Force
On June 30, 2011, amendments to National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Form 43-101F1 Technical Report, and Companion Policy 43-101 (collectively the "New Rule") will come into force (prior to the amendments, the "Old Rule"). With a few minor exceptions, the New Rule substantially adopts the draft amendments to the Old Rule which were published in April 2010. According to the Canadian Securities Administrators the overarching goals of the New Rule are to:

  • eliminate or reduce the scope of certain mining disclosure requirements;
  • provide greater flexibility to mining issuers in certain areas;
  • reflect changes that have occurred in the mining industry; and
  • clarify or correct areas where the previous standards were not having the desired effect.
While the basic framework of the Old Rule remains in place, the New Rule represents a significant revision to the mining disclosure regime in Canada. Click here to view the full publication by Don Collie, Robert Black, Christie Gilmour of Davis LLP.

Provisions of Clean Energy Act Questioned
If it is not already a fundamental law of economics it should be: When government says we must pay whatever it takes, we inevitably pay too much. So it is with the B.C. government's energy policies. In the Clean Energy Act, the government told BC Hydro it has to be self-sufficient. It wasn't talking about ensuring a reliable supply of energy. "Self-sufficiency" as defined by the government is simply a requirement for BC Hydro to buy more long-term firm electricity supply than its own, well-established reliability criteria says it needs and that the B.C. Utilities Commission -the independent government agency tasked with regulating energy utilities- would support. Moreover, it has to do that regardless of the cost. View entire article in the Vancouver Sun. 

Act or Regulation Affected Effective Date Amendment Information
Clean Energy Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 7, c. 5, ss. 33-34 only (in force by Royal Assent) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2011
June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 13, c. 13, s. 31 only (in force by Royal Assent) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2011
July 1/11 s. 31(3) repeals s. 31, s. 32(4) repeals s. 32(3)
Mineral Land Tax Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 11, c. 11, s. 60 only (in force by Royal Assent) Yale First Nation Final Agreement Act
Mineral Tax Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 11, c. 11, s. 61 only (in force by Royal Assent) Yale First Nation Final Agreement Act
Petroleum and Natural Gas Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 11, c. 11, s. 63 only (in force by Royal Assent) Yale First Nation Final Agreement Act
Rate Comparison Regulation (119/2011) NEW
June 28/11
see Reg 119/2011
Rate Comparison Regulation (140/2009) REPEALED
June 28/11
see Reg 119/2011
FAMILY, WILLS & ESTATES

Family, Wills and Estates News:

Special Announcement re:  Elder Law Proclamations –  Changes were made to B.C. Reg. 14/2011 by B.C. Reg. 111/2011 deposited June 17, 2011.  These changes affect the Adult Guardianship and Planning Statutes Amendment Act, 2007 and the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2011, sections of which are set to come into force September 1, 2011 which amend the Adult Guardianship Act, Hospital District Act, Land Title Act, Patients Property Act, Power of Attorney Act, Representation Agreement Act and the Public Guardian and Trustee Act, as well as certain regulations under those Acts.

Power of Attorney Act – Early Consolidation:
Quickscribe will soon publish an early consolidation of the Power of Attorney Act scheduled to come into force on September 1st.  We hope to have this published by early August.

Cut-and-Paste Guardianship Definitions
In family law, guardianship is the right to participate in parenting a child. A guardian usually has the right to get information from, and give instructions to, a child's teachers, doctors, counsellors, coaches, dentists and so forth. A guardian usually has the right to determine which school the child will go to, the course of the child's medical treatment, the child's religious instruction, the child's discipline and the child's diet. Of course when parents have separated and they are both guardians, which, frankly, is the result more often than not, they must work together to handle these issues, and that can be difficult. Parents with joint guardianship must find a way of working together to exchange information about their children and make decisions about major events and issues in their children's lives. Click here to view the full article published by John-Paul Boyd on the JP Boyd BC Family Law Resource.

