Bill 222 Would Protect Property Owners from Trespasser Lawsuits
WINNIPEG — Opposition House Leader and Interlake-Gimli MLA Derek Johnson has introduced new legislation to protect property owners from unjustified lawsuits by criminals who are injured while trespassing.
Bill 222, The Occupiers’ Liability Amendment Act, would protect property owners from being held legally responsible if someone illegally enters their property intending to commit a crime and is injured or killed. The bill recognizes that rural properties and farms can pose specific risks and dangers, and ensures property owners are not unfairly targeted by lawsuits from trespassers who break the law.
However, property owners could still be held liable if their actions are found to be intentional, excessively forceful, and result in a criminal conviction. Bill 222 would also update The Limitations Act to pause the deadline for filing a lawsuit until after any related criminal charges have been resolved.
“This bill strikes a fair balance for property owners by protecting them from lawsuits filed by criminals who trespass,” said Johnson. “At the same time, it ensures accountability in cases of clear wrongdoing and excessive force.”
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