CBABC Media Coverage 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.
CBABC Submission Letter to Attorney General after remarks on judges November 28, 2023 "All actors in our legal system in British Columbia play a role in maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system and upholding the independence of the judiciary. Recent reporting on the criminal justice system and the role of judges demonstrates misunderstanding by government and some members of the public. As Attorney General, you have more opportunities than most to help people understand these issues."
CBABC Announcement 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.
Legislative Update Act in Force: Pay Transparency Act November 15, 2023 As of November 1, 2023, the Pay Transparency Act has come into force. All employers must now include expected pay or pay range for job postings.
Legislative Update Order in Council: Family Law Act and Provincial Court Family Rules Amendments Regarding Property Division (Companion Animals) October 25, 2023 On October 3, 2023, the BC government amended the Family Law Act and the Provincial Court Family Rules impacting orders and agreements about companion animals.
CBABC Media Coverage 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
Legal News 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 Announcement 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."
CBABC Media Coverage 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.”
CBABC Media Coverage Mental health, governance of legal profession top of mind for new B.C. bar president September 14, 2023 Morishita said at the top of his mind is acting on the findings from last year’s national study on wellness in the legal profession, in which more than half of respondents reported experiencing psychological distress and burnout, with some reporting thoughts of suicide.