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close menu Office of the Premier

Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism

May 12, 2023 1:15 PM
Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism
The revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown is being supported by the Province with $2.2 million to create a more vibrant neighbourhood for residents, visitors and businesses.
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New partnership with AbCellera will create jobs, help address global health-care challenges

May 24, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Agriculture and Food

Historic investment in food security supports British Columbians

March 7, 2023 10:55 AM
Historic investment in food security supports British Columbians
The Province is investing more than $200 million in food security to ensure people have better access to an increased supply of affordable, local food.   
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Farmers, ranchers, processors supported by new Canada-B.C. partnership

March 15, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Attorney General

B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts

May 1, 2023 1:48 PM
B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts
New legislation will make it easier for people to get money owed to them following a civil court decision.
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B.C. offers protection for people’s intimate images

May 4, 2023 9:00 AM
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close menu Children and Family Development

Newly named SAJE supports offer youth in care a stronger path to adulthood

May 30, 2023 10:30 AM
Newly named SAJE supports offer youth in care a stronger path to adulthood
Youth and young adults who have been in government care in British Columbia are receiving expanded supports through the newly named Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) program.
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Access to post-secondary education expanded for former youth in care

March 14, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Citizens' Services

B.C. promotes equity with anti-racism research priorities

May 29, 2023 12:45 PM
BC's anti-racism research priorities
The Province takes another step improving access to government programs and services for Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities, with the release of 12 priorities for anti-racism research.
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More cell connectivity means safer travel on Highway 14

May 4, 2023 12:45 PM
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close menu Education and Child Care

School food programs get historic investment to help feed kids

April 4, 2023 12:30 PM
School food programs get historic investment to help feed kids
More children and youth will have access to healthy meals and snacks at school through the Province’s new Feeding Futures funding, which invests in building and expanding local school food programs.
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Students get improved air quality in B.C. schools

March 15, 2023 2:30 PM
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close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer

May 24, 2023 2:00 PM
Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer
More than 100 local governments and First Nations will benefit from provincial funding to support and enhance the work of local emergency operations centres.
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Financial assistance available for people affected by flooding

May 16, 2023 10:45 AM
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close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

B.C. drives industry shift to cleaner heavy-duty transportation

April 27, 2023 9:45 AM
British Columbia’s commercial vehicle sector is accelerating toward the clean transportation economy with provincial support to help organizations achieve their climate goals, reduce costs and remain competitive.
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B.C. expands EV charging, leads country in going electric

April 11, 2023 1:45 PM
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close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C.’s largest coastline cleanup gets major funding boost

May 30, 2023 12:15 PM
B.C.’s largest coastline cleanup gets major funding boost
The Province is helping protect and restore B.C.’s marine environment with a further investment in the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund.
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Upgrades made to Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

May 10, 2023 7:30 AM
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close menu Finance

Safe money services protect people from money laundering

March 29, 2023 2:05 PM
Safe money services protect people from money laundering
People in B.C. can be confident that money services businesses they use will have greater oversight by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) as a new provincial regulator.
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Public registry would end hidden ownership in private businesses

March 29, 2023 1:55 PM
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close menu Forests

Be prepared, help prevent wildfires this long weekend

May 19, 2023 8:45 AM
Residents, travellers and campers are strongly urged to use caution and remain vigilant to prevent human-caused fires when enjoying the outdoors this weekend.
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Backcountry access restored after wildfire closures

May 2, 2023 3:30 PM
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close menu Health

Pharmacists can prescribe contraceptives, treatments for minor ailments

May 31, 2023 4:25 PM
See a pharmacist for minor ailments and contraceptives
Starting June 1, 2023, people in B.C. can get prescriptions from their pharmacist for contraceptives and medications to treat 21 minor ailments, such as allergies, shingles, cold sores, pink eye and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
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Enhanced safety, quality for care-home residents

May 29, 2023 9:10 AM
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close menu Housing

Housing targets expected to deliver more homes faster, first communities selected

May 31, 2023 11:00 AM
Housing targets expected to deliver more homes faster, first communities selected
As part of the actions government is taking to deliver homes for people faster, the first cohort of municipalities for housing targets have been selected, paving the way for building more good homes in areas with the greatest need throughout British Columbia.
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New affordable rental homes open in Coquitlam

May 26, 2023 10:45 AM
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close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Haida Nation, B.C. step toward reconciliation

May 9, 2023 12:45 PM
Haida Nation, B.C. step toward reconciliation
New provincial legislation supports the Haida Nation’s inherent right of governance by recognizing the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) as the government of the Haida Nation in provincial law.
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Clean energy powers Indigenous-led projects in Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Interior

April 27, 2023 8:36 AM
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close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Premier’s statement on the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III

May 6, 2023 7:15 AM
Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement on the Coronation of King Charles III, King of Canada and Head of the Commonwealth, and Queen Camilla:
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Fifteen British Columbians honoured for dedication to service

December 5, 2022 10:30 AM
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close menu Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

