BC updates pensions, police watchdog, FHSA protections

Summary#

This bill updates several justice-related laws in British Columbia. It changes pension rules for some government plan members, clarifies what paperwork is needed to transfer land after someone dies, strengthens the province’s police watchdog, and protects first home savings accounts.

• Updates how pensions are calculated for different years of service, with clear early‑retirement reductions and proration by age.
• Sets document rules for land transfers after a death, including special rules for very old estates and when a court changes who inherits.
• Adds a deputy chief civilian director to the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) and bars current or former police from that role or from acting as chief.
• Lets the IIO chief delegate duties to the deputy and includes the deputy in training and oversight.
• Protects First Home Savings Accounts (FHSAs) like other registered savings, so they’re generally shielded from most creditors.
• Staggers start dates for different parts of the bill.

What it means for you#

• Workers in affected pension plans

  • Your pension formula is updated for certain service periods (1966–2018, 2006–2018, 2018 onward, and 2022 onward), with set percentages applied to your highest average salary.
  • Early retirement cuts are set out more clearly. Reductions are around 5% per year early, with the cut prorated if you are partway through a year.
  • The law distinguishes between judicial service and non‑judicial service, with these changes applying to non‑judicial service. A temporary supplement may apply for some past service until age 65.

• Heirs, executors, and homeowners

  • To register a land transfer after someone dies, you must file specific documents. For very old estates (deaths before April 1, 1947), you need a certified probate or administration grant and an inventory page that correctly describes the land.
  • If a court order under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act changes who gets the property, you must file a certified copy of that order that correctly describes the land.

• People saving for a first home

  • Money in a First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is added to the list of protected savings (like RRSPs/TFSAs). In most cases, creditors cannot seize these funds to pay debts.

• Police oversight and public safety

  • The IIO gains a deputy chief civilian director to help manage investigations when the chief is away or delegates tasks.
  • The deputy, like the chief, must be fully civilian. Current or former police or RCMP cannot be appointed as deputy or as acting chief.
  • Training and standards now explicitly include the deputy and IIO investigators, aiming to keep investigations consistent and independent.

• Timing

  • Some parts take effect later on dates set by the government. Check guidance once the law is in force.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Strengthens independent police oversight by adding a civilian deputy leader and barring police and ex‑police from top IIO roles.
• Gives the IIO more stability and continuity when the chief is absent, improving timeliness of investigations.
• Modernizes pension calculations and early‑retirement rules so they match current plan design and are easier to apply.
• Protects FHSA savings, helping people save for a first home without fear of most creditor seizures.
• Clarifies land transfer rules after death, reducing errors and delays at the Land Title Office, especially for old estates or when a court changes inheritance.

Opponents' View#

• Pension changes could raise long‑term costs or liabilities for the plan or government, depending on the new formulas and supplements.
• The IIO restrictions may exclude experienced candidates with policing backgrounds, making recruitment harder.
• Adding a deputy leadership post may increase administrative costs without clear performance gains.
• Extra document requirements for old estates and court‑altered inheritances could mean more steps and costs for families and executors.
• Shielding FHSAs from creditors could make it harder for people owed money to collect legitimate debts.