B.C. is hosting the 2013 Uniform Law Conference of Canada (ULCC) this week, opening its doors to more than 60 delegates and presenters from all corners of the country, as well as from the United States.

The ULCC - founded almost a century ago - is a national organization focused on harmonizing Canadian civil laws and recommending reforms to Canada's criminal law. The group is made up of volunteers from each province, territory and the federal government, including public- and private-sector lawyers, judges, academics and representatives from independent law reform agencies.

The organization develops "uniform statutes", or model legal frameworks, helping to create a consistent approach to Canadian civil law. For example, the Uniform Limitations Act was put forward by the ULCC. Four jurisdictions, including British Columbia, have based their legislation reform on it.

B.C. has directly benefited from the ULCC's work. The Province's new Family Law Act draws upon several uniform statutes put forward by the ULCC. Another recent example is B.C.'s new International Interests in Mobile Equipment Act, which adopts the work of the ULCC.

The ULCC's work dovetails with the B.C. government's focus on ensuring B.C. laws are clear, fair, and brought into step with other jurisdictions' laws, where appropriate. This approach has many benefits, such as helping to ensure B.C.'s laws are consistent with other provinces and easier to understand.

Quotes:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton, QC -

"Hosting this year's Uniform Law Conference of Canada is a great honour for our province. The national organization's efforts are integral to creating a consistent, harmonized approach to laws across the country. I commend the volunteer delegates for the countless hours they have put in, and hope they enjoy their stay here in beautiful British Columbia."

Quick Facts:

• The ULCC was founded in 1918.

• The 2013 conference is being held in Victoria Aug. 11-14.

• Each member jurisdiction has two principal representatives - one civil law representative and one criminal law representative, who liaise between the conference and other member jurisdictions.

Learn More:

Uniform Law Conference of Canada's website: http://www.ulcc.ca/

B.C. Ministry of Justice legislation updates: http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/legislation/new.htm

Contact:

Lori DeLuca
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 953-3196