PROVINCIAL COURT COSTS

Whereas the current formulas used to calculate provincial court costs awarded to the successful party appear not to reflect actual legal costs; And whereas the party being taken to court does not have a choice in the matter other than to participate in litigation or settle on a matter; And whereas some matters before the courts, such as a judicial review, are not covered by normal municipal insurance policies; And whereas small municipalities do not have the capacity to pay for an extensive court case which can often include an appeal to a higher court: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to review and amend the formulas used by the courts to determine the final Bill of Costs to be awarded to successful litigants.