January 2008 news releases

Provincial news releases

ICBC welcomes two new members to the Board of Directors — January 31
A stolen Dodge Viper leads to forgery and ICBC fraud charges for Vancouver man — January 30
Over 80,000 British Columbians are driving home the spirit of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games — January 22
BCUC releases final decision on ICBC's 2007 rate applications — January 14

Regional news releases

ICBC reminds Prince George residents to be ready for flooding — January 7

Government news releases

Canada's first enhanced driver's licence launched in BC - Jan 21

ICBC welcomes two new members to the Board of Directors — January 31

Today, T. Richard Turner, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, is pleased to announce that Carol Brown and Jatinder Rai have been appointed as the newest members of ICBC's Board of Directors.

Ms. Brown joins the ICBC board close to 20 years experience as a lawyer, specializing in commercial law and taxation. Ms. Brown's board experience includes several well-known organizations in B.C. and Toronto, including the Canadian Bar Association's (B.C. Branch) Benevolent Society, the Prince George Airport Authority and the Toronto Red Cross Society. Ms. Brown is currently completing her doctoral studies in organizational development. She has a Master of Arts in leadership, a C.G.A. designation, a law degree and a Bachelor of Commerce.

Jatinder Rai has over 12 years experience in the marketing and advertising industry. He is the founder, president and CEO of Response Advertising Inc., which specializes in reaching multicultural markets in Canada and the United States. Mr. Rai has served as a volunteer with several non-profit organizations such as YM-YWCA (Victoria), Mosaic, United Way South Asian Advisory Board, the Canadian Diabetes Association and Surrey Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Turner would like to thank Susan Paish, Robert Quart and Alice Downing for their hard work and dedication to ICBC in their roles as board members. Ms. Paish, CEO of Pharmasave Drugs Ltd., has been on ICBC's Board of Directors since July 2001, and was the Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee. Mr. Quart was the CEO of VanCity, until his retirement in 1999, and has been on ICBC's Board of Directors since July 2001. While on ICBC's board, he was Vice-Chair, Chair of the Audit Committee and Chair of the Governance Committee. Alice Downing is a Certified Human Resources Professional, and has also been on ICBC's Board of Directors since July 2001. Ms. Downing was a member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee. All three members are leaving as their terms of service are completed on January 31, 2008. Terms for the two new directors start January 31, 2008.

A stolen Dodge Viper leads to forgery and ICBC fraud charges for Vancouver man — January 30

ICBC has a zero tolerance for fraud

David Roland Messina, of Vancouver, is facing the consequences of attempting to defraud ICBC and trying to avoid paying taxes on a vehicle purchase. Messina recently attended Vancouver Provincial Court, where he pleaded guilty to uttering a forged document, an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. He was fined $5000. ICBC has also denied his stolen vehicle claim, and Messina can expect to pay the outstanding tax on his vehicle purchase.

In Judge Giardini's reasons for sentence, he reinforced that attempting to defraud ICBC is not a victimless crime but rather it costs all British Columbians. And that the integrity of BC's vehicle licensing and insurance system "depends on all of us doing our bit and being honest and doing what we are supposed to do."

On June 1, 2005, Messina reported his 1999 Dodge Viper was stolen while parked near the intersection Robson and Jervis Street, in Vancouver. Later that day, Messina contacted ICBC to initiate his claim.

According to Messina's statement, he purchased the Viper in June 2004 for $75,000. But while investigating the claim, ICBC uncovered that in 2004 Messina had provided ICBC with a gift letter and vehicle transfer forms indicating a purchase price of zero. By declaring the vehicle a gift, Messina did not pay PST for transferring the vehicle from the previous owner.

ICBC contacted the previous owner who stated Messina paid $68,000 for the vehicle. The prior owner also indicated he did not sign a gift letter, or vehicle transfer form with a zero purchase price.

When confronted by ICBC about the conflicting information, Messina denied forging the documents. After additional questioning, he also denied trying to sell the vehicle, although ICBC uncovered an ad placed to sell the Viper by Messina in the Buy and Sell from July until October 2004.

"ICBC needs its customers to provide complete and accurate information for us to be able to correctly assess the claim and provide fair compensation", said Steve Tripp, manager of ICBC's Special Investigation Unit. "Providing false information to ICBC in relation to a claim is considered fraudulent, and ICBC has zero tolerance for fraud."

Messina was charged in July 2006 for fraud and uttering a forged document, both offences under the Criminal Code of Canada. He pleaded guilty to the charge of uttering a forged document, while the fraud charge was stayed.

ICBC invests more in fraud prevention and investigation than most property and casualty insurance companies in Canada. By combating fraud, ICBC hopes to deter others and to recover fraudulent payments, which help to keep rates low and stable.

