British Columbians are encouraged to share their views on the Province’s plans to simplify the legal framework for legal professionals so that more people can connect with the legal support and advice they need. them.

Currently, lawyers are governed by the Legal Profession Act, and notaries are governed by the Notary Act. Moderators are not legal. A public survey was launched recently seeking feedback on the proposal to bring all legal professionals under a separate regulator.

The proposed changes are designed to improve access to legal services and better protect the public interest. An opinion paper, which provides high-level information on the proposal, will be posted online for public review. The feedback collected will inform future legislative changes and will be summarized in a report that will be available in winter 2022-23.

The survey will be open until 4:30 pm (Pacific time) on Friday, November 18, 2022. To participate in the survey and read the opinion paper, visit : https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/ negotiations/law-reform/

The proposed changes to the legal framework for legal professions are part of the Province’s efforts to improve access to legal services for all British Columbians.

Fast Facts:

• The Law Society of British Columbia conducted a study in 2020 that found that 60% of people in BC with legal problems did not receive legal advice for their situation, and of the 40% who received advice, approximately 15% went to a lawyer.
• The study found that cost was the main reason people decided to work with someone other than a lawyer to solve a legal problem.
• The Province has invested more than $35 million in legal aid over the past five years, funding eight new legal clinics to improve access to legal services across B.C. .

Learn More:

To read the Legal Practice Act, visit: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/98009_01

To read the Notaries Act, go to: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96334_01