Act or Regulation Affected Effective Date Amendment Information
Family Maintenance Enforcement Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 7, c. 5, ss. 16-21 only (in force by Royal Assent) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2011
Insurance Act June 17/11 by 2009 Bill 6, c. 16, ss. 4[part], 13[part], 14[part], 101 only (in force by Reg 115/2011) Insurance Amendment Act, 2009
Insurance Regulation (115/2011) NEW
June 17/11
see Reg 115/2011
Law and Equity Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 13, c. 13, s. 10 only (in force by Royal Assent) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2011
FOREST AND ENVIRONMENT

Forest and Environment News:

New Forestry Law Reporter Expected Next Release
Expect to see a new edition of the Forestry Law Reporter by Jeff Waatainen in next month’s reporter. The issue will provide a summary of some of the recent legislative activity and how it may impact the industry.

B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office slammed by A.G.
B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office is failing to do an adequate job monitoring compliance at major projects and power plants, the province's auditor general says. "Adequate monitoring and enforcement of certified projects is not occurring and follow-up evaluations are not being conducted," Auditor General John Doyle said in statement issued on Thursday morning. "We also found that information currently being provided to the public is not sufficient to ensure accountability," said Doyle. When an environmental assessment certificate is issued, the conditions and commitments surrounding its issue should be measurable and enforceable so staff can monitor the project for compliance with the certificate conditions, said the statement. Click here for article.

Industry Approves "Check-Off" to Fund NA Lumber Promotion
The Blue Ribbon Commission for Check-off has announced that the softwood lumber industry voted to approve the creation of a check-off to fund a unified softwood lumber promotion program in USDA's referendum which concluded on June 10th. "I am gratified and encouraged that this vote demonstrates that softwood lumber manufacturers across North America are committed to working progressively together to build a better future for the industry," said Jack Jordan, chair of the Blue Ribbon Commission for Check-off (BRC) and executive vice president of Jordan Lumber & Supply, Inc., in North Carolina. "The check-off is a strong, well-thought-out idea that will create enormous opportunities. It is a game-changing investment in the future growth of softwood lumber markets in North America." Click here for full article posted by COFI.

