Statement from CBABC President on Bill 5

  • May 09, 2023

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.

Public sector lawyers must ensure that government acts in accordance with the law. Although they advise various clients within government and take instructions, unlike private practice lawyers, they cannot withdraw if the client gives instructions contrary to the public interest or the rule of law. In this way, government lawyers are unique, and these distinctions support these lawyers being part of a separate union and not one of general professionals.

Further, we remain very concerned about government actions that force any employee group to be part of a union not of their choosing.

CBABC supports our members within the BC Government Lawyers Association as they respond to these developments.

About CBABC
The Canadian Bar Association is the professional organization representing more than 38,000 lawyers, judges and law students across Canada with over 7,700 members in British Columbia. CBABC members practice at the forefront of the justice system, providing services to British Columbians in every area of law. CBABC is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish and Musqueam First Nations.

Media Contact
Jo Brayshaw, Communications & Marketing Manager
604.638.1907
media@cbabc.org