BC Gov News

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton has issued the following statement regarding Order-in-Council 196:
http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/oic/oic_cur/0196_2016
related to proposed increases to civil tariffs, which are the amounts awarded to a successful party in a civil action to help cover legal costs and expenses.

“Our government has taken steps to provide further time for consultation on changes to the civil tariff recommended by the Supreme Court Rules Revision Committee in order to better understand their potential financial impacts on consumers.

“While I respect the recommendation made by the committee, as Attorney General, I have the responsibility of ensuring that the rules we adopt serve the citizens of British Columbia. This is why I have recommended that government not proceed with any changes to the civil tariff until we have allowed time for further consultation and analysis. It is important to understand how the proposed changes affect all stakeholders.

“The Rules Revision Committee’s recommendations were received in December and included in an Order in Council in January, with implementation of the changes planned for July. The intervening period was designed to allow stakeholders to assess the implications of the changes. Since January, we have heard concerns with the proposed changes, including the potential financial impacts on the public and rate payers.

“I want to thank the members of the Rules Revision Committee and acknowledge the principled thinking and extensive work they have put into the development of their recommendations.”