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The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, supports a single regulator model for the legal profession, as long as these changes do not impact lawyers’ independence and self-regulation, the legal association says in its submission to the Ministry of the Attorney General.

CBABC has submitted its recommendations to the Ministry of Attorney General of BC, in response to the Intentions Paper released in September 2022, outlining suggestions for modernizing the regulation of legal service providers in BC.

CBABC has delivered a submission to the Supreme Court of British Columbia requesting a return to virtual Chambers hearings for short matters in civil and family law proceedings with the ability to obtain in-person appearances where circumstances warrant.

CBABC has prepared a submission to the Ministry of Attorney General encouraging the Court Services Branch, in tandem with the judiciary, to develop and implement court user surveys. The surveys will increase innovation and access to justice.

The Minister of Justice has amended the Questionnaire for Federal Judicial Appointments, reflecting feedback provided by the Canadian Bar Association – BC Branch, CBA, the Canadian Judicial Council, and the Office of the Commissioner for Foreign Affairs. Changes reflect more inclusive language while assessment remains comprehensive.

CBABC has delivered a submission to the Ministry of Attorney General in response to Phase 1 of the provincial government’s review to modernize the Family Law Act (FLA). The Submission contains several recommendations with specific emphasis on property division and spousal support.

The newly minted president of the B.C. branch of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) is saying he will be pushing for more access to justice and increased legal aid funding over the course of his term in office, which will run alongside anticipated major changes to the governance of lawyers in the province.

CBABC will be asking lawyers several questions arising from the Intentions Paper including, “how should we define the practice of law?”, “what should be the scope of practice for each profession?”, “how should paralegals be regulated?” and, “how many lawyers should be on the governing board?”

The BC government has outlined its ideas for creating a single regulator in the province for lawyers, notaries, and paralegals but vows it has “no intention” of interfering with the legal profession’s independence.

British Columbia is recommending a large-scale modernization of how the legal professions are governed in the province, and an expert is saying the proposals would represent a “quantum leap” for regulation in Canada if they are adopted.