THE ADVOCATE 713
VOL. 80 PART 5 SEPTEMBER 2022
NEWS FROM
BC LAW INSTITUTE
By Emily Clough*
Twenty-five years ago, a dedicated group of lawyers in British Columbia
incorporated the British Columbia Law Institute (“BCLI”) under what was
then the Society Act of this province. They had two goals: first, to preserve
the work of the former Law Reform Commission of British Columbia, and
second, to ensure that laws in British Columbia continue to be reviewed and
adapted to the needs of the communities they are intended to serve.
Today, BCLI remains dedicated to its core mission—the modernization
and simplification of law in British Columbia—by bringing together the
expertise and experience of collaborators to improve the law, increase
access to justice, and develop just and innovative solutions. Over the past
25 years, we have consistently seen the passion and commitment of our
staff and hundreds of volunteers in recommending legislative and other
reforms for laws in British Columbia. Not all of our recommendations have
been implemented—yet—but we know that our methodology and process
for independent law reform are of vital importance in supporting good laws
in this province.
Our first success was our recommendations for the Homeowner Protection
Act in 1999. Most recently, we are pleased to see BCLI recommendations
operationalized in provisions relating to child employment under the
Employment Standards Act. To date, the B.C. government has implemented
recommendations from 20 of our reports. Our study papers help define
issues for future reports, and our practical tools—for practitioners and, in
particular, those relating to elder law issues—help guide those working with
everyday legal issues.
BCLI’s work continues to adjust to meet modern needs. In 2003, we established
the Canadian Centre for Elder Law (“CCEL”), which has a particular
* Emily Clough is the chair of the board of BCLI.