Submissions and Legislative Updates

Update: CBABC recommendations incorporated into new BCLI report on artificial intelligence and civil liability

Updated with responses from the Chiefs of all three B.C. courts.

On January 12, CBABC delivered a letter to the Attorney General highlighting concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the proposed legislation for a single regulator for lawyers, notaries and paralegals. 

The Lieutenant Governor recently issued Order in Council 628/2023 amending Section 5 of the Disbursements and Expert Evidence Regulation, BC Reg, 2010/2020.

CBABC has delivered a submission to the Ministry of Citizens’ Services to endorse the Creating Safety in BC Courts Report by Rise Women’s Legal Centre.

On June 23, CBABC delivered a submission to the Ministry of Attorney General recommending a more intentional approach to the design of virtual courtrooms.  

CBABC has delivered a submission to the Supreme Court of British Columbia requesting a return to virtual Chambers hearings for short matters in civil and family law proceedings with the ability to obtain in-person appearances where circumstances warrant.

The Minister of Justice has amended the Questionnaire for Federal Judicial Appointments, reflecting feedback provided by the Canadian Bar Association – BC Branch, CBA, the Canadian Judicial Council, and the Office of the Commissioner for Foreign Affairs. Changes reflect more inclusive language while assessment remains comprehensive.

In 2021, the Government formed a Special Committee to reform the Police Act. A public consultation was conducted and the final report of this Special Committee has now been published, along with recommendations for modernizing the legislation and policies around policing in BC.

The Rules of Contempt are under review by the BC Supreme Court Civil and Family Rules Committee (Rules Committee). The existing rules are outdated and do not reflect the range of options that are used under the court’s inherent jurisdiction when a court order is violated.