Submissions and Legislative Updates

Guided by members’ concerns and recommendations, CBABC prepared a written submission to the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Ministry of Attorney General with recommendations to improve efficiency of court scheduling and e-filing.

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.

First reading of Bill 11 – 2021 on May 12, 2021 which, when passed, includes amendments to legislation that determines whether behaviour constitutes violence, regardless of whether or not there is an intent to harm the other person.

Bill 13 was introduced May 11, 2021 (1st reading) with certain provisions for a permanent entitlement to paid leave due to injury or illness starting January 1, 2022.

This Act came into force upon the date it received First Reading on April 27th, 2021. It requires employers to provide paid leave for employees being vaccinated against COVID-19.

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.

Effective December 15, 2020, new sections of the Act and Regulations are brought into force, which impact licensing requirements of employers who hire temporary foreign workers.

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