Submissions and Legislative Updates

On October 26, 2023, the Money Judgment Enforcement Act received royal assent, streamlining the currently outdated and inefficient process in BC.

CBABC delivered a submission to the British Columbia Law Institute responding to their Consultation Paper on AI and Civil Liability.

CBABC has delivered a submission to the Ministry of Citizens’ Services to endorse the Creating Safety in BC Courts Report by Rise Women’s Legal Centre.

On June 23, CBABC delivered a submission to the Ministry of Attorney General recommending a more intentional approach to the design of virtual courtrooms.  

The Province of British Columbia has tabled legislation aimed at protecting against non-consensual disclosure of intimate images and improving access to justice for survivors of sexualized violence. The Intimate Images Protection Act had its first reading on March 6, 2023.

CBABC has delivered a submission to the Supreme Court of British Columbia requesting a return to virtual Chambers hearings for short matters in civil and family law proceedings with the ability to obtain in-person appearances where circumstances warrant.

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.

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.

The Rules of Contempt are under review by the BC Supreme Court Civil and Family Rules Committee (Rules Committee). The existing rules are outdated and do not reflect the range of options that are used under the court’s inherent jurisdiction when a court order is violated.

In September, the Court Services Committee of CBABC made a submission to reform court scheduling entitled Modernizing the Supreme Court of British Columbia’s Scheduling System for Civil Matters. The Chief Justice of the BC Supreme Court has considered this submission and provided a letter in response.