The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch has launched a three-year action plan to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in British Columbia’s legal profession and justice system.
A Legal Profession for Everyone sets the association’s EDI priorities and commitments for the next three years. Along with informing CBABC’s member programming and resources, the plan guides the association’s advocacy work, including efforts to support increased diversity in judicial appointments and strengthen relationships with equity-deserving professional associations.
In a recent CBABC member survey, 71% of respondents reported experiencing or witnessing discrimination or equity-related barriers, while 82% did not feel their workplace effectively addresses concerns about discrimination or harassment.
The action plan is a response to representation gaps, inequitable career outcomes and cultural barriers experienced by lawyers in B.C., especially at the intersections of race, gender, Indigeneity and disability.
The framework complements the CBABC Reconciliation Action Plan, which sets out distinct commitments to support Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
“Lawyers should be able to build successful practices and contribute to their communities without facing barriers to career advancement and belonging,” said CBABC President Patricia Blair. “This plan sets out the steps CBABC is taking to help strengthen a legal profession where everyone, especially historically excluded people, has the opportunity to thrive.”
Informed by member input, external expert consultation and a review of comparable initiatives across the legal profession, CBABC developed this initiative to support cultural and structural changes in workplaces, institutions and systems.
About CBABC:
The Canadian Bar Association is the professional organization representing 40,000 lawyers, judges and law students across Canada with over 8,000 members in British Columbia. CBABC members practice at the forefront of the justice system, providing services to British Columbians in every area of law. CBABC is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish and Musqueam First Nations.
