Have a Happy (and Safe) Canada Day in British Columbia

When American visitors in the summer ask what Canada Day is about, we tell them it’s our Independence Day – sort of. As Canadians learn in school, Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of the July 1, 1867 enactment of the Constitution Act (originally called the British North America Act), commonly referred to as the birthday … Continue reading Have a Happy (and Safe) Canada Day in British Columbia

Motorcycle Safety

The long northern winter is fading into memory and warm spring days are just over the horizon. It’s a great time of year to hop on your motorcycle. From the winding hills and shade of the forests along the Pacific Rim Highway (B.C. Highway 4) or the sights of Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton on the … Continue reading Motorcycle Safety

Keep Your Child Safe at Summer Camp

As the last chill winds of the long Canadian winter fade away, the thoughts of parents across British Columbia begin to turn to plans for the summer. For those with children, this often means summer camp. If the traditional camp experience of boating, hiking and campfire sings are what you’re after, there are plenty available … Continue reading Keep Your Child Safe at Summer Camp

Safe Boating

Whether it’s sailing around the coastal waterways that make up the Salish Sea or exploring the nearly pristine expanse of the Great Bear Rainforest (one of Destination British Columbia’s top ten places to go in B.C.), British Columbia offers boaters spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife (bears included), unspoiled wilderness and many friendly coastal towns and marinas. … Continue reading Safe Boating

All-Terrain Vehicle Safety

Whether it’s to ski at Whistler and Blackcomb, fish for salmon and halibut or golf among panoramic mountain vistas, British Columbia is among the world’s most popular destinations for active vacationers, regardless of the season.   Among the more popular pursuits in non-winter months is back country exploration on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). While designs … Continue reading All-Terrain Vehicle Safety

Safe Driving in Vancouver Rain

To borrow a well-worn phrase, rain in Vancouver is as inevitable as death and taxes. However, Environment Canada reports that in 2018 residents endured the fifth wettest January on record. While winter and early spring driving in the cold of higher elevations can surely test the skill of the most seasoned motorist,  American research indicates … Continue reading Safe Driving in Vancouver Rain

Safe Farming Practices

The continuing popularity of documentary television shows such as  Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers shows that, like their American counterparts, Canadian television viewers are fascinated by stories of ordinary people who risk their lives to earn a living. There’s a certain glamour associated with these professions, particularly since we watch them from the safety … Continue reading Safe Farming Practices

Damages for Mental Anguish

Victims of serious automobile crashes often say that time seemed to slow down while, in reality, it was all over in just a few seconds. Glass shatters, air bags explode and metal crunches against metal. Suddenly it’s all over. You catch your breath and check for injuries. You’re going to be sore, but you don’t … Continue reading Damages for Mental Anguish

Limits On “Minor” Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Claims

Although regulated on both the federal and provincial level, the life and property and casualty (including automobile) insurance business in Canada is an almost exclusively private, for-profit affair. The market is comprised of about thirty insurers of various sizes, each competing for Canadians’ business. All operate as for-profit companies, passing along net revenues to their … Continue reading Limits On “Minor” Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Claims

What to Do If You Are in an Accident With an Uninsured Driver

You’ve been in an automobile accident. Although you are certain you weren’t at fault and nobody was seriously injured, like a James Bond martini, you are shaken. What’s more, your car is a total loss. Fortunately, the other driver’s insurer will pay for a new one. But what if you discover that he or she … Continue reading What to Do If You Are in an Accident With an Uninsured Driver