Newsroom

This submission was prepared by the CBABC Access to Justice Committee (the “AJC”), a standing committee of the CBABC. The AJC works to improve and promote access to justice for the poor and middle classes in BC. The AJC stresses government responsibility for a sufficiently publicly funded legal aid system as an essential foundation, promotes pro bono services in the legal profession, and supports innovative legal system reform and delivery options for greater access to legal services.

"The CBABC asks that the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Ministry of the Attorney General direct its attention to this urgent matter to rectify the challenges of executors and administrators who are required to obtain an Estate Grant in order to administer an estate."

"On April 8, 2020, the CBABC provided a briefing note to the Ministry of Attorney General which outlines concerns our members have with respect to the witnessing of wills, in light of physical distancing requirements during the pandemic. A copy of that brief is attached. I understand that Ron Usher, General Counsel for the Society of Notaries has also been in touch with the Ministry about witnessing requirements for wills, powers of attorney and representation agreements during COVID-19."

"Thank you for your letter of March 19, 2020, regarding the operation of British Columbia’s land title system during the COVID-19 pandemic and your concerns regarding the health and safety of legal professionals during this time."

PURPOSE: This briefing note provides for the BC Supreme Court to temporarily allow witnessing of wills by use of video technology as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic health emergency.

PURPOSE: This briefing note summarizes the effect on payments on construction projects regarding builders liens in British Columbia in the event limitations periods are suspended or extended by the BC government as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic health emergency.

"I can assure you that departmental officials are working with British Columbia, as well as with other jurisdictions, to ensure that our courts are adequately resourced. I am strongly committed to ensuring that our justice system is effective, fair, and accessible for all Canadians." - The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., Q.C., M.P. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

The Law Society of British Columbia’s Futures Task Force is seeking input from the Canadian Bar Association (BC Branch) in its consideration of the future of legal practice, the legal profession in British Columbia and legal regulation. More specifically, it is seeking feedback on the factors and forces that are likely to influence the delivery of legal services and the regulation of the legal profession and legal practice over the next decade.

PURPOSE: This briefing note summarizes the impact of recommended physical distancing measures (to avoid the spread of virus during the pandemic) on the execution of land conveyancing documents in British Columbia.

"I write on behalf of the BC branch of the Canadian Bar Association in regards to the effect of Covid-19 which has resulted in the closure of British Columbia courthouses and court rooms, and the ability of people to comply with limitation periods." CBABC President Ken Armstrong