With the Government of BC facing a budget surplus, the CBA is focused on getting the Social Services Tax on legal services eliminated:

• We presented a submission to the Finance and Management Services Committee in the pre-budget consultation, calling for increased legal aid funding and the elimination of the SST. Read the 2005 submission.
• SST Campaign: we are meeting with every MLA in BC to present the CBA’s position on SST, and meeting with the BC Business Council and other lobby groups to build a coalition of interests to call for removal of SST. Read the backgrounder. See the ad. See a draft letter lawyers can provide clients.
• Important Update: Click here for November 9, 2005 Muira decision clarifying SST exemption on contingency fees for low income clients. Instructions to lawyers for dealing with low income clients who may be eligible for SST exemption. For details, click here.
• Media release on Christie decision declaring SST unconstitutional for persons with low income, February 9. Vancouver Sun article.
• Media release in response to Government of BC Budget 2005: see release.

Want to know more? Stay tuned to your CBA Website: www.cba.org/bc.

[posted November 2005]