Announcements

"Amendments to the Supreme Court Civil Rules and Supreme Court Family Rules will make it easier for people in B.C. to access court services. While most amendments are for housekeeping purposes, updates to use plain language will improve accessibility, particularly for people who speak English as an additional language."

Minister of Justice and Attorney General David Lametti has announced that legislative amendments to the Judges Act, aimed at enhancing the judicial complaints process, have received Royal Assent and become law.

"On behalf of the Advisory Board, I encourage you to use your networks and knowledge of the judiciary and legal community in your jurisdictions to identify qualified candidates, and urge them to submit an application."

Purpose: Section 551.7 of the Criminal Code allows the Chief Judge or a designated judge to determine if it is in the interest of justice to adjudicate an issue referred to in s.551.3(1)(g)(i)-(iii) at a joint hearing. The purpose of this practice direction is to describe the process to make an application under this section.

Commencing September 5, 2023, the Court will no longer use a two-stage process for the selection of criminal juries. As of that date, criminal jury selection will take place in one stage, usually on a single day.

Chief Justice of Canada Richard Wagner noted the dwindling number of journalists covering the courts in Canada during a recent Canadian Bar Association forum on the roles of journalists and the judiciary in preserving public trust in the justice system.

British Columbia is reaching out to the public as it seeks to identify and address systemic racism in government services.

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch is pleased to award Vancouver lawyer, Edward L. Wilson the Georges A. Goyer QC Memorial Award for Distinguished Service. The award is the highest honour bestowed by the Branch and was presented at the annual Vancouver Bench & Bar Dinner.

“This is a special opportunity for us to congratulate those who go above and beyond every day to contribute to the cause of justice. Our theme this year was remarkable deserves recognition, and I truly believe each recipient is more than worthy of this honour. We are lucky to have these individuals not only as colleagues, but as members of our association”, shared Aleem Bharmal, KC, CBABC President.