Customers are encouraged to do their part to help fight fraud by reporting suspicious, exaggerated or fraudulent claims. Information provided to ICBC's fraud tips line (604-661-6844 or 1-800-661-6844) is confidential and callers can remain anonymous.

Over 80,000 British Columbians are driving home the spirit of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games — January 22

Allen Reiffer of Kamloops won a 2008 Pontiac Vibe, as part of ICBC's Show Your Support to Win promotion

More than 80,000 British Columbians have purchased 2010 Olympic Winter Games licence plates, and one lucky Kamloops resident won a new vehicle for doing his part to drive home the spirit of the Games. Allen Reiffer of Kamloops won a 2008 Pontiac Vibe, as part of ICBC's Show Your Support to Win promotion.

Reiffer was awarded his new, blue, Pontiac Vibe at ICBC's Driver Service Centre in Kamloops on January 22. The grand-prize vehicle, valued at $22,900, was donated by the Pontiac Dealers of BC.

Reiffer, a 54 year-old, retail store manager, says he's received lots of compliments on his 2010 Olympic Winter Games plate, which he purchased in July 2007. He purchased the plate because he liked the look and slogan, and wanted to show his support for the Games. Reiffer has a history of Olympic luck; in 1988, he won a contest to attend the closing ceremony of the Calgary Olympic Winter Games.

"ICBC would like to thank all 80,000 British Columbians who have purchased their 2010 Olympic Winter Games licence plates. By purchasing a plate, you are directly helping support the 2010 Winter Games and Canada's athletes," said Jeff Schulz, ICBC vice-president of Strategic Marketing. "And if you haven't done so already, I would encourage every British Columbian to get a plate, and help make these the most successful Winter Games ever."

ICBC is well on its way to meeting its goal to sell 100,000 plates in the program's first year. Net proceeds from the plate program go towards supporting the Canadian Olympic team and to the successful staging of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and are part of ICBC's sponsorship, as an Official Supporter in the motor vehicle insurance category.

"ICBC's licence plate program is a huge success. Not only do the plates capture the spirit of the Games, they drive momentum across the province. And with just two years to go, this is the year to get your plate", said Caley Denton, VANOC vice president of Ticketing and Consumer Marketing.

2010 Olympic Winter Games licence plates went on sale in April of 2007 and can be purchased from Autoplan brokers for an initial fee of $35 (annual renewal fee of $25 until 2012). They are available for passenger vehicles, motor homes, commercial trucks, commercial trailers, farm trucks, motorcycles, and utility trailers.

2010 Olympic Winter Games licence plates are an official licence plate and will continue to be valid beyond the Games. Customers are encouraged to retain the plates but if they choose to cancel their plate after December 31, 2010, they will get to keep the front licence plate as a souvenir in recognition of their support.

Additional information about 2010 Olympic Winter Games licence plates is available at local Autoplan broker offices.

For more information contact:
Kate Best 604-982-2480
Ryan Detwiller (Southern Interior media) 250-878-0050

BCUC releases final decision on ICBC's 2007 rate applications — January 14

The British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) has released its final decision on ICBC's applications filed in March 2007 concerning rates for basic insurance.

The Commission confirmed the 3.3 per cent increase in rates for basic insurance which was approved on an interim basis by BCUC and then implemented on May 1, 2007.

The interim increase in rates for basic insurance was implemented at the same time as an average 3.8 per cent decrease in rates for optional coverage for ICBC customers. The net effect of rate changes in 2007 was that premiums decreased or stayed roughly the same for more than half of the customers who chose ICBC for their basic and optional coverage.

The increase is needed primarily because the cost of claims from crashes has continued to increase, particularly for injury claims.

The BCUC has also approved other rate design initiatives and earlier approved the new Driver Risk Premium for higher-risk drivers.

The full decision is available on the BCUC website - www.bcuc.com .

For more information contact:
Doug McClelland 604-982-2476

Regional news releases

ICBC reminds Prince George residents to be ready for flooding — January 7

ICBC reminds Prince George residents to be ready for flooding — January 7

Steps to protect you and your vehicle from flood damage

ICBC is advising customers in Prince George to protect their vehicles and drive safely as the threat of flooding increases in the area.

ICBC recommends finding a safe location on high ground for the temporary storage of vehicles located in low-lying areas that may be subject to flooding. Similar care should be taken with seasonal vehicles such as motor homes, trailers or snowmobiles.

Customers need to ensure that vehicles are properly licensed and insured before they can be operated on any road or highway. Temporary Operation Permits may be purchased from any Autoplan broker for vehicles that are currently unlicensed. To minimize the chances of a loss, customers are encouraged to choose a location for storing their vehicles that is well above flood levels. Do not store valuable goods or household items in your vehicle as these items are not covered by vehicle insurance.

ICBC also reminds drivers to use their RoadSense and to avoid driving into any water flooded areas and roadways. If a road is flooded or marked closed, do not continue - back up and use another route.

