Commentary

Legal services provided in BC are, unlike any other professional services, subject to provincial sales tax (PST). Accordingly, consumers in BC have a more difficult time obtaining legal help. They can hire an accountant, architect, veterinarian or any other professional. For some bizarre reason, justice fell to the bottom of the list of governmental priorities as only legal fees are effectively increased by 7% due to this special tax.

Each of the parents were awarded $250,000 for “Loss of Care, Guidance, and Companionship”. In BC, they would have been awarded $0 because of the section of WESA which bars non-pecuniary damages awards in fatality claims.