Act or Regulation Affected Effective Date Amendment Information
Allowable Annual Cut Administration Regulation (69/2009) June 9/11 by Reg 104/2011
Annual Rent Regulation (122/2003) June 9/11 by Reg 104/2011
British Columbia Dam Safety Regulation (44/2000) June 9/11 by Reg 108/2011
Carbon Tax Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 2, c. 9, ss. 4-11 only (retro to Feb. 16/11, in force by Royal Assent) Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2011
July 1/11 s. 83(6) repeals s. 83, s. 84(7) repeals s. 84(6), s. 85(4) repeals s. 85
Carbon Tax Regulation (125/2008) RETROACTIVE
to Feb. 16/11
by Reg 112/2011
College of Applied Biology Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 5, c. 3, s. 5 only (retro to July 1/10, in force by Royal Assent) New West Partnership Trade Agreement Implementation Act
Community Tenures Regulation (352/2004) June 9/11 by Reg 104/2011
Cut Control Regulation (578/2004) June 9/11 by Reg 104/2011
Environment and Land Use Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 13, c. 13, s. 34 only (in force by Royal Assent) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2011
Environmental Management Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 13, c. 13, s. 134 only (in force by Royal Assent) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2011
First Nation Tenures Regulation (104/2011) NEW
June 9/11
see Reg 104/2011
Forest Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 13, c. 13, ss. 41, 52 only (in force by Royal Assent) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2011
June 9/11 by 2010 Bill 13, c. 12, ss. 1(a),(b), 2-43 only (in force by Reg 104/2011) Forests and Range (First Nations Woodland Licence) Statutes Amendment Act, 2010
June 15/11 by 2010 Bill 7, c. 11, s. 6 only (in force by Reg 89/2011) Forests and Range Statutes Amendment Act, 2010
Forest and Range Practices Act June 9/11 by 2010 Bill 13, s. 12, ss. 44-49, 51-52 only (in force by Reg 104/2011) Forests and Range (First Nations Woodland Licence) Statutes Amendment Act, 2010
Hunting Regulation (190/84) June 16/11 by Reg 109/2011
Limited Entry Hunting  Regulation (134/93) June 16/11 by Reg 110/2011
Ministry of Environment Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 7, c. 5, s. 35 only (in force by Royal Assent) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2011
Park Act June 9/11 by 2010 Bill 13, c. 12, s. 53 only (in force by Reg 104/2011) Forests and Range (First Nations Woodland Licence) Statutes Amendment Act, 2010
Protected Areas of British Columbia Act June 9/11 by 2009 Bill 10, c. 19, s. 2(e),(h) only (in force by Reg 106/2011) Protected Areas of British Columbia Amendment Act, 2009
June 9/11 by 2010 Bill 15, c. 13, s. 5(a) only (in force by Reg 107/2011) Protected Areas of British Columbia Amendment Act, 2010
Range Act June 9/11 by 2010 Bill 13, c. 12, ss. 54-59 only (in force by Reg 104/2011) Forests and Range (First Nations Woodland Licence) Statutes Amendment Act, 2010
Recycling Regulation (449/2004) July 1/11 by Reg 296/2009, as amended by Reg 88/2011, eff. May 19/11
July 1/11 by Reg 88/2011
Scaling Regulation (446/94) June 15/11 by Reg 89/2011
Special Accounts Appropriation and Control Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 13, c. 13, s. 32 only (in force by Royal Assent) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2011
Transfer Regulation (351/2004) June 9/11 by Reg 104/2011
Wildfire Regulation (38/2005) June 9/11 by Reg 104/2011
Wildlife Act Commercial Activities Regulation (338/82) June 16/11 by Reg 109/2011
HEALTH

Health News:

Nations finally agree on GM food labelling
OTTAWA — The labelling of genetically modified foods got a boost Tuesday when countries around the world put two decades of squabbling behind them and agreed to guidelines. The United Nations summit of food safety regulators from more than 100 countries, including Health Canada, produced the first-ever consensus document after the United States dropped its long-standing objection to the labelling guidelines at the international meeting in Geneva. Canada had objected to the Codex labelling guidelines until last year, when the UN group met in Quebec City. The new agreement now means that any country wanting to bring in mandatory GM food labelling rules will no longer face the threat of a legal challenge from the World Trade Organization (WTO). Under international law, national measures based on Codex guidance or standards cannot be challenged as a barrier to trade.  Read more.

Act or Regulation Affected Effective Date Amendment Information
Child Care Licensing Regulation (332/2007) June 9/11 by Reg 102/2011
Health Authorities Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 2, c. 9, ss. 13-14 only (in force by Royal Assent) Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2011
Milk Industry Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 13, c. 13, ss. 1-9 only (in force by Royal Assent) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2011
LABOUR, COMPANY & FINANCE

Labour, Company and Finance News:

"Double Recovery" Permitted for Some Statutory Benefits
The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal recently confirmed that it was unlawful for an employer to make deductions from statutory severance pay owed to a terminated employee pursuant to Saskatchewan’s Labour Standards Act (similar to the BC Employment Standards Act). While this decision originated in Saskatchewan, its principles are applicable to other jurisdictions, including British Columbia. Read the full article by Valerie Dixon and Nicole Byres with Clark Wilson.

Consumer Taxation Branch
For the latest Bulletins from the Consumer Taxation Branch, see What's New.

