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ARTICLE · 15 MAY 2026

BC Franchise Law Update: Low Value Claims Are Here

Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP
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Effective the same date, a new Part will be added to the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Regulation, B.C. Reg. 294/2004, implementing the low value claim regime. While framed as consumer protection legislation, franchisors should take note: this change may affect how franchisees bring disputes and how franchisors manage risk.

CanadaConsumer Protection
Allison Bruschetta
Allison Bruschetta
Matthew B. Nakatsu
Matthew B. Nakatsu
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On February 9, 2026, the BC Ministry of Attorney General announced that the remaining provisions of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Amendment Act, 2025 (Bill 4-2025) will come into force on August 1, 2026. Accompanying that announcement, Order in Council No. 35 prescribes the “low value claim” amount under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (BPCPA) as $5,000, exclusive of interest and any costs, fees, expenses, or charges relating to the dispute.

Effective the same date, a new Part will be added to the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Regulation, B.C. Reg. 294/2004, implementing the low value claim regime. While framed as consumer protection legislation, franchisors should take note: this change may affect how franchisees bring disputes and how franchisors manage risk.

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