Quebec distributing $1 billion more to victims of vehicle accidents

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Quebec is redistributing $1 billion from the coffers of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) to people injured in road collisions and accidents.

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On Wednesday, Transport Minister François Bonnardel tabled Bill 22which modifies the Automobile Insurance Act and Highway Safety Code.

He said he wants to “fix a mistake of the past” and ensure those injured receive revenues after age 68 so they can have a “decent retirement.”

The new system would also give beneficiaries revenues based on the average wage of Quebec workers where injuries are catastrophic, to compensate for the loss of career progression.

The amount allowed for home care for someone who is tetraplegic, for example, would increase from $949 to $1,500 per week. The indemnity for funeral costs increases to $7,500, and the benefits to a deceased beneficiary’s surviving partner would no longer be based on the deceased person’s age.

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The SAAQ currently has a $4.8-billion surplus.

In a news conference, Bonnardel noted that the SAAQ will also give $1.1 billion back to the 6.4 million Quebecers with drivers’ licenses this year and next.

“I’m very, very proud to see that with the funds well capitalized, we can now return a considerable sum to (24,000 beneficiaries),” he said. “They aren’t numerous, but they are important. This billion that we’re giving back to them retroactively in the coming years, I think we owe them that.”

The bill also changes aspects of the Highway Safety Code. The new provisions make it mandatory for transport trucks to carry an electronic logging device (valued at $300-$600) that will replace the daily log that truckers have to fill out to manage work and rest times.

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“In 2022, it makes sense to have data collected on a machine like this, and not having them on paper,” Bonnardel said, adding he does not expect resistance to the change and “we will give time for everyone to prepare themselves.”

Another change would see a zero alcohol limit for people with learner’s permits who already have a permit for another class of vehicle, such as a passenger car driver getting a motorcycle license.

Finally, if the bill is adopted into law, it will become possible to prolong a requirement to use an alcohol ignition interlock when a driver fails to respect established criteria.