ICBC is committed to providing hassle-free claims service with 38 full-service claim centres across BC. If you experience flood damage to your vehicle, you may report your claim online at www.icbc.com or call ICBC's 24-hour Dial-A-Claim Centre at 1-800-910-4222.

ICBC is taking steps to minimize the risks of flooding to its claims centres and driver licensing centres throughout the province. In the event that any ICBC locations are closed due to flooding, information on alternative service locations will be provided to local media and on www.icbc.com.

For evacuation alerts and orders, check your local government website for the most current information.

Driver Safety Tips - Flooding

• Floodwaters can quickly wash out roads and bridges. Avoid driving in flooded areas.
• Prepare an alternative route before you leave for your destination, in case the road you want to use is closed.
• If a road is flooded or marked closed, do not continue. Back up and use another route.
• If there is no other choice but to drive into water, drive slowly and cautiously, watching carefully for signs of a moving current that may have affected the safety of the road ahead. Respect the power of water.
• Think about what you can not see -- hazards such as submerged trees or downed power lines may be lurking beneath the water. If in doubt, do not proceed.
• After driving through deep water, always test your brakes. They may pull to one side or the other or they may not work at all. You can dry the brakes by driving slowly and applying brake pressure lightly. Other parts such as emergency brake cables, axles and electronic components should be dried and checked by a qualified professional as soon as possible.
• If your vehicle stalls on a flooded stretch of road, be prepared to abandon it and retreat to higher ground.
• Do not attempt to retrieve vehicles from flooded areas until it is safe. Wait for the water to recede.
• If your vehicle's engine has been even partially immersed in floodwater, do not attempt to start it. Qualified professionals should check all operating systems and fluid levels to prevent possible future problems.

Media contacts:
Alyson Gourley-Cramer
(250) 961-9299 or
(250) 561-5006

Government news releases

Canada's first enhanced driver's licence launched in BC - Jan 21

	NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2008OTP0008-000056 Jan. 21, 2008	Office of the Premier Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat Public Safety Canada
Canada's first enhanced driver's licence launched in BC VICTORIA — Canada's first enhanced driver's licences (EDLs) will be available in British Columbia for use by eligible B.C. residents driving to the United States, Premier Gordon Campbell and Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day announced today. EDLs are proposed as an alternative to the passport that will be required to enter the United States at its land and water borders no earlier than June 2009. "The enhanced driver's licence is a new, voluntary option for drivers that allows for more convenient travel to the United States," said Premier Campbell. "Since 2006, British Columbia has worked with the Government of Canada and Washington state to develop an enhanced driver's licence that will meet the new U.S. requirements at the border. This new licence will encourage closer social ties with our U.S. neighbours and support economic growth on both sides of the border. I congratulate Washington Governor Chris Gregoire for her persistent and hard work with me in reaching this step." "We have worked hard with the U.S. government to ensure that legitimate trade and travel across our borders are not disrupted as a result of the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)," said Minister Day. "We are encouraged to see that our efforts are leading to recognition that enhanced driver's licences can serve as an acceptable alternative to passports to enter the United Stats at its land and sea borders." "We have strong social and economic ties with British Columbia; it is our number one trading partner," Washington Governor Chris Gregoire said. "We wanted to find a way to boost security at our border without hampering trade and tourism. This is particularly important with both the 2009 World Police and Fire Fighter Games and the 2010 Winter Olympics in British Columbia fast approaching. I commend Premier Gordon Campbell and Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day for collaborating with us in Washington to ensure we maintain our strong relations." The B.C. EDL program will begin as an initial phase in which 500 EDLs will be offered at designated Driver Licensing Centres in Richmond and Cloverdale. Eligible participants must be Canadian citizens, born in British Columbia, and hold a valid B.C. birth certificate and a valid B.C. driver's licence. This initial phase will allow the governments of Canada and British Columbia to test the effectiveness of the program and, based on the results, the program could be extended to all Canadian citizens residing in British Columbia. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is now accepting volunteers. For information about eligibility, the B.C. EDL Participant Guide is available online at www.icbc.com, or by calling 1-866-296-6054. Appointments must be booked in advance. The WHTI is a U.S. law, now in effect for air travel, that will require all travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other secure document when travelling to the United States from within the western hemisphere. Alternate documents to a passport include NEXUS and FAST cards. More information B.C. Enhanced Driver's Licence: 500 volunteers selected More information about the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is available on the Canada Border Services Agency's website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca . This news release is available online at www.gov.bc.ca and www.publicsafety.gc.ca . Contact: Dale Steeves Director of Communications Office of the Premier 250 387-6605 Melisa Leclerc Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day Minister of Public Safety 613 991-2863 Doug Henderson Insurance Corporation of B.C. 604 982-1332, 604 786-2579 For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province's news feeds using RSS, visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca .