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 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.

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.

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch is pleased to announce Scott Morishita as our president for the 2023-24 term.

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch commends the provincial government’s Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services for reflecting our recommendations for family law legal aid in their 2024 Budget Consultation Report.

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 Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch is deeply disappointed that the BC Government is moving forward with Bill 5 and does not understand the unique role of public sector lawyers.

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch is concerned about the current public discourse that unfairly blames judges and prosecutors for releasing offenders back into the community on bail. Politicians from all parties have attempted to blame others for a difficult problem – addressing individuals with complex social problems who are accused, but not yet convicted, of crimes.

CBABC acknowledges the BC government’s commitment to funding 15 Indigenous Justice Centres as proposed in the First Nations Justice Strategy. CBABC has been calling for funding to support the implementation of the Strategy since it was established in 2020 to address the over-representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.