2019

The new president of the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch (CBABC) says there is a crisis in the provincial legal aid system that is seeing too many people miss out on the proper supports they need.

The CBA is committed to answering the calls of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. A central premise of the CBA’s ongoing work is to provide a hub of resources and information to lawyers across Canada to understand the truth and engage in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

With today’s official start of the October federal election campaign, politicians of all stripes are on the campaign trail touting the message that a vote for their parties will improve the lives of Canadians. The Canadian Bar Association believes that this is an excellent opportunity for the parties to show how they would take leadership on the issue of legal aid.

Bencher elections are held every two years in odd-numbered years in nine electoral districts across British Columbia. Benchers are elected for two-year renewable terms. The next Bencher election will be held in November 2019, to elect Benchers in all districts for the term January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Voting will occur from November 1 to November 14, and votes will be counted on November 15, 2019.

“Legal aid funding is in a state of crisis, particularly in BC,” Ken Armstrong, CBABC President for 2019-20 said. “Ordinary, working British Columbians who are facing life-altering legal issues, such as separation and divorce, are being denied legal advice.”

Leaders of provincial bar associations have written letters to candidates

“Legal aid across the country has taken a hit over the last few decades”

CBABC and the Law Society are seeking nominees from Vancouver County for appointment to the Board of the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia for a 3 year term beginning September 1, 2019.

Our new Indigenous Justice Advocacy Committee needs members with experience in practice, law and policy affecting indigenous people to develop CBABC’s recommendations and advocacy.

Our Truth & Reconciliation Advisory Committee needs members who are committed to advancing our Truth & Reconciliation Action Plan.