Announcements

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch is pleased to award Vancouver lawyer, Edward L. Wilson the Georges A. Goyer QC Memorial Award for Distinguished Service. The award is the highest honour bestowed by the Branch and was presented at the annual Vancouver Bench & Bar Dinner.

“This is a special opportunity for us to congratulate those who go above and beyond every day to contribute to the cause of justice. Our theme this year was remarkable deserves recognition, and I truly believe each recipient is more than worthy of this honour. We are lucky to have these individuals not only as colleagues, but as members of our association”, shared Aleem Bharmal, KC, CBABC President.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, released the 2022-23 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report. The report summarizes actions taken by nearly 20 federal departments and agencies to address and support the safety and wellbeing of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGTBQI+ people, as well as their families and communities impacted by violence.

As set out in the Masters Chambers Pilot Project Notice, the Masters Chambers Pilot Project (the “Project”), which allows for electronic filing of chambers application records in PDF format through Court Services Online, will be expanded commencing on June 19, 2023.

Bradford F. Smith, K.C., a sole practitioner in Kamloops, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Kamloops. Justice Smith replaces Justice S.D. Dley (Kamloops), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective November 1, 2021.

Kerry L. Simmons, KC, CBABC Executive Director, appeared on CTV's Power Play with Joyce Napier.

Six of the 17 committees that screen candidates for federally appointed courts across Canada have stopped operating, even as the number of vacant jobs for judges contributes to severe delays in the justice system.

Justice Minister David Lametti introduced new legislation Tuesday morning to reform Canada’s bail system, after months of calls for tougher laws from premiers, police and opposition.

The B.C. government has introduced new legislation it says will make it easier for people to get the money owed to them following a successful civil court or tribunal decision.