Act or Regulation Affected Effective Date Amendment Information
Budget Transparency and Accountability Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 2, c. 9, s. 3 only (retro to Apr. 1/11, in force by Royal Assent) Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2011
Commercial Arbitration Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 5, c. 3, s. 6 only (retro to Apr. 1/11, in force by Royal Assent) New West Partnership Trade Agreement Implementation Act
Consumption Tax Rebate and Transition Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 11, c. 11, s. 24 only (in force by Royal Assent) Yale First Nation Final Agreement Act
Financial Administration Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 2, c. 9, s. 12 only (retro to Apr. 1/11, in force by Royal Assent) Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2011
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Initiative Vote and Referendum Act NEW
June 2/11
c. 2 [SBC 2011] 2011 Bill 4, (whole Act in force by Royal Assent)
Income Tax (BC Family Bonus) Regulation (231/98) July 1/11 by Reg 114/2011
Independent School Regulation (262/89) July 1/11 by Reg 90/2011
International Interests in Mobile Equipment (Aircraft Equipment) Act NEW
June 2/11
 c. 12 [SBC 2011] 2011 Bill 8, ss. 1(including Schs.1&2), 3(1)&(2) only (in force by Royal Assent)
Logging Tax Remission Regulation (67/2009) June 17/11 by Reg 113/2011
National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (86/2011) NEW
June 30/11
see Reg 86/2011
National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (381/2005) REPEALED
June 30/11
by Reg 86/2011
National Instrument 44-101 Short Form Prospectus Distributions (370/2005) June 30/11 by Reg 86/2011
National Instrument 45-101 Rights Offerings (165/2001) June 30/11 by Reg 86/2011
National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus and Registration Exemptions (227/2009) June 30/11 by Reg 86/2011
National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations (110/2004) June 30/11 by Reg 86/2011
New West Partnership Trade Agreement Implementation Act NEW
June 2/11
c. 3 [SBC 2011] 2011 Bill 5, ss. 1-4 (retro to July 1/10, in force by Royal Assent)
Supply Act, 2011-2012 NEW
June 2/11
c. 15 [SBC 2011] 2011 Bill 16, (whole Act in force by Royal Assent)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Local Government News:

June 2011 – Important New Licensing Appeal Board Decision
On June 13, 2011, the Community Care and Assisted Living Appeal Board released its decision in Coleman v. Fraser Health Authority; an important decision setting out how the Appeal Board will approach all future appeals brought before it. First of all, some background. In 2008, the Supreme Court of Canada gave its decision in Dunsmuir v. New Brunswick which changed the law regarding the standard of review and the degree of deference which courts and administrative appeal boards should apply on any appeal before them. Until the Coleman decision, the Community Care and Assisted Living Appeal Board had not made a decision about how the Dunsmuir case would affect proceedings before the Appeal Board. View full article by Staples McDannold Stewart.

City Launches Smoking Ban Bylaw Public Survey
July 5th, 2011 -
On June 27th City Council directed staff to launch a public input process to gauge public support of the establishment of a smoking ban bylaw within all parks, trails, facilities and beaches. If implemented the scope of this new regulation could include all city managed parks, plazas, trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and city beaches. Although most facility grounds would be included it is recognized that designated smoking areas may be required to support events at major facilities such as the Beban Park Complex and city Arenas. The idea of a bylaw of this kind was initially put forth by Councillor Bestwick and was supported by the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission. Click here for the full news release.

