WHEREAS local government fire departments utilize the jaws of life to provide assistance to victims of vehicular accidents in the province of British Columbia; AND WHEREAS the acquisition, maintenance and training of personnel are not specialized service and cost to local governments; AND WHEREAS the use of the jaws of life not only benefits the victims of motor vehicle accidents, but also the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia through cost saving by providing timely extraction and resultant transportation to medical services; AND WHEREAS local governments are unable to recoup their costs or participate in the cost savings enjoyed by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia through their efforts: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities lobby the Province of British Columbia to allow local governments to receive fair and adequate compensation from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia for incidents where the jaws of life are utilized.
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY SOLICITOR GENERAL ICBC collects premiums for expected claims based on what our customers are legally liable to pay should they be responsible for a crash. ICBC is committed to providing low and stable rates for our customers. If BC motorists were to become legally responsible for charges related to incidents involving the jaws of life, then Basic claims costs could increase and may require a rate increase. Any change in Basic insurance rates requires British Columbia Utilities Commission approval. ICBC contributes to municipalities and municipal services through annual grants in lieu of taxes and thirty-one local governments received approximately 4.2 million in 2008. ICBC also supports communities through its road safety and auto crime programs, including partnerships involving local road improvements. In 2008, ICBC invested approximately 37 million in road safety.
ICBC ICBC is committed to being an important part of British Columbia communities. We contribute to municipalities and municipal services through our annual grants in lieu of taxes. In 2008, we paid out approximately 4.2 million to 31 cities, districts and municipalities. In addition, we partner with communities through our road safety programs, spending approximately 37 million across British Columbia in 2008. The costs of fire department response and the costs associated with using the jaws of life at crashes within British Columbia are not reflected in the amounts charged to motorists for Basic insurance. Changing the laws as the resolutions suggest would likely increase the cost of claims, and we may then have to seek an increase in Basic insurance rates. Any change to Basic rates requires approval by the British Columbia Utilities Commission.