By Ann McLean

It would be idle to pretend that continuing development of our law can be left safely or solely to the slow, uncertain process of judicial evolution, to the day-to-day policies of governments, or to the whims of individuals. There are too many constraints on those who make the policy, too many demands on scarce resources, to allow us to leave the business of law reform to such an uncertain and uncoordinated fate.- Michael Kerr, L.J.

The British Columbia Law Institute (BCLI) recently celebrated its tenth anniversary as an independent law reform body. With its division, the Canadian Centre for Elder Law Studies (CCELS), the institute is now poised for continued success and growth. BCLI believes there is an important continuing need for professional, objective, non-political law reform work, along with outreach efforts to support access to and respect for the administration of justice. We collaborate with various parts of the legal community and seek ways to expand these relationships. The law reform project committees include law professors, members of the practising Bar, members of the public and judges. Many of the volunteers are found through BCLI’s connection with the CBA’s Sections and Legislation and Law Reform Committee. We have offered an articled student position in conjunction with a law firm, and we hope to build on future opportunities for shared articled student arrangements with other public organizations and law firms. BCLI maintains a substantial library of law reform publications searchable on the BCLI website and accessible on request. We actively seek opportunities to engage the public in information exchange concerning legal developments and law reform, with CCELS focusing on issues of particular concern to older adults.

Both BCLI and CCELS have a record number of law reform and outreach activities under way and under consideration. BCLI is working on major projects relating to the Society Act, the Privacy Act, and the Commercial Tenancy Act, and a project on real property law reform is under consideration. CCELS is engaged in three major projects including the multi-year, “Aging with Challenges”. In addition, BCLI and CCELS are actively considering approximately 15 new law reform projects. The CCELS has begun organizing the third annual Canadian Conference on Elder Law, which will be held at the Wall Centre in Vancouver, on November 8-10, 2007. A highlight of this year’s conference will be the keynote speaker, Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin.

Over the past year BCLI made significant progress. BCLI funding expanded, providing both BCLI and CCELS with a sound financial base. We have made a successful transition from retiring Executive Director Arthur Close, QC, to incoming Executive Director Jim Emmerton, who has extensive business and development experience, and a strong legal background. As well, nearing completion is the institute’s strategic planning process, which will clarify BCLI’s mission to be a leader in law reform and related outreach activities.

The institute could not have achieved its remarkable success without the support of the Law Foundation of B.C. and the B.C. Ministry of Attorney General. In times when government funding for independent law reform has been declining, their commitment to the importance of maintaining an active independent law reform body in British Columbia is admirable.

Ann McLean, Chair of The B.C. Law Institute, 1822 East Mall, UBC, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z1

This article was published in the June 2007 issue of BarTalk and is subject to the copyright by the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, 2007, all rights reserved.