Only 32% of B.C. COVID-19 fines paid to date: ICBC
Global News
From breaking social gathering rules to not wearing masks, 2,909 provincial COVID-19-related tickets have been issued as of Nov. 3 – for a total of $2,016,333 in fines.
More than seven months after province-wide COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, new data from ICBC reveals less than one-third of fines issued for violating public health orders have been paid.
From breaking previous event or social gathering rules to not wearing masks during mandates, 2,909 provincial COVID-19-related tickets have been issued as of Nov. 3 – for a total of $2,016,333 in fines.
But according to ICBC, which is responsible for collecting COVID-19 fines on behalf of the provincial government, only 921 tickets – or just under 32 per cent – have been paid, generating $503,777 in fines for the province.
“There isn’t much of a mechanism for government to enforce collection of unpaid COVID fines beyond restricting somebody’s ability to purchase car insurance or renew their driver’s licence,” said lawyer Kyla Lee of Acumen Law.
Since July 2021, Refuse to Issue (RTI) can be applied to COVID-19 violation tickets allowing ICBC to not renew a person’s driver’s licence, permit, or vehicle licence and plates until their outstanding fine is paid.
“The reality is, at some point, you will pay that fine,” said Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.
Two-hundred-and-fifty-two tickets or nine per cent are currently being disputed in court while 1,162, or 40 per cent, have been deemed guilty with $610,223 in fines owed.
ICBC sends unpaid provincial ticket files directly to collections as soon as the initial 30-day payment or dispute period ends, or if someone is found guilty in court, and the province said collection agencies will be pursuing outstanding tickets.
Erin McQueen believes her tools were stolen on Nov.16 while her truck was parked in Kelowna near Ellis Street and Clement Avenue.
"I am fighting for my daughter." How one Regina family is looking to the community to help raise money for a potentially live saving trip to the United States.
Kingston hosts the 59th Vanier Cup, featuring Laval vs. Laurier, promising excitement, economic impact, and family-friendly events. Full details on the big game.
Saskatchewan has been battling an increase in overdoses for many years. But based on recent data, Saskatchewan’s response to drug toxicity may be working.
A council representing Montreal and the suburban municipalities will vote on whether to stop the practice in the six West Island suburbs that treat their water with fluoride.
Trudeau said he would prefer the North American free trade agreement to remain in place, but that Ottawa was 'leaving all doors open' to secure Canadian interests.
The Florida Republican's announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department.
Quebec's finance minister painted a positive picture of the province's finances, saying the province had a stronger-than-expected recovery from last year's economic slowdown.
Kingston ranks No. 2 in Canada for winter non-monogamy hot spots, reflecting its openness to alternative relationships.
Heffel Fine Art Auction House says “Masset, Q.C.I.” sold for $290,000 at its fall sale Wednesday night, above a presale estimate of $100,000 to $200,000.
Ed Hervey promised the turnaround began the second he was hired.