Submissions and Legislative Updates

B.C. is introducing a mandate initiative regarding systemic racism, hate and discrimination, and to make the province more equitable, inclusive and welcoming for everyone, regardless of race, skin colour or faith with an anti-racism data legislation to modernize sectors such as policing, health care and education. The deadline to participate in the online survey is November 30, 2021.

CBABC was invited to present before the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as part of a public consultation by the provincial government for the 2022 budget.

As the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a digital transformation of BC’s court system, access to justice increased, but some people are being left behind. CBABC identifies those people, suggests some considerations to follow, and invites dialogue with the courts, Court Services, Justice Services and the Law Society of BC to ensure no one is left behind.

On July 9, 2021, CBABC delivered its final submissions to the Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia. CBABC received joint standing with the Criminal Defense Advocacy Society to participate in the Commission in the fall of 2019. Our participation and submissions were not to overlap with those of the Law Society of BC.

The Government appointed a Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act to make recommendations relating to the reform and modernization of policing in BC. The scope of their review includes the role of police with respect to complex social issues including mental health, systemic racism within police agencies and its impact on public safety and trust, and whether measures are needed to make the legislation consistent with DRIPA. 

Bill 6 introduced April 28, 2021 supports the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to the full and equal participation in society of persons with disabilities by requiring the government and other organizations to establish accessibility committees and develop accessibility plans and by providing for the development and enactment of accessibility standards.

The Ministry of Justice has released the BC Liquor Policy Review Final Report with recommendations.