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The objective of this Notice to the Profession and Public is to outline the guidelines for using a support person (also referred to as a courtroom companion or “McKenzie friend”) in Provincial Court small claims or family proceedings, either in person or virtual. A support person may also be the subject of any applicable provisions of the Legal Profession Act.

The purpose of this practice direction is to set out the default methods of attendance for court appearances under the Provincial Court (Child, Family and Community Service Act) Rules, B.C. Reg. 533/95 (“CFCSA Rules”).

On February 1, 2023, trial management conferences will resume in person in accordance with Rule 12-2(4) of the Supreme Court Civil Rules and Rule 14-3(4) of the Supreme Court Family Rules. When this change takes effect, all civil and family proceedings will be in person unless the Court otherwise orders or directs.

Representatives of the legal profession in British Columbia have made their voices heard in response to proposals from the provincial government on regulatory modernization.

Despite $5.7B-surplus paving the way for promised spending, Eby shakes up finance ministry

Purpose: To set out guidelines for intimate images in Affidavits and Exhibits used in family proceedings, as well as guidelines regarding the length and format of Affidavits and Exhibits.

The provincial government has amended the Government Body Designation (Public Interest Disclosure) Regulation under the Public Interest Disclosure Act, expanding protection by 39 more public-sector organizations.

The Indigenous Self-Government in Child and Family Services Amendment Act, Bill 38, was passed as of November 24, 2022. The Act is historic, with the largest amendments in 25 years, and amends the Adoption act and Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA). 

The Ministry of Attorney General has responded to CBABC’s submission from Oct 2022, which recommended the development and use of court user surveys to increase engagement with the public and improve access to justice.

The CBABC Aboriginal Lawyers Forum recognizes the extraordinary recipients of this year’s ALF Special Contribution Award: Myrna McCallum and Douglas S. White III, KC. As part of the Canadian Bar Association BC Branch, the Aboriginal Lawyers Forum (ALF) facilitates social networking and mentoring for Indigenous lawyers and law students in BC.