Submissions

Rebeka Breder and Britta Jensen, Co-Chairs for the Animal Law Section, wrote the the Minister of Health and Provincial Health Officer urging them to deem essential pet-related services as "essential services" during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

"In consultation with the Real Property and Commercial & Real Estate Sections of the Canadian Bar Association (BC Branch), we respectfully request that the Minister consider a revision to the “Land Title (Transfer Forms) Regulation”, B.C. Reg. 53/90 (the “Regulation”) under the Land Title Act, [RSBC 1996] c. 250 to allow for witnessing of land title forms by videoconference during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Delivered by Kevin B. Westell, Pender Litigation

We write to follow up on discussions at our September Provincial Council meeting between your predecessor, Nancy G. Merrill, QC and Lisa Nevens, the co-chair of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Community Section (SOGIC) of the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC). That discussion and this letter is regarding LGBTQ2SI+1 content in the Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC).

"I regularly hear from members – particularly those practicing litigation – who are concerned about the availability of court dates and appearances in smaller communities throughout BC. The lack of availability of judges has a significant impact on timely and effective access to justice for those who find themselves involved in our justice system." - Kenneth Armstrong CBABC President 2019/2020 to The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Submission to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

This submission is being made on behalf of the Social Justice Section of the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch.

Issued by the CBABC Freedom of Information & Privacy Law Section

"The CBABC has a demonstrated interest in improving and promoting the administration of justice in British Columbia. It will bring a perspective to the inquiry that is distinct from that of other parties, but one that is within the scope of the Commission. The CBABC respectfully submits that its submissions will be useful to the Commission and that it should be granted to standing to participate."

This submission outlines CBABC’s key recommendations for provincial investment for 2020, funding for legal aid services and the establishment of a Unified Family Court, as well as other areas we believe can be reformed to improve access to justice in British Columbia.