Act or Regulation Affected Effective Date Amendment Information
Assessment Authority Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 11, c. 11, ss. 21-23 only (in force by Royal Assent) Yale First Nation Final Agreement Act
Civil Forfeiture Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 6, c. 4, ss. 1-13 only (in force by Royal Assent) Civil Forfeiture Amendment Act, 2011
Coastal Ferry Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 14, c. 10, ss. 1-3 only (in force by Royal Assent) Coastal Ferry Amendment Act, 2011
Financial Information Act June 9/11 by Reg 103/2011
Home Owner Grant Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 2, c. 9, s. 15 only (retro. to Feb. 16/11, in force by Royal Assent) Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2011
Hotel Room Tax Act July 1/11 s. 48(3) repeals s. 48
Hotel Room Tax Regulation (88/71) July 1/11 by Reg 219/2010
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the City of Kamloops (141/2005) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the City of Langley (258/2005) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the City of Merritt (527/2004) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the City of Penticton (325/2005) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the City of Prince George (244/2009) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the City of Richmond (211/2009) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the City of Vernon (28/2010) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (184/2006) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the District of Port Hardy (69/2006) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the District of Saanich (351/90) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the District of Squamish (212/2009) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the Mount Washington Resort Association (242/2009) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism Society (27/2010) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (433/2004) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the Regional District of Mount Waddington, Town of Port McNeill and Village of Alert Bay (243/2009) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Hotel Room Tax Regulation for the Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Area (142/2005) June 20/11 by Reg 116/2011
Interpretation Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 11, c. 11, s. 41 only (in force by Royal Assent) Yale First Nation Final Agreement Act
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 9, c. 7, ss. 1-10 only (in force by Royal Assent) Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Act, 2011
School Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 2, c. 9, s. 25 only (in force by Royal Assent) Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2011
Solar Hot Water Ready Regulation (101/2011) NEW
June 21/11
see Reg 101/2011
South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 11, c. 11, s. 65 only (in force by Royal Assent) Yale First Nation Final Agreement Act
July 1/11 s. 169.65(4) repeals s. 169.65
Taxation (Rural Area) Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 2, c. 9, ss. 26-28 only (in force by Royal Assent) Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2011
MISCELLANEOUS
Act or Regulation Affected Effective Date Amendment Information
Balanced Budget and Ministerial Accountability Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 2, c. 9, ss. 1-2 only (retro to Apr. 1/10, in force by Royal Assent) Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2011
Criminal Record Check Authorizations Regulation (386/2007) June 28/11 by Reg 118/2011
Enforcement of Canadian Judgments and Decrees Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 5, c. 3, ss. 7-9 only (retro to Apr. 1/11, in force by Royal Assent) New West Partnership Trade Agreement Implementation Act
Knowledge Network Corporation Act June 27/11 s. 18(3) repeals s. 18
Legislative Assembly Management Committee Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 13, c. 13, s. 125 only (in force by Royal Assent) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2011
Maa-Nulth First Nations Final Agreement Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 11, c. 11, ss. 44-47 only (in force by Royal Assent) Yale First Nation Final Agreement Act
Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement Interim Regulation (55/2011) June 2/11 by Reg 98/2011
Members' Remuneration and Pensions Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 13, c. 13, s. 126 only (in force by Royal Assent)  Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2011
Police Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 12, c. 8, ss. 1(b),3,5,7,9,11,13-16,18 only (in force by Royal Assent) Police (Independent Investigations Office) Amendment Act, 2011
Supreme Court Civil Rules (168/2009) July 1/11 by Reg 95/2011
Supreme Court Family Rules (169/2009) July 1/11 by Reg 95/2011
Treaty First Nation Taxation Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 11, c. 11, ss. 66-68 only (in force by Royal Assent) Yale First Nation Final Agreement Act
Unclaimed Property Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 6, c. 4, s. 15 only (in force by Royal Assent) Civil Forfeiture Amendment Act, 2011
University Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 2, c. 9, ss. 29-30 only (in force by Royal Assent) Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2011
Yale First Nation Final Agreement Act NEW
June 2/11
c. 11 [SBC 2011] 2011 Bill 11, s. 17, Schedule (chapters 25-26) only (retro to Feb. 5/10, in force by Royal Assent), ss. 4,11,12(3),13(2) only (in force by Royal Assent)
MOTOR VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC

Motor Vehicle and Traffic News:

Consistent Regulations For Commercial Vehicles Traveling Between Provinces
Regulations are being streamlined for large commercial vehicles travelling across the boundaries of the three westernmost provinces. Under the New West Partnership Trade Agreement, the governments of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan agreed to have consistent regulations and policies governing the operation of large transport trucks, without compromising safety. Uniform rules about the size and weights of vehicles and other aspects of trucking operations will come into effect July 1, allowing trucks to operate more efficiently between provinces. The provinces will continue to work together on future changes to ensure that, as much as possible, one set of rules will apply from the eastern border of Saskatchewan and across Alberta to the coast of British Columbia. During consultations with the trucking industry over the last year, other opportunities for streamlining the regulations were put forward, and the provinces will now work towards achieving these changes by July 2012. Click here for the full government news release.

