SST Declared Unconstitutional in Part
Appeal and cross-appeal both filed
In a decision that adds to the momentum of the CBA’s campaign to remove the Social Services Tax (SST) on legal fees, Koenigsberg, J released a landmark decision in Christie v AG of BC. In this case, counsel Darrell Roberts, QC and Robin Bajer, both of Miller Thomson LLP, successfully argued on behalf of Vancouver lawyer Dugald Christie that the Social Services Tax on legal services impedes and denies justice for low income persons, contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms...
SST on Legal Services
A leaky boat
It is difficult to imagine a more fundamental right than “access to justice.” If even one citizen is denied access to justice by the actions of his or her own government, then all citizens have less than justice.
On February 8th, in Christie v AG of BC, 2005 BCSC 122, Koenigsberg J declared Bill 8, the Social Service Tax Amendment Act (No 2), SBC c 24 to be, in part, unconstitutional, on precisely this ground...
The Committees of CBABC
Have you thought about participating?
In this column I would like to describe for you the structure and function of the CBABC’s 28 committees and extend an invitation to each of you to consider participating in a committee...
Section Talk
by Shelley Bentley
The CBABC sponsors 73 Sections which play a vital role in keeping members informed both on changes in the law, and legal and political issues affecting a given area of practice. Topics covered in recent meetings include:
- A discussion on possible ADR opportunities in provincial court in light of the anticipated increase in the monetary jurisdiction of the small claims court from $10,000 to $50,000
- Judicial Settlement Conferences in Family Law Proceedings at the Court of Appeal
- Report on the US Patriot Act and Government Outsourcing in BC [Information & Privacy Commissioner for BC]
Safe Streets Act Bill 71
Practice Talk
Alternatives to Going Solo
by David J Bilinsky
Nothing Official
All Sizzle; No Steak
by Tony Wilson
On the Web
Practice Resources
by Patricia Jordan
Acts in Force
Regulations to Note
New Bills to Note
Reports Available
by Stuart Rennie 
Dalhousie Professor Speaks to Family Law Section |
|
Big City, Big Deals?
To some, it's big city, no big deal...
by Warren Smith
BC Voices
Island and Interior lawyers consider the practice of law
A Point in the Judicial Direction
The process for appointment to the Provincial Court
by The Honourable Carol Baird Ellan
Chief Judge, Provincial Court of BC
Court Services Online
by The Honourable Geoff Plant
Attorney General of BC
Test Case on Constitutional Right to Legal Aid Launched
Law Day in China
Dispute Resolution Process Inadequate
Nominations Sought
Mid-Winter Meeting Highlights
National Eligibility Standards for Legal Aid
Fee Increase
National Women Lawyers Forum
Hnatyshyn Award Nominations Sought
Bank Through CBAF and Manulife Bank
CBA PracticeLink: Ask a Marketing Expert
Bar Moves
Ken Sarnecki Fund
Law Week Events
Letters to the Editor
Notice from BC’s Law Schools
Win “Miss Saigon” Tickets
Lawyer Helping Lawyer Award
BC Hotels Online
Sesame Networks – Wi-Fi Internet Access
VIA Rail
Canadian Baseball
Opera & Theatre
Cariboo Bar Plans AGM
HoopLaw 2005
Battle of the Bar Bands Returns!
VBA/CBA Golf Tournament
New Westminster/Fraser Valley Bar Golf Tournament
Unrepresented Litigants Self-Help Centre
Canadian Legal Conference: Volunteers Needed
Comox Valley & Campbell River Summer Barbecue
BC Courthouse Library Society
Continuing Legal Education Society of BC
L’Association des juristes
The Law Foundation of British Columbia
BarTalk is published by...
Legislative Update is available exclusively to CBABC members, indicated by the icon. Click here to join today!
Click here to access the BarTalk Online archive. |