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British Columbia has revealed a strategy for its justice system aimed at reducing the number of Indigenous people who find themselves before criminal courts and ensuring First Nations are more involved in the legal services that affect them.

"The CBA is monitoring the pandemic and response. While the situation continues to change rapidly, our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our members, staff and members of the public who interact with our justice system." Vivene Salmon, President of the CBA

“Today we are pleased to see the BC government take this important step forward by endorsing a First Nations Justice Strategy that advances many of CBABC’s recommendations.” - Ken Armstrong, CBABC President

"It is my great pleasure and privilege to announce that the Lieutenant Governor in Council has signed an Order in Council appointing Jeffrey Campbell, QC, Satinder Sidhu and Karina Sacca to the Court as full time judges." - Melissa Gillespie, Chief Judge, Provincial Court of British Columbia

Kevin Westell, representing the Canadian Bar Association and Criminal Defence Advocacy Society, said the regime should not apply to the legal profession. Requiring lawyers to report suspicious activity to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre, or Fintrac, would violate solicitor-client privilege, he said.

Legislative amendments have been introduced that the BC government claims will reduce the cost and complexity of lawsuits under the current auto insurance system. Jennifer Brun, vice president, Canadian Bar Association BC, joined Adam Stirling at CFAX 1070 to explain why CBABC is opposed to these amendments.

“In an effort to resolve ICBC’s financial problems, the BC government is shifting the financial burden to BC residents and creating an access to justice issue for injured people who cannot afford to present their case with these restrictions in place.” Ken Armstrong, CBABC President 2019/20

"We were deeply disappointed to hear about the government’s plans, particularly in light of the lack of public and industry consultation on the pros and cons of such a material change to BC’s insurance regime." Ken Armstrong, CBABC President 2019-20

"CBABC 'wholeheartedly reject[s] the government’s implication that this change will result in savings for motor vehicle accident victims, who far too often are offered settlements intended to save ICBC money.'”

CBABC recognizes the investments the BC government has made to legal aid services over the past year, but renews their call for additional funding for family law legal aid.