THE ADVOCATE 59
VOL. 79 PART 1 JANUARY 2021
NEWS FROM
BC LAW INSTITUTE
By Emily Clough, with assistance from Karen Campbell*
A LOOK BACK AT 2020
As I look back on the past year, I am proud to say that the British Columbia
Law Institute (“BCLI”) rallied and adapted quickly under unexpected circumstances.
2020 challenged us on a global scale, yet it was also a great year
of transformation and renewal for BCLI.
In September, Karen Campbell started her role as executive director, and
I was elected as chair of the board. We were both thrilled to take on these
responsibilities and humbled by the legacy left by our predecessors, Kathleen
Cunningham and Thomas L. Spraggs. A robust transition period
ensured that Karen could confidently pick up where Kathleen left off. Karen
takes over with an eye towards innovation, new partnerships and deepened
community engagement.
ONGOING PROJECTS AND CONSULTATIONS
Between BCLI and the Canadian Centre for Elder Law (“CCEL”), there are
seven ongoing projects, including three active consultations.
Pension Division Review Project
Since 2019, BCLI has been reviewing the division of pensions when a
spousal relationship breaks down. The project’s goal is to recommend
improvements to Part 6 of the Family Law Act, informed by developments
in family law and pension practices. The project reached a milestone in
2020, holding a public consultation from May to September. The project
committee is currently reviewing the responses and considering its final
recommendations for reform. These final recommendations will be published
in the project’s report, which is planned for release in early 2021.
* Emily Clough is the chair of the board of BCLI and a partner at Clark Wilson LLP. Karen Campbell is the executive director
of BCLI.