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CBABC announces Clare Jennings as its President for the 2021-22 term. Clare’s term begins as our economy continues to re-open and opportunities return to meet in-person with lawyers in all regions and practice areas.

Critics say civil juries are costly, lengthy, unpredictable and have an increased likelihood of mistrial and the necessity for retrial.

As the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a digital transformation of BC’s court system, access to justice increased, but some people are being left behind. CBABC identifies those people, suggests some considerations to follow, and invites dialogue with the courts, Court Services, Justice Services and the Law Society of BC to ensure no one is left behind.

On July 9, 2021, CBABC delivered its final submissions to the Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia. CBABC received joint standing with the Criminal Defense Advocacy Society to participate in the Commission in the fall of 2019. Our participation and submissions were not to overlap with those of the Law Society of BC.

The CBABC Aboriginal Lawyers Forum continues to offer support and share in the grief with our Indigenous members, colleagues and communities regarding the recent announcement of the more than 160 undocumented and  unmarked graves found at the site of the former Kuper Island Industrial School on the traditional lands of the Penelakut Tribe.

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch has once again honoured several outstanding BC lawyers and an innovative organization, all of whom have contributed to the profession and community.

"At CBABC, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and justice system. It is incumbent on each institution, and on each individual, to recognize and combat our unconscious biases and systemic racism."

The Government appointed a Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act to make recommendations relating to the reform and modernization of policing in BC. The scope of their review includes the role of police with respect to complex social issues including mental health, systemic racism within police agencies and its impact on public safety and trust, and whether measures are needed to make the legislation consistent with DRIPA. 

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch applauds the significant financial commitments made in BC Budget 2021 to support the evolution of a modernized justice system and meaningful change for Indigenous peoples.

The Lawyer's Daily: The rights of transgender and non-binary persons to equality and dignity are not open to debate — they are a matter of law.