Media Releases

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC) today released An Agenda for Justice – Platform Updates 2018. This document, an update to An Agenda for Justice 2017, acknowledges increased government investment in key areas and details several issues still needing support.

Margaret is senior appellate Crown Counsel with the BC Prosecution Service and prosecutes criminal appeals in the BC Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. Highlights of her 27 year career as Crown Counsel, include working as trial counsel in R. v. Gladue (a just approach to sentencing aboriginal offenders) and the Air India trial (a prosecution of an act of aviation terrorism).

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC) acclaimed three exceptional legal professionals on Saturday, June 23 at its annual branch awards luncheon in Richmond, BC.

CBABC Branch President Bill Veenstra calls on Attorney General David Eby and Premier John Horgan to withdraw provisions in proposed new legislation introduced yesterday that restrict the rights of citizens to receive full and fair compensation and create new exclusive resolution processes for disputes outside of the Courts.

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC) invites all British Columbians to Law Week activities around the province including free public law classes, courthouse tours, mock trials and free legal advice from volunteer lawyers.

“All British Columbians, especially our most vulnerable, need effective access to legal advice and representation. With today’s budget, the government has made significant steps toward that goal, but a healthier investment is still necessary.” Bill Veenstra, CBABC President

“The unintended consequences of implementing a cap will deprive many British Columbians of the compensation they deserve. Caps decrease the accountability of unsafe drivers, the cost of which is then borne by the victim who was not at fault. The answer to ICBC’s current financial woes is not to place the burden on the shoulders of innocent victims,” said Bill Veenstra, CBABC president.

CBABC today announced the launch of the new BC Legal Directory. After 30 years in print, the publication is now a purely online experience optimized for mobile devices.

The CBABC commends the Community Legal Assistance Society’s for its report titled “Operating in Darkness”, which brings to light gaps in the Mental Health Act and the manner in which it provides access to justice for those detained under the Act.

John Waddell, QC, of Waddell Raponi LLP in Victoria, received the award last night at the annual Bench & Bar Dinner in Vancouver. The award is the highest honour given by CBABC.