Setting sail for growth means more jobs in B.C.’s marine industries

May 17, 2023 1:00 PM
Setting sail for growth means more jobs in B.C.’s marine industries
A new B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy will chart the course for a more competitive, modernized marine sector with reduced carbon emissions, and creating more highly skilled jobs to meet growing demands.
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New partnership with AbCellera will create jobs, help address global health-care challenges

May 24, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Labour

Minimum wage increases to $16.75 per hour on June 1

April 5, 2023 12:30 PM
Minimum wage increases to $16.75 per hour on June 1
On June 1, 2023, B.C.'s lowest-paid workers will get a pay raise with the general minimum wage increasing from $15.65 to $16.75 an hour.
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Gig work ‘what we heard’ report available online

April 11, 2023 2:45 PM
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close menu Mental Health and Addictions

New program helps people with overdose-related brain injuries

May 25, 2023 12:15 PM
Supporting people with brain injuries with a first-of-its-kind program
British Columbians living with brain injuries related to substance use now have access to specialized supports through a first-of-its-kind program in Canada.
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B.C. enhances access to addictions support for women and girls

May 17, 2023 9:30 AM
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close menu Municipal Affairs

Public libraries see historic funding boost from Province

March 24, 2023 10:45 AM
Public libraries see historic funding boost from Province
Public library users in communities throughout B.C. will benefit from modernized technology, enhanced programs and services, and better access to information through $45 million in provincial funding.
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Upgrades secure drinking water system in Prince Rupert

March 17, 2023 9:38 AM
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close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Students, employers benefit from more co-op, internship, on-the-job learning

June 6, 2023 8:30 AM
Students, employers benefit from more co-op, internship, on-the-job learning
More people will have access to work-integrated learning opportunities, such as co-ops, internships, practicums and community-service-learning opportunities as the Province partners with 13 of B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions.
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More supports to help people prepare for in-demand careers

June 2, 2023 11:45 AM
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close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Unexplained wealth orders crack down on organized crime

March 30, 2023 11:25 AM
Cracking down on the proceeds of organized crime
The B.C. government is targeting organized crime by creating a new suite of tools to seize proceeds of crime, such as fast cars, glamourous homes and luxury goods, making gang life unprofitable.
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Dedicated hubs target repeat violent offending to build safer communities

April 12, 2023 12:30 PM
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close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

New funding helps more people in need have access to healthy food

May 18, 2023 10:45 AM
New funding helps more people in need have access to healthy food
A new Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank warehouse will help people get access to fresh, nutritious food, and boost food recovery and delivery services across Vancouver Island.
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New training prepares people for more jobs in social services sector

May 4, 2023 8:15 AM
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close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism

May 12, 2023 1:15 PM
Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism
The revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown is being supported by the Province with $2.2 million to create a more vibrant neighbourhood for residents, visitors and businesses.
  Read More

RBCM’s Old Town reopening with new approach

May 9, 2023 11:30 AM
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close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Rebates make new e-bike purchases more affordable

May 25, 2023 10:15 AM
Rebates make new e-bike purchases more affordable
In time for GoByBike Week, the Province is offering rebates on the purchase of eligible new e-bikes for people who want to add some power to their pedal and start commuting by bike.
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Aviation investments support essential services, economic growth

May 19, 2023 10:15 AM
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close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Province builds on unprecedented investment in wild salmon recovery

June 1, 2023 10:45 AM
Province builds on unprecedented investment in wild salmon recovery
To mark B.C. Wild Salmon Day, government is providing more than $17 million for wild salmon restoration throughout the province to ensure present and future generations of British Columbians enjoy the benefits of this iconic species.
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Communities along Fraser River benefit from increased flood resilience

May 2, 2023 11:30 AM
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Attorney General

B.C. appoints new judges and announces backlog projects

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Honourable Niki Sharma

Honourable Niki Sharma

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B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts

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B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts
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British Columbia News

B.C. appoints new judges and announces backlog projects

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03303

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News Release

Victoria
Tuesday, December 4, 2012 11:15 AM

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News Release

Victoria

Tuesday, December 4, 2012 11:15 AM

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The B.C. government is appointing nine new provincial court judges and working with the judiciary to address court backlogs through two projects, Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond announced today.

Today's announcement delivers on recommendations made in Geoffrey Cowper's report, A Criminal Justice System for the 21st Century, and the subsequent action plan announced in the first part of the white paper on justice reform.

Chief judge Thomas Crabtree will assign the nine judges to courts in communities throughout the province. The new judges are all distinguished lawyers who bring to the bench a wide range of legal expertise.

The B.C. government and the Office of the Chief Judge have also signed a protocol agreement to work together on two backlog reduction projects. As part of the agreement, the chief judge will assign the equivalent of one full-time judge to the projects over the next year.

One of the projects will start in spring 2013 and focus on reducing pending child protection cases in selected courthouse locations. A second backlog reduction project will begin later in 2013 and focus on reducing the criminal case backlog.

With these new appointees, B.C. now has 132 full-time-equivalent judges. It costs the Province close to $1.6 million annually to support a judge, including the judge's salary and costs for court administration staff, sheriffs, prosecution services and judicial support.

