If you’re currently in the process of starting a home-based business, the issue of automobile insurance is probably the furthest thing from your mind. Chances are that you’ve had a car with a personal insurance policy for a number of years, and haven’t given any thought to changing your policy.
It is important to remember, however, that even occasional business outings may require a commercial insurance policy, depending on the regulations in your jurisdiction. Generally speaking, even a home-based entrepreneur who uses their vehicle for business transport more than once a week should think about getting a business-grade policy.
After all, if your car is involved in an accident and the back seat is full of office supplies, there’s a good chance that your insurance company is going to ask some rather awkward questions.
Getting in trouble with your insurance company is exactly the kind of distraction you don’t need when trying to operate a business. Ultimately, paying the extra premium could be well worth it to avoid the extra worry and hassle.
The only way to find out for sure whether or not you need a business-grade policy is to consult an insurance agent or broker in your area, and determine the exact rules and regulations in your state or province.
If it turns out that you do need a commercial plan, it’s best to shop around and compare quotes from several different insurance providers. That way you can be absolutely sure that you’re getting the best deal, and may actually be surprised by the available policies.
Civil Forfeiture and the Standard of Proof
Unlike criminal proceedings, where an accused person must be presumed innocent until proven guilty and only punished once their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt, civil forfeiture proceedings operate on the balance of probabilities, meaning that the state must merely demonstrate that an individual has probably done something illegal in order to obtain forfeiture of their property.
Democratic Rights: A Broad Charter Guarantee
Democratic Rights, and specifically the right to vote in provincial and federal elections, enjoy broad constitutional protection in Canada, pursuant to Section 3 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This section states that “Every citizen of Canada has the right to vote in an election of the members of the House of Commons or of a legislative assembly and to be qualified for membership therein.”
The Right to Counsel in Canada
Section 10(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms preserves the right of a detained individual to contact counsel immediately upon arrest or detention, and simultaneously imposes a duty upon police to immediately inform individuals that they have this right.
