CBA British Columbia

Welcome to the CBABC Newsroom, where you’ll find our latest announcements, media coverage and Advocacy Submissions, along with a variety of legal industry news including Legislative Updates and Professional Notices.

This is your one-stop-shop. But if you are looking for a specific item, use the menu on the left to isolate our most popular categories.

Legal News

Federal Government reports on the safety of violence-impacted Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGTBQI+ people

June 03, 2023

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, released the 2022-23 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report. The report summarizes actions taken by nearly 20 federal departments and agencies to address and support the safety and wellbeing of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGTBQI+ people, as well as their families and communities impacted by violence.

Professional Notice

Supreme Court of BC: Expansion of the Masters Chambers Pilot

June 01, 2023

As set out in the Masters Chambers Pilot Project Notice, the Masters Chambers Pilot Project (the “Project”), which allows for electronic filing of chambers application records in PDF format through Court Services Online, will be expanded commencing on June 19, 2023.

Legal News

New Judicial Appointment to Supreme Court of BC

June 01, 2023

Bradford F. Smith, K.C., a sole practitioner in Kamloops, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Kamloops. Justice Smith replaces Justice S.D. Dley (Kamloops), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective November 1, 2021.

CBABC Media Coverage

Watch: Why is there a shortage of judges in Canada?

May 26, 2023

Kerry L. Simmons, KC, CBABC Executive Director, appeared on CTV's Power Play with Joyce Napier.

CBABC Media Coverage

Several committees that vet federal judges inactive while case delays grow severe

May 25, 2023

Six of the 17 committees that screen candidates for federally appointed courts across Canada have stopped operating, even as the number of vacant jobs for judges contributes to severe delays in the justice system.

Legal News

King’s counsel nominations now open

May 24, 2023

Nominations for the honorary designation of King’s counsel (KC) for 2023 will open on May 19 and be accepted until July 14, 2023.

CBABC Announcement

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: BC Law Institute Board

May 24, 2023

There are 2 CBABC appointment vacancies on the Board of the British Columbia Law Institute (BCLI), each for a three-year term.

CBABC Submission

Release of BC Judicial Compensation Commission 2022 Final Report to the AG and Chief Judge of the Provincial Court

May 23, 2023

The Judicial Compensation Commission 2022 has released their Final Report, which recommends the provincial government increases compensation for BC Provincial Court judges’ and judicial justices’ base salary over the next four years.

Legal News

Justice Minister tables legislation to reform bail system

May 16, 2023

Justice Minister David Lametti introduced new legislation Tuesday morning to reform Canada’s bail system, after months of calls for tougher laws from premiers, police and opposition.

Legislative Update

Bill Passed: Bill 5 Public Service Labour Relations Amendment Act

May 16, 2023

On May 11, 2023, the provincial government enacted Bill 5, Public Service Labour Relations Amendment Act, 2023 which places most public sector lawyers into an existing bargaining unit of the government’s choice.