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Proposed British Columbia Franchise Bill Passes Third Reading

Author(s): Dominic Mochrie, Paul Kotschorek

Nov 4, 2015

In our last Update on the proposed British Columbia franchise legislation, we reported that the B.C. Legislature had, on October 5, 2015, introduced Bill 38 which would enact the Franchises Act of B.C. In very short order, the Bill had its second reading on October 7 and passed Committee and third reading, without amendment, on October 20. This means that the legislation is in its final form, and it will come into force on a date designated by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. As we reported previously, such date will not be until sometime in 2016, with the possibility of a further delay before the disclosure regulation comes into effect.

The B.C. Government has stated that it will base the franchise regulation to be made under Bill 38 on the Uniform Law Conference Of Canada’s (ULCC) template franchise regulation, and recommendations set out by the British Columbia Law Institute (BCLI) in its proposed Franchise Act (Disclosure) Regulation [PDF]. The Government has opened a public consultation process, and has requested that any comments on the ULCC’s template regulation or the BCLI’s recommendations be received by January 15, 2016.

Read the complete third reading version of Bill 38.

Check back here for updates on the draft regulations.

If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Osler Franchise Group.