Law Society of British Columbia publishes 2023 annual report

The Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC) has recently published its 2023 annual report.

The report highlighted progress in areas such as truth and reconciliation, Indigenous cultural safety, mental health support, and access to justice. In 2023, LSBC implemented several initiatives to advance truth and reconciliation, including completing the Indigenous engagement in regulatory matters task force report. This initiative saw the appointment of a senior advisor for Indigenous engagement and an Indigenous navigator to support Indigenous complainants within the complaints process. The report emphasized the LSBC’s commitment to fostering Indigenous cultural safety and removing barriers within the justice system.

The report also addressed challenges related to Bill 21, the Legal Professions Act, which LSBC contested in court due to concerns over the act's potential impact on the independence of the legal profession. Throughout 2023, LSBC actively engaged with government officials regarding Bill 21, expressing concerns that it could compromise the independence of the legal profession. After the act received Royal Assent in May, the LSBC filed a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality.

LSBC CEO Don Avison highlighted the importance of maintaining an independent legal regulator, noting that government consultation on the bill was inadequate and did not include input from key stakeholders, including Indigenous communities.

“While the Law Society was not successful in securing an injunction to suspend the transitional provisions of the Act, the litigation on the broader issues will continue,” Avison wrote in the report.

The report also highlighted LSBC’s ongoing efforts to improve access to justice and address mental health needs within the profession. Initiatives in 2023 included engaging with legal professionals and the public to address these critical issues, as well as collaborating with other organizations to promote diversity, inclusion, and the ethical practice of law.

LSBC president Christopher McPherson reflected on his tenure and acknowledged the Law Society’s progress in implementing the Indigenous Intercultural Course and adopting key policy changes. He affirmed LSBC’s role in upholding the rights and freedoms central to democracy and the rule of law while celebrating diversity and inclusion within the profession.

“On a personal level, I am proud to have been the first president of the Law Society who is openly a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and hope it will inspire others to feel safe and empowered to be true to themselves as members of the legal profession and to see themselves in positions of leadership,” said McPherson.

LSBC concluded the report by recognizing the dedication of its staff and leadership. Avison praised the team for their resilience and commitment, while McPherson highlighted the contributions of LSBC members, expressing confidence that the Society is well-equipped to tackle future challenges.