Legal News Court exempts legal advisers from reporting clients’ tax affairs until Charter challenge determined November 27, 2023 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.
CBABC Announcement Statement from CBABC President Scott Morishita on racist attack November 21, 2023 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.
Legislative Update Act in Force: Pay Transparency Act November 15, 2023 As of November 1, 2023, the Pay Transparency Act has come into force. All employers must now include expected pay or pay range for job postings.
Legislative Update Order in Council: Family Law Act and Provincial Court Family Rules Amendments Regarding Property Division (Companion Animals) October 25, 2023 On October 3, 2023, the BC government amended the Family Law Act and the Provincial Court Family Rules impacting orders and agreements about companion animals.
CBABC Media Coverage Courthouse delays soaring as B.C. sheriffs quit for better pay September 27, 2023 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
Legal News Selwyn Romilly, B.C.'s first Black judge, remembered as 'trailblazer' after death at 83 September 26, 2023 In 1974, Romilly became the first Black appointee to the B.C. bench
CBABC Announcement CBABC President Scott Morishita's Statement on Sept 20 Anti-Trans Demonstrations September 19, 2023 "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."
CBABC Media Coverage New CBA BC Branch president Scott Morishita to focus on lawyer independence and mental health September 15, 2023 “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.”
CBABC Media Coverage Mental health, governance of legal profession top of mind for new B.C. bar president September 14, 2023 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.
CBABC Submission Response from the Federal Minister of Justice: Judicial Vacancies September 12, 2023 The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada has responded to a CBABC submission urging federal appointments of justices to the BC Supreme Court and to re-establish the Judicial Advisory Committee in British Columbia.