CVSE Issues New Circular Re: New Reducible Loads
This circular is to advise of the release of a new policy increasing the dimensions to which reducible loads may be transported under term and some single trip permits in BC. Under the new policy, restrictions on the transport of loads of multiple objects will be eased under term permits and small single trip permits up to 3.2 metres wide, 25 metres long and 4.3 metres high (4.8 m high in the Peace River Region). The new Reducible Loads Policy will be released, and will come into effect, on July 4, 2011. Click here to view circular.

Carbon Tax Raised July 1st
Effective July 1, 2011, the carbon tax on gasoline rises by 1.11 cents per litre to 5.56 cents per litre. Other fuels see a similar increase.

Act or Regulation Affected Effective Date Amendment Information
Motor Fuel Tax Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 11, c. 11, s. 62 only (in force by Royal Assent) Yale First Nation Final Agreement Act
July 1/11 s. 73(4) repeals s. 73
Motor Vehicle Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 13, c. 13, ss. 127-129, 131-133 only (in force by Royal Assent) Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2011
Offence Act June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 6, c. 4, s. 14 only (in force by Royal Assent) Civil Forfeiture Amendment Act, 2011
Violation Ticket Administration and Fines Regulation (89/97) June 9/11 by Reg 105/2011
REAL ESTATE & BUILDERS LIEN

Real Estate and Builders Lien News:

StrataDocs may put an end to waiting game
By law, management companies (or strata corporations themselves) must comply; under the Strata Property Act, they have one week, for instance, to provide copies of the Information Certificate that shows monthly strata fees, the size of a corporation's contingency reserve fund, etc. Meanwhile, realtors are tapping their toes, waiting to get their hands on the information that could make or break a sale. Or, they pay a 'rush fee' to the property manager to get the information in a day or two. The Victoria Real Estate Board thought there was a better way and a few years ago created software that allows property managers to upload strata documents on line and for realtors to download those documents instantly. With the StrataDocs web-based depository, realtors still pay 25 cents per page, but there are no rush fees or waiting around. Property managers don't waste time photocopying the same documents over and over and - in some cases - arguing with realtors about what information they got and what they owe. Read more.

Home prices in B.C. to rise 13 per cent this year: report
B.C. home prices will rise an average 13 per cent to $571,000 this year before edging back 2.5 per cent to $557,000 in 2012, the B.C. Real Estate Association said in its second quarter housing forecast released Thursday. The BCREA also predicted a moderate increase in housing sales this year and next. However, the 13-per-cent increase in housing costs this year is misleading, according to BCREA chief economist Cameron Muir. “The average price in the province is being skewed very high because of a higher proportion of single-detached homes selling in the pricier markets of Vancouver,” Muir said in an interview. “This is at a time when sales are a bit below the 10-year average. My expectation is for quite flat prices going forward.” Read more.

THE IMPORTANCE OF INSURANCE APPRAISALS FOR YOUR STRATA CORPORATION
The Benefits of an Insurance Appraisal?
  • Up-to-date appraisal reports allow for quick loss settlements.
  • A reputable appraisal company backs its values with professional liability insurance.
  • Insurance premiums are based on investigated, not arbitrary values.
  • Having an appraisal can avoid application of co-insurance penalties in the event of a total loss.

Click here to view the full article posted by the SPABC.
Act or Regulation Affected Effective Date Amendment Information
Property Transfer Tax Act
June 2/11 by 2011 Bill 11, c. 11, s. 64 only (in force by Royal Assent) Yale First Nation Final Agreement Act
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