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As we witness a rise of anti-2SLGBTQI+ activity and rhetoric across Canada, we need to redouble our efforts in the fight for equality, which is far from over. Hate, misinformation and violence targeting Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary and gender diverse persons must never be tolerated.

The Court remains committed to using technology in appropriate cases to better serve court users and improve access to justice. Remote attendance options provide the flexibility to support greater access to justice, including for those living in remote communities and vulnerable people served by the Court.

"In a field made thin by a shortage of bilingual candidates, francophone judges from Alberta and Manitoba have emerged as leading contenders to fill a seat on the Supreme Court of Canada that has been vacant since the resignation of Russell Brown in June."

“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.”

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.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada has responded to a CBABC submission urging federal appointments of justices to the BC Supreme Court and to re-establish the Judicial Advisory Committee in British Columbia.

The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General has responded to a CBABC submission endorsing the expansion of Community Accountability Program guidelines.

Purpose: To set out the process for counsel to submit any documents for the Court to consider for a bail or sentencing hearing.

Purpose: To clarify the location of bail hearings during court sitting hours and outside of court sitting hours.

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