As recommended in the Cowper report, the B.C. government is consulting with the provincial court judiciary to establish a method for determining a set judicial complement. It is anticipated that this new approach will use evidence-based information to both identify possible efficiencies and better align judicial resources to workload and other demands.

Quotes:

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond -

"The addition of nine new judges and the backlog reduction projects - and specifically the assignment of judicial resources to these projects - signal a shared understanding by all parties that changes need to be made to improve the justice system. These are important steps to justice reform and demonstrate that government is committed to following through on recommendations made by Geoffrey Cowper."

"I want to acknowledge that the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice are working together to develop innovative methods to manage the courts and reduce backlogs so that the needs of British Columbians are addressed in a timely manner."

Quick Facts:

  • The appointments take effect over the next seven weeks.
  • The process to appoint judges involves several steps:
    • Interested lawyers apply and the B.C. judicial council, a committee made up of the chief judge, other judges, lawyers and lay people, reviews the candidates.
    • The council recommends potential judges to the attorney general, with the final appointment made through a cabinet order-in-council.
  • The B.C. government will announce the rest of the justice reform action plan in White Paper: Part Two early in the new year.

Learn More:

Information about B.C.'s justice reform initiative can be found at: http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/justice-reform-initiatives/

More information about the judicial appointment process can be found at: www.provincialcourt.bc.ca.

Contact:

James Beresford
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Justice
250 387-8119

BACKGROUNDER

Judicial assignments and biographies

The chief judge has assigned the judges as follows:

  • Surrey will receive two judges.
  • Port Coquitlam will receive one judge.
  • North Vancouver will receive one judge.
  • Vancouver will receive one judge.
  • Kamloops/Okanagan will receive one judge.
  • Northwest district will receive one judge.

Additionally, two judges will be assigned out of the Office of the Chief Judge on an interim basis, in part to assist with projects focused on reducing child protection case backlogs and criminal case backlogs.

Biographies

Andrea Brownstone received a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1978 and has practised law in B.C. for over 25 years. Brownstone brings significant legal experience in civil litigation, mediation and administrative and family law. She joined the Law Society of British Columbia as a staff lawyer in 2005 and has been a manager with the society since 2008. Brownstone has been a member of the legislation and law reform committee of B.C. branch of the Canadian Bar Association since 2008. The appointment is effective Jan. 2, 2013.

Bonnie Craig received a law degree from the University of British Columbia in 1992. She was called to the bar in 1993 and brings over 18 years of legal experience, focused primarily in criminal law. Craig currently works as a prosecutor with the Tsawwassen First Nation and also does case review work for the Legal Services Society. She was also the chair of the criminal justice subsection of the Canadian Bar Association between 1997 and 2000. The appointment is effective Jan. 23, 2013.

Garth Smith is currently a prosecutor with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. He received a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1989 and was called to the bar in 1990. Smith has practised in civil litigation and family and criminal law, focusing exclusively in criminal matters for the past 12 years. Since 2007, Smith has been a board member of the Canadian Association of Drug Treatment Court Professionals. The appointment is effective Dec. 7, 2012.

James Sutherland received a law degree from Queen's University in 1989 and was called to the bar in 1990. Sutherland is currently a partner with Sutherland Jette Barristers in Vancouver. He has practised law for over 21 years, working exclusively on criminal matters since 1992. Additionally, since 1994 Sutherland has been a member of the leadership council of Special Olympics BC. The appointment is effective Jan. 11, 2013.

Jennifer Oulton is currently a Crown counsel lawyer with the criminal justice branch of the B.C. government. She received a law degree from McGill University in 1994 and was called to the bar in 1997. Oulton has practised in civil litigation and criminal law. The appointment is effective Jan. 7, 2013.

Kathryn Denhoff received a law degree from the University of Alberta in 1985 and was called to the bar in 1986. In addition to her law degree, Denhoff received certificates from Harvard Law School in negotiation in 1998 and mediation in 1999. Since 1994, she has been a partner with Davis LLP in Vancouver and has worked in civil and criminal litigation. The appointment is effective Jan. 4, 2013.

Roger Cutler is currently a Crown counsel lawyer with the criminal justice branch of the B.C. government. He received a law degree from McGill University in 1984 and was called to the bar in 1985. Cutler has experience in civil litigation and criminal, constitutional, aboriginal and family law and is a founding member of the Vancouver Island Criminal Justice Association. The appointment is effective Jan. 3, 2013.

Ronald Lamperson is currently a partner at Marshall and Lamperson in Qualicum Beach. He received a law degree from the University of British Columbia in 1989 and was called to the bar in 1990. Lamperson brings over 21 years of legal experience and has practised in criminal and family law and civil litigation. He has been the president of the Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C. since July 2011. The appointment is effective Jan. 4, 2013.

William Jackson received a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1980 and was called to the bar in 1981. He brings over 30 years of legal experience and has practised in civil litigation and criminal, family, labour and mental health law. Since 1993, Jackson has been an administrative Crown counsel with the criminal justice branch of the B.C. government. He has also been the treasurer of Pro-Bono Law B.C. since 2005. The appointment is effective Dec. 17, 2012.

Contact:

James Beresford
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Justice
250 387-8119

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03303

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