Statement from CBABC President on courtroom safety December 19, 2023 CBABC is concerned about the recent reporting of a person carrying a firearm into a BC courtroom. In addition, two lawyers defending an accused in a high-profile murder case received threats of violence. These reports should be deeply troubling to all British Columbians.
CBABC calls for standardized 'wants and needs' of children reports and family violence training December 14, 2023 The Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia branch (CBABC) submitted recommendations to BC’s Attorney General to reform s. 211 of the Family Law Act, calling for standardization of these reports. This submission is part of BC's ongoing initiative to reform the Family Law Act.
Statement from CBABC President on appointment of Chief Justice December 08, 2023 CBABC congratulates the Honourable Leonard Marchand on his historic appointment as the Chief Justice of British Columbia and Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal of Yukon.
CBABC Aboriginal Lawyers Forum recognizes Bill Wilson with Special Contribution Award November 30, 2023 Canadian lawyer and political figure Bill Wilson has been honoured with the Aboriginal Lawyers Forum Special Contribution Award, along with three exceptional university students who were given the ALF Student Appreciation Awards.
B.C. attorney general, premier under fire for comments on justice system November 29, 2023 B.C.'s attorney general recently made comments in the media and online that "risk undermining the public’s confidence in the criminal justice system," according to a letter published by the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association.
Statement from CBABC President Scott Morishita on racist attack November 21, 2023 We are appalled to hear that Allard Law students and Professor Raymond A. Atuguba, Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, were recently subject to a racist attack during a hybrid Zoom presentation. Racism in the profession and our community is intolerable and we condemn it.
Courthouse delays soaring as B.C. sheriffs quit for better pay September 27, 2023 Internal report cites competition with other higher-paying law enforcement jobs for shortage of officers and figures show a sharp job in court closures or delays as a result
Selwyn Romilly, B.C.'s first Black judge, remembered as 'trailblazer' after death at 83 September 26, 2023 In 1974, Romilly became the first Black appointee to the B.C. bench
CBABC President Scott Morishita's Statement on Sept 20 Anti-Trans Demonstrations September 19, 2023 "Hate, violence, disinformation and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression are contrary to human rights laws and unacceptable. These actions cause harm and fear among our colleagues, clients, friends and families."
New CBA BC Branch president Scott Morishita to focus on lawyer independence and mental health September 15, 2023 “Whether it's criminal defence cases, whether it's people who are suing the government, whether they're trying to challenge government decisions, or whether there's an allegation of a breach of someone's Charter rights – it's really critical that lawyers can advocate for their clients without having a concern that their regulator is not independent.”