Submissions

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.

CBABC has identified concerns with proposed amendments on the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

The BC Government has released the final report from the Cullen Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering. The Commissioner adopted many CBABC recommendations, including maintaining independent regulation of lawyers and protecting solicitor-client privilege.

In our 2023 Budget Consultations, CBABC appeals to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services to expand the scope of coverage for legal aid, establish a robust data collection and disclosure infrastructure to understand the experience of the users of the court and justice system, and complete the digital transformation of the court system.

The Land Owner Transparency Registry office has responded to CBABC, providing updates on the Land Owner Transparency Registry filing forms.

The Government has responded to CBABC’s briefing note on section 203 of the Family Law Act, which recommends changes to reduce existing barriers in appointing counsel to assist children.

In 2021, the Government formed a Special Committee to reform the Police Act. A public consultation was conducted and the final report of this Special Committee has now been published, along with recommendations for modernizing the legislation and policies around policing in BC.

CBABC has made a request to the Deputy Attorney General to amend section 203 of the Family Law Act. The current section creates a higher threshold to meet before the court can order a legal representative for a child who is involved in a family law matter. The proposed amendment would align the BC legislation with other jurisdictions by removing barriers to appointing counsel to assist children with their rights.

The Law Society of BC (LSBC) reviewed a report of their Access to Justice Advisory Committee in the fall of 2021 which looked into ways to improve access to justice in family law disputes. CBABC prepared a written submission with recommendations and further considerations for both LSBC and the BC Government as improvements are made to alleviate challenges for those needing to resolve family law matters.