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"It is my great pleasure and privilege to announce that the Lieutenant Governor in Council has signed an Order in Council appointing Lorianna Bennett a judge to the Provincial Court." - Melissa Gillespie, Chief Judge, Provincial Court of British Columbia

The Three Courts’ Policy on Use of Electronic Devices in Courtrooms confirms that an electronic device may not be used in a courtroom to digitally transcribe a proceeding, and has been amended to clarify that this includes making a transcript using video conferencing software.

This Practice Direction sets: (A) the default method of hearing and appearance for small claims proceedings; and (B) the timelines and processes for litigants to file required documents with the Court and, in some instances, serve the documents, in advance of a trial conference, settlement conference, application to a judge, payment hearing, or Rule 9.1 simplified trial.

Part 1 asked about Indigenous lawyers' experiences with the legal profession. It ended with a question, "If this is how Indigenous lawyers are treated in the legal system, what does this say about how the legal system treats Indigenous people in general?" This is Part II of that project.

Purpose: To set out the procedure before a subpoena requiring opposing counsel to give evidence in a proceeding can be issued.

Purpose The objective of this Notice to the Profession and Public is to outline the guidelines for using a support person (also referred to as a courtroom companion or “McKenzie friend”) in Provincial Court small claims or family proceedings. A support person may also be subject to any applicable provisions of the Legal Profession Act.

Purpose: To set out the procedure for adjourning matters under the Family Law Act, S.B.C. 2011, c. 25 (FLA) or the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 127 (FMEA) from one court date to another or to adjourn generally.

Purpose: To clarify the use of electronic signatures on forms and orders.

"At CBABC, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and justice system. It is incumbent on each institution, and on each individual, to recognize and combat our unconscious biases and systemic racism."

Order in Council 286 was deposited on May 14, 2021 and has made additional improvements to certain court processes in Provincial Court for family law matters.