The Province of British Columbia announced this morning that disputes over certain motor vehicle injury claims, including the classification of an injury, will be adjudicated by B.C.’s Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT). The CRT’s jurisdiction over these claims is expected to take effect in April 2019.
The CRT is an independent administrative tribunal that already adjudicates strata and small claims disputes in the province. The CRT is also Canada’s first online tribunal. It resolves disputes by agreement where possible, and makes binding, enforceable decisions when the parties can’t agree. Participants can work on their dispute where and when it works for them, for example from their smartphone in the evening.
The extent of the CRT’s jurisdiction over motor vehicle injury claims is still being finalized. Over the coming months, the CRT will work with government, community advocates, and the public to make sure that the CRT continues to fulfill its mandate to provide fair, accessible, timely, and affordable dispute resolution services, built around the needs of British Columbians. Stay tuned for updates on our work towards implementing this new area of jurisdiction.