Submissions

As part of our Advocacy work, CBABC routinely makes submissions in the form of letters, reports and briefing notes to government, the Law Society of BC, and other organizations on matters of importance to our members and the profession. Below is a catalogue of our recent submissions along with any responses received.

Questions? Contact advocacy@cbabc.org.

Today
Today

Provincial Government

CBABC’s Access to Justice Committee Submission on the Evidence Act

  • May 25, 2020

This submission was prepared by the CBABC Access to Justice Committee (the “AJC”), a standing committee of the CBABC. The AJC works to improve and promote access to justice for the poor and middle classes in BC. The AJC stresses government responsibility for a sufficiently publicly funded legal aid system as an essential foundation, promotes pro bono services in the legal profession, and supports innovative legal system reform and delivery options for greater access to legal services.

Provincial Government

Briefing Note: Probate Applications During COVID-19

  • May 14, 2020

"The CBABC asks that the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Ministry of the Attorney General direct its attention to this urgent matter to rectify the challenges of executors and administrators who are required to obtain an Estate Grant in order to administer an estate."

Provincial Government

Letter to the Attorney General: Remote Execution and Witnessing of POAs, Wills and Representation Agreements

  • May 05, 2020

"On April 8, 2020, the CBABC provided a briefing note to the Ministry of Attorney General which outlines concerns our members have with respect to the witnessing of wills, in light of physical distancing requirements during the pandemic. A copy of that brief is attached. I understand that Ron Usher, General Counsel for the Society of Notaries has also been in touch with the Ministry about witnessing requirements for wills, powers of attorney and representation agreements during COVID-19."

Provincial Government

Briefing Note: Witnessing Requirements for Wills

  • April 08, 2020

PURPOSE: This briefing note provides for the BC Supreme Court to temporarily allow witnessing of wills by use of video technology as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic health emergency.

Provincial Government

Briefing Note: Builders Liens Limitation Periods

  • April 08, 2020

PURPOSE: This briefing note summarizes the effect on payments on construction projects regarding builders liens in British Columbia in the event limitations periods are suspended or extended by the BC government as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic health emergency.

Other

Response from Minister Lametti Re: Judicial Complement and Vacancies in BC

  • April 07, 2020

"I can assure you that departmental officials are working with British Columbia, as well as with other jurisdictions, to ensure that our courts are adequately resourced. I am strongly committed to ensuring that our justice system is effective, fair, and accessible for all Canadians." - The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., Q.C., M.P. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Law Society of BC

The Future of Legal Services, Legal Practice and the Legal Profession in BC

  • March 31, 2020

The Law Society of British Columbia’s Futures Task Force is seeking input from the Canadian Bar Association (BC Branch) in its consideration of the future of legal practice, the legal profession in British Columbia and legal regulation. More specifically, it is seeking feedback on the factors and forces that are likely to influence the delivery of legal services and the regulation of the legal profession and legal practice over the next decade.

Provincial Government

Briefing Note: Land Titles Document Execution

  • March 30, 2020

PURPOSE: This briefing note summarizes the impact of recommended physical distancing measures (to avoid the spread of virus during the pandemic) on the execution of land conveyancing documents in British Columbia.