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New Ontario bill aims to drastically close window for slip-and-fall claims

A private members bill passed by the Ontario Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills aims to pare back the cost of liability insurance for snow contractors by reducing the number of “frivolous” slip-and-fall claims.

Introduced by Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller, Bill 118 will shorten the amount of time individuals have to notify snow contractors, property owners or tenants. The notification period will be reduced to 60 days from a previous two years. Miller said the two-year period made it difficult for businesses to defend themselves as evidence over that time often disappeared and memories faded. Additionally, some businesses underwent staffing changes over the course of two years.

Landscaping and snow removal companies provided input into the formation of the bill, claiming they faced increases in their liability insurance premiums of as much as 500 per cent. Other companies were outright refused insurance.

Bill 118 is awaiting third reading in the Legislature.