On October 6, 2015 the B.C. Provincial Government introduced Bill 38 – Franchises Act in the Provincial Legislature. We posted here, discussing the Bill's primary contributions to the law governing franchises in B.C.
Since then, Bill 38 has moved quickly through the Legislature. It was debated during second reading and received broad support from both Government and Opposition members. On Tuesday, October 20, 2015, it was reported complete without amendment, read a third time, and passed. It is now in the final stage, awaiting Royal Assent. In due course, we will post a blog comparing B.C.'s franchise regime to those in other provinces and discussing what this will mean for businesses.
Going forward, the Government will continue to work with the Advisory Group and the British Columbia Law Institute on the regulations under the Franchises Act. The Act will come into force, by proclamation, once the regulations are drafted. Interested parties should not expect this drafting process to mirror the speed of the Bill's passage in the Legislature, as the drafting of regulations in this context can take more time. We are monitoring these developments and will keep you apprised of the content of the regulations as more information becomes available.
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