Submitted by the Section Chair, Jennifer G. Barrett
Summary of Meetings
Number of Meetings Held: 7
November 5, 2014
Guest Speakers: Deb Henry, Judicial Case Manager, Provincial Court of British Columbia, Victoria Registry and Dawn Norris, Administrative JCM, Provincial Court of British Columbia Hazel Loo - Project Consultant
Meeting Title/Topic: Provincial Court Scheduling - An Introduction to the Assignment Court Process
Synopsis: Assignment Court and Summary Proceedings Court will begin to sit in Victoria commencing December 1, 2014 and a total of 7 registries throughout BC will have moved to this system by March, 2015 --- See Minutes.
November 26, 2014
Guest Speaker: Fiona Hunter, Barrister and Solicitor, of the firm, Horne Coupar
Meeting Title/Topic: The Interplay Between WESA and the FLA
December 11, 2014
Guest Speakers: N/A
Meeting Title/Topic: Family Law Section Holiday Party
Synopsis:A Christmas social event hosted by the section at the home of Jennifer Barrett. Invitations to attend were extended to members of the judiciary, court staff, clerks, Judicial Case Managers and Trial Co-ordinators as well as members of the family law section. It was an event enjoyed by all; a relaxed social gathering over the Christmas season!
January 28, 2015
Guest Speakers: Tanya Sterling, Shelley Spring, and Ryan Green, Lawyers with Cook Roberts LLP
Meeting Title/Topic: Tax Implications for Family Law Clients
April 29, 2015
Guest Speakers: Erin Lumley, Lumley Law Practice, Bruce McGuigan, Executive Director of Family Services of Greater Victoria, Leon Grootendorst, Local Manager, Victoria Justice Access Centre and Michael Lomax, Milton, Johnson
Meeting Title/Topic: Victoria Area Family Law Services Aimed at Enhancing Access to Justice
June 11, 2015
Guest Speakers: The Honourable Mr. Justice Malcolm D. Macaulay, Supreme Court of British Columbia, The Honourable Mr. Justice T.C. Johnston, Supreme Court of British Columbia, Mary Mouat, Q.C., Quadra Legal Centre, Victoria, B.C. and Eugene Raponi, Q.C., Waddell, Raponi, Victoria, B.C.
Meeting Title/Topic: This was an evening dinner meeting. The guest speakers sat on a panel and discussed a series of questions posed by moderator, Laura Atkinson. Therefore, there were various questions posed and discussed by panel members and the general attendees at the dinner meeting
June 24, 2015
Guest Speakers: Nicky Reid and Bob Gill, co- counsel for James McKenzie at the BCSC Dean Lawton - Bencher
Meeting Title/Topic: 1.The McKenzie Decision: the recent BCCA ruling on spousal support and its impact on clients 2.Dean Lawton, Bencher for Victoria - update on LSBC activities
Synopsis: Ms. Reid and Mr. Gill discussed their arguments presented to the BCSC in the McKenzie case and discussions took place concerning the impact of the BCSC's decision Dean Lawton, Bencher, attended the meeting to meet with the section members and to provide a brief update on the activities of the LSBC.
Reports or Resolutions
Draft Resource Manual for Provincial Court of British Columbia (Family Law matters) - this draft manual was prepared by a subcommittee of the Victoria Family Law Section; final version has not yet been approved by the section for distribution.
Comments and Observations of the Chair
The Victoria Family Law Section consists of a very large executive, consisting of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Legislative Liason and several Members-at-Large thereby offering many section members the opportunity to become very involved in the organization of events for the section members. This direct involvement enhances the value of the section to many members and allows for a diversity in ideas in developing an annual plan for section members. It is truly a pleasure, as chair, working with everyone on the executive and I look forward to my further involvement, as a Member-at-Large under the leadership of our new Chair, Laura Atkinson and Vice Chair, Lisa Eames!