Re: BarTalk, August 1998, Pages 1 and 2
I have read the pages that I have referred to the above in your latest issue of BarTalk. I think that what you have set out in reference to the sale of BC OnLine is well done and quite relevant.

However, I wonder if that same information has been conveyed to the public at large so that they could do something if they wish to.

I think that most of the lawyers in BC are aware of the problem and have been for some time, but surely we could put something like that in the British Columbia press to attract the attention of other people firstly to the problem and secondly to a worthwhile effort by the lawyers of British Columbia.

James T F Horn
Weddell, Horn & Company

Editor’s Note: We agree this is an issue of concern to all citizens of BC. The Branch has been actively promoting public and media education about the issues surrounding the BC OnLine sale, and Past President Kerry-Lynne D Findlay has been on several BC radio station call-in and interview programs, delivering our messages. All BC media receive BarTalk, and we received quite a bit of coverage courtesy of last issue’s front page story.

* * *

I read with interest the questions and answers of Glen Clark and Gordon Campbell in your August edition.

Glen Clark was the finance minister when the seven per cent Social Services Tax on legal services was imposed. When he defended the tax in the 1992 legislative session, Clark repeatedly stated that it would off-put legal aid costs. Now he blames Ottawa for funding shortfalls, but in the meantime clients keep pumping money into the government’s coffers. (I recall that Gabelmann stated that the lawyers will pay the seven per cent!)

Taxing powers in the hands of people like Glen Clark is like an automatic weapon in the hands of a madman.

Jeremy Dalton, LLB
MLA, West Vancouver-Capilano

* * *

I would appreciate your assistance in printing this letter for the benefit of notice to all who knew Doreen Folkestad, who passed away Saturday, September 12, 1998 at the age of 57. Doreen is survived by her husband, two sons, and two daughters. Doreen had a long and distinguished career with Court Services, the last 10 years as Manager of the Probate and Bankruptcy Registry in Vancouver. Over the years Doreen did many seminars and contributed to the work of the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC. Doreen will be remembered by all who knew her for her dedication, strength, warmth, compassion and humour.

Jim Andrews
Law Courts Probate Registry

These letters were published in the October 1998 issue of BarTalk.