Submissions and Legislative Updates

CBABC’s Family Law Working Group has prepared this submission which contains recommendations to modernize the child protection system in BC. Legislative and policy reform is long overdue, and change is needed to protect the most vulnerable in our society. This submission highlights the most critical issues and establishes a plan designed minimize harm to children who are part of this system.

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.

Order in Council 286 was deposited on May 14, 2021 and has made additional improvements to certain court processes in Provincial Court for family law matters.

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.

On May 17, 2021, a new set of Provincial Court Family Rules will be implemented. The new rules and forms are in BC Reg 120/2020 and section by section explanations of the rules are in PCFR Explained. A CLE about the new PCFR will be held on April 20, 2021 with rebroadcasts scheduled for May, June and July.

The new amendments to the Divorce Act take effect on March 1, 2021. Some changes to the Supreme Court Family Rules and forms will also come into effect on March 1, 2021 to reflect these new amendments.

Order in Council 51/2021 dated February 1, 2020 amends the following: Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2020, S.B.C. 2020, c. 14, s. 74; Family Law Act, S.B.C. 2011, c. 25, ss. 245 (1), 247 and 248 (2) and (3); Family Maintenance Enforcement Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 127, s. 51; Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act, S.B.C. 2002, c. 29, s. 44 (2)