[Proculation]

Yogi wrote:

Oh, insurance is mandatory in Ab as well. For vehicles to be driven on the roadway or any public property. But only minimum insurance. P.L.P.D. I'm not sure what the amount for minimum is anymore. Since i 'grew up' I carry the max. insurance, full coverage. Because of that, a few years ago I was in another accident where a fellow turned in front of me. He was charged. My insurance company stepped in the same day, arranged a rental, allowed me 2 days off of work with no pay and then started paying my wages and expenses, and took care of all the legal aspects for me and then recovered the costs from the other guys insurance company.

Is the 'no fault' law all canadian or only in Quebec ?
Basically it states that whatever happens, it's no the fault of the person. Your insurance has to pay for it even if it was the other guy fault. After that, the insurance company 'sues' the other one to ask for the money. Something like that.

[Yogi]

Tue, March 3, 2009
Redford defends selling property before conviction
Lawyers have serious concerns
By KERRY DIOTTE, LEGISLATURE BUREAU CHIEF



Criminal lawyers have "serious" concerns about a new Alberta law that allows the seizure and sale of people's property before they've been tried for their alleged crimes in court.

But Justice Minister Alison Redford said yesterday her department intends to proceed with sales of property prior to convictions even though one of two similar laws in other provinces is being appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada.

"Certainly the Criminal Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA) has serious concerns about the legislation," said lawyer Shannon Prithipaul, who's on the organization's executive board.

"The issue is that you're taking people's property ... for a crime that they may not have even committed," she said.

Prithipaul figures the law could have the toughest impact on poorer people who might be found not guilty and could not afford to launch a legal fight to be compensated if their property was seized and sold in a civil action.

At a news conference yesterday, Redford defended the legislation that was passed Dec. 17 and said the total value of illegal profit connected to the property seized so far is estimated at $4.6 million.

An acreage was seized containing a marijuana grow operation, said Redford. Under the law, police have also seized cash, vehicles, guns and a home, she said.

"This law has real teeth," she said. "If you are involved in criminal activity, you need to be aware that we have the power to come and take away your luxury SUV, your home or your bag full of drug money. You will lose that property."

Proceeds of sales will go to benefit crime victims.

Redford said the Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Act is fair because judges will ultimately decide what can be seized and sold.

She said she's not overly concerned the legislation could be overturned in court, arguing any law that's made is subject to a legal challenge.