2024

B.C.'s attorney general recently made comments in the media and online that "risk undermining the public’s confidence in the criminal justice system," according to a letter published by the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association.

Legal advisers across Canada, including Quebec notaries and Ontario paralegals, do not have to comply with constitutionally-impugned Income Tax Act (ITA) mandatory reporting obligations with respect to clients’ tax avoidance, following the Federation of Law Societies of Canada’s (FLSC) success in obtaining a nationwide interlocutory court injunction until its Charter challenge to last June’s ITA amendments is determined.

We are appalled to hear that Allard Law students and Professor Raymond A. Atuguba, Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, were recently subject to a racist attack during a hybrid Zoom presentation. Racism in the profession and our community is intolerable and we condemn it.

Internal report cites competition with other higher-paying law enforcement jobs for shortage of officers and figures show a sharp job in court closures or delays as a result

In 1974, Romilly became the first Black appointee to the B.C. bench

"Hate, violence, disinformation and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression are contrary to human rights laws and unacceptable. These actions cause harm and fear among our colleagues, clients, friends and families."

“Whether it's criminal defence cases, whether it's people who are suing the government, whether they're trying to challenge government decisions, or whether there's an allegation of a breach of someone's Charter rights – it's really critical that lawyers can advocate for their clients without having a concern that their regulator is not independent.”

Morishita said at the top of his mind is acting on the findings from last year’s national study on wellness in the legal profession, in which more than half of respondents reported experiencing psychological distress and burnout, with some reporting thoughts of suicide.

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch is pleased to announce Scott Morishita as our president for the 2023-24 term.

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch commends the provincial government’s Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services for reflecting our recommendations for family law legal aid in their 2024 Budget Consultation Report.