MLA Mike Bernier introduces ‘Logan’s Law’ to strengthen compensation for families of wrongful death victims

DAWSON CREEK -- The MLA for Peace River South has introduced “Logan’s Law,’ a private member’s bill named in memory of Logan Power.

The bill is aimed at reforming the Family Compensation Act in British Columbia to provide justice for families of victims killed by the careless or intentional acts of others.

The bill is inspired by the heart-wrenching story of Logan Power, a young man from Dawson Creek whose promising life was tragically cut short in 2016 by a drunk driver.

Power was a grade-12 honours student at Dawson Creek secondary school. He was well-liked by his classmates and was preparing for a career in power engineering in the oilfield.

"We were totally robbed. He was my only son.said Terry Power, Logan's father.

Despite the family's profound loss, Logan’s family received no compensation, simply because Logan did not meet the narrow economic criteria recognized under the discriminatory existing law.

‘Under the BC Family Compensation Act, the lives of children, seniors, those with disabilities, and those without dependents are considered worthless when they are killed,” said Mike Bernier. “Logan’s Law will ensure all families, like the Powers, receive the justice they deserve by expanding the eligibility for claims of wrongful deaths.”

If passed, ‘Logan’s Law’ will expand eligibility for claims and adjust compensation levels to align more closely with the realities of wrongful deaths.

This includes allowing parents, siblings, or dependents to claim compensation in the event of a wrongful death. This compensation will help families cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and travel and accommodation costs incurred while caring for the injured person before their death.

It also aims to align British Columbia with other provinces, which have already updated their laws to address the consequences of wrongful deaths more comprehensively.

“in my work to support this much-needed reform to the Family Compensation Act, I've met with many families about the challenges with our outdated wrongful death laws,” said Michael Lee, MLA for Vancouver-Langara and Shadow Minister for Attorney General, and Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation, “Grieving families should not be denied justice and compensation in the event of a wrongful death.”

The bill proposes vital changes consistent with the recommendations by the Ministry of Attorney General in 2010, addressing critical gaps in the current system.