Today British Columbia’s third Justice Summit wrapped up a two-day meeting focused on family justice.

The summit brought together about 70 justice leaders from the judiciary, legal profession, dispute resolution organizations, community agencies involved with family justice services, the academic community and Ministry of Justice.

This diverse group of participants met at the University of British Columbia for a dialogue about British Columbia’s family justice system, its performance and strategic direction.

Over the course of two days, participants focused on how to better serve family justice system users, encourage out-of-court dispute resolution, and measure the system’s performance.

A report detailing the discussions will be delivered next month to Attorney General and Justice Minister Suzanne Anton and the Chief Justices and Chief Judge of the Province’s three courts.

Justice Summits are held at least once a year as required under the Justice Reform and Transparency Act (JRTA) passed in spring 2013. The JRTA created several new consultative processes that empower sector-wide planning and enhance dialogue over goals, objectives and performance across the justice system.

The act also requires the minister to establish a Justice and Public Safety Council, drawn from senior leadership responsible for the administration of justice and public safety in the province, as well as from other qualified individuals. The council was struck in April 2013.

Learn more about B.C.’s Justice Summits: http://www.justicebc.ca/en/rm/summits.html

Media Contacts:

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

Court of Appeal for British Columbia
Tim Outerbridge
Legal Counsel
604 660-0352

Supreme Court of British Columbia
Heidi McBride
Legal Counsel
604 660-2750

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Gene Jamieson, Q.C.
Legal Officer
604 660-2864