The provincial government's improvements to the Fatal Accidents Act would be further strengthened by an Liberal-proposed amendment, Opposition House Leader Kelvin Parsons said.
In a news release, Parsons noted he introduced an amendment Monday night calling on government to include "non-pecuniary" losses in the Fatal Accidents Act.
Parsons said this would allow family members to receive compensation for emotional damages associated with the loss of a loved one. The actual amendment read, "Clause one of the Bill is amended by adding the word non-pecuniary immediately before the word loss in the proposed subsection 6(2)."
Government defeated the amendment.
"While I support the legislative changes put forward by government on the Fatal Accidents Act, I certainly feel that non-pecuniary loss should be included in the legislation," Parsons said. "Not all pain and suffering is physical in nature. Many people suffer emotionally when a loved one is taken from their lives. By including non-pecuniary suffering, the loss of companionship would be recognized and the impact this has on families. Unfortunately, government was clear that they did not want compensation awarded based on grief and sorrow as is done in some other jurisdictions."
Fatal Accidents Act should contain amendment: Opposition
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Published on
June 15, 2010
- Published on July 1, 2010
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Staff ~ The Telegram
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Comments
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- Lorriane
- - July 2, 2010 at 15:03:59
I feel people should be compensated for emotional suffering when a loved one dies tragically. We are made up of mind, body and spirit. When a loved one dies suddenly, we suffer in all three areas of our being. With counselling and emotional support, we can recover. Without that support, the suffering is prolonged and possibly never healed fully.
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- Barbara
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:56:55
What about when someone dies from a sudden massive heart attack - it isn't a fatal accident but the pain and sorrow is no less for those left behind.
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- Lorriane
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:52:58
I feel people should be compensated for emotional suffering when a loved one dies tragically. We are made up of mind, body and spirit. When a loved one dies suddenly, we suffer in all three areas of our being. With counselling and emotional support, we can recover. Without that support, the suffering is prolonged and possibly never healed fully.
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- Barbara
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:44:10
What about when someone dies from a sudden massive heart attack - it isn't a fatal accident but the pain and sorrow is no less for those left behind.
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