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Canadian Bar Association – BC Branch Responds to Justice System Review Report
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2012
VANCOUVER – The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC) President Kerry Simmons responded positively today to the Government’s release of a series of important reports on the justice system in BC: A Criminal Justice System for the 21st Century, Making Justice Work Improving Access and Outcomes for British Columbians and British Columbia Charge Assessment Review.
“These reports are as complex as the nature of justice reform and we are pleased to see that the approaches to possible solutions are as in-depth as the problems,” commented Kerry Simmons, CBABC President. Adding, “there were countless debates and conversations with many interested parties and we are encouraged to see that the report includes some of the concrete recommendations put forward by the Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia.”
In February 2012, the CBABC was asked to participate to the Government’s request for feedback on the state of the justice system in the province. The CBABC formed a nine-person Advisory Panel that produced a comprehensive 60-page report offering 25 recommendations to the issues surrounding Justice Reform reiterating the need for funding to Legal Aid. The report submitted in June, titled Justice In Time, was the combined result of years of research, dialogue, and outreach to all the key stakeholders in the legal system in BC. As well, in March 2012, the CBABC responded to the Legal Services Society with a submission commenting on their letter titled “Shaping the Future of Legal Aid and the Justice System in BC” providing context, history and detailed recommendations.
“We will review these reports with the same rigour as we provided input, and look forward to working with justice participants to ensure that positive steps are taken to improve our justice system, including additional funding,” concluded Simmons.
Download a PDF copy of the official CBABC news release.
Click here to read the report.
For more information contact:
Maureen Cameron, Director of Membership, Volunteer and Public Affairs at 604.646.7850 or mcameron@bccba.org. The Canadian Bar Association is the professional organization representing more than 38,000 lawyers, judges and law students in Canada, including 6,700 members in British Columbia.
[posted August 30, 2012]
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