BC Gov News

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton has announced the members of the new Attorney General’s B.C. Supreme Court Rules Committee, with a mandate to consult broadly with the legal profession and users of the courts, including self-represented litigants.

The rules committee will provide advice and make recommendations on changes to court rules that are fair, sustainable and have the public’s confidence.

The rules committee will evaluate court rules changes proposed by members of the judiciary, the legal profession, government ministries and the public. It will engage the legal profession, members of the public and other users of the courts. It will also advise the attorney general on issues affecting access to justice that might be addressed through the court rules. The chief justice of the B.C. Supreme Court will be consulted on any recommended changes to the civil rules.

Membership of the rules committee includes:

• Daniel R. Bennett, QC: Vancouver
• John Bilawich: Vancouver
• Bill Dick: Kelowna
• Lisa Hamilton: Vancouver
• John M. Hogg, QC: Kamloops
• Lindsay LeBlanc: Victoria
• Maureen L. A. Lundell, QC: Vancouver

Quote:

Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice –

“The new Attorney General’s Rules Committee will help ensure that any proposed changes to court rules are understood and fair, and that the Supreme Court rules serve the citizens of B.C. by facilitating early resolution. Before making recommendations for change, the committee will consult, analyze and understand the impacts of rule changes. Working closely with the chief justice, the rules committee will ensure that the Supreme Court rules facilitate access to justice and instil confidence in the justice system.”

Quick Facts:

• The Attorney General’s B.C. Supreme Court Rules Committee consists of:
  • At least four members of the private bar, including nominees from the Law Society, the Canadian Bar Association B.C. Branch and the Trial Lawyers Association of B.C.
  • The deputy attorney general.
  • Employees of the Ministry of Justice to provide policy, technical and drafting support.
• Members serve at the discretion of the attorney general for a term of five years.
• The rules committee will meet at least every two months, except in July and August.