Submissions

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

Rebeka Breder and Britta Jensen, Co-Chairs for the Animal Law Section, wrote the the Minister of Health and Provincial Health Officer urging them to deem essential pet-related services as "essential services" during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

"In consultation with the Real Property and Commercial & Real Estate Sections of the Canadian Bar Association (BC Branch), we respectfully request that the Minister consider a revision to the “Land Title (Transfer Forms) Regulation”, B.C. Reg. 53/90 (the “Regulation”) under the Land Title Act, [RSBC 1996] c. 250 to allow for witnessing of land title forms by videoconference during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Delivered by Kevin B. Westell, Pender Litigation

We write to follow up on discussions at our September Provincial Council meeting between your predecessor, Nancy G. Merrill, QC and Lisa Nevens, the co-chair of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Community Section (SOGIC) of the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC). That discussion and this letter is regarding LGBTQ2SI+1 content in the Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC).