The British Columbia government has released a proposal to create a single regulator for lawyers, notaries, and--for the first time in BC--paralegals, with the intention of making it easier and more affordable for the public to access legal services and advice. The Ministry of the Attorney General has had meetings with the Law Society of British Columbia, the BC Notaries Association, and the BC Paralegals Association. Key reforms in the intentions paper include a single regulator for all current and future legal service providers that would establish requirements and standards of practice, an election/appointment process to ensure that the board reflects all British Columbians, an adaptable licensing system to respond to the changing legal landscape, a focus on the public interest rather than membership-driven, and culturally safe support within the complaints process.
October 13, 2022
BC proposes single regulator for lawyers, notaries and paralegals
July 20, 2022
Amendments to BC's Professional Governance Act
British Columbia's Professional Governance Amendment Act came into force on June 2, 2022. This article details some of the key updates and additions. Non-payment of fees by a registrant will be a discretionary revocation rather than a mandatory revocation. Also, failure to complete continuing education requirements can be treated as an administrative matter with suspension or cancellation of registration. Under new amendments, regulatory bodies may be required to pay an annual fee to the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance. A new section allow Indigenous peoples to undertake traditional practices and knowledge in relation to biology, forestry and agrology without considering this as regulated services restricted to registrants.
December 09, 2021
British Columbia Law Society report of independent reviewer
The Law Society of British Columbia has released the report of an independent review they commissioned this summer by internationally-recognized expert Harry Cayton. The review evaluated the Law Society's governance rules, practices and policies against the Professional Standard Authority's nine Standards of Good Governance. The report found the Law Society meets four of the Standards and partially meets three. Identified strengths were "comprehensive governance policies and procedures, commitment to equity and diversity and to reconciliation, the board’s respectful discussion of issues and the positive relationship between the board and executive team." Areas of concern were "consultation and engagement that takes into account lawyers’ views and, by contrast, lack of direct engagement with the public and consideration of their interests in decision-making."
September 29, 2021
Law Society of British Columbia annual report
The Law Society of British Columbia has released its 2020 annual report. The report gives an update on development of an Indigenous intercultural competency course, in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's report. The Law Society also implemented a diversity action plan "to promote diversity within the law society and the legal profession, to address discriminatory barriers, to improve intercultural competence education, to advance outreach and collaboration efforts and to track and report progress." The annual report also highlights work done to address mental health in the legal profession, including removing questions about medical fitness from the Law Society Admission application form. For more information about the Law Society's Mental Health Task Force, view this CLEAR webinar recording.)
May 19, 2021
Canada: federally regulated judges receive social context training
Under the revised Judge Act, federally regulated judges appointed to provincial superior court will have to take training related to sexual assault law and social context. "Judges must ensure that personal or societal biases, myths and stereotypes do not influence judicial decision-making. This requires that judges understand the social context in which they hear matters and the factors that may affect engagement with the justice system."
January 06, 2021
Federation of Law Societies of Canada to focus on mental health and addiction
The Federation of Law Societies of Canada has announced continuing initiatives for 2021, with a focus on a National Well-Being Study to determine factors that contribute to addiction issues among legal professionals and the disproportionate number of legal professionals experiencing mental health issues. Another focus for 2021 will be reconciliation initiatives with Indigenous communities.
March 06, 2019
Law Society of Ontario enhances good character assessment process
The Professional Regulation Committee and the Indigenous Advisory Group of the Law Society of Ontario have reviewed the good character assessment process and approved enhancements to add clarity and transparency. A policy statement will be included on applications and guides explaining the process, as well as enhanced guidance to candidates subject to a good character investigation. LSO staff will receive training specifically in assessing character of Indigenous and diverse candidates.
October 16, 2018
College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC addresses biases in medical practice
Presentations at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia's recent Education Day focused on how healthcare practitioners' internal biases against specific groups can lead to negative health outcomes. The presenters offered examples of ineffective care towards Indigenous patients - discriminatory behavior that is unprofessional and prohibited under the BC Human Rights Code. The CPSBC has "pledged its commitment to making the health-care system more culturally safe and effective for Indigenous Peoples."
August 14, 2018
Law Society of British Columbia adopts Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan
The Law Society of British Columbia has adopted an Action Plan based on the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Action Plan focuses on being more inclusive of Indigenous people, being more supportive of Indigenous Law students and lawyers, increasing the involvement of Indigenous people in Law Society governance, and improving intercultural competence education for Law Society staff and all lawyers.
June 04, 2018
Law Society of Ontario report on serving indigenous community
An independent reviewer has reported "gaps and failings" with the way the Law Society of Ontario serves the indigenous community. The Law Society's treasurer has indicated that the changes recommended in the report will begin immediately related to ways of gathering evidence, conducting hearings, and cross-examinations. Recommendations include establishing a culturally competent regulatory process, considering the establishment of a new office to support the Law Society's work involving indigenous communities, ensuring that communications are culturally appropriate, development of a cultural liaison, and exploring ways to incorporate principles of indigenous legal systems within the adjudicative and dispute resolution processes.
