News Release
October 02, 2014

Vancouver, BC – The Law Society of BC is pleased with today’s decision of the Supreme Court of Canada declaring civil hearing fees unconstitutional. The Law Society has long championed access to justice issues, and this decision to declare provincially imposed court fees unconstitutional helps people of modest incomes access court services without undue financial strain.

“This decision recognises that the rule of law and access to justice are constitutionally protected,” says President Jan Lindsay, “and demonstrates that these services are the right of all Canadians. This is a step in the right direction to making court services more accessible to the average person, and will contribute to reducing barriers to legal services. We welcome the decision of the court and commend the work done by the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch and the Trial Lawyers Association of BC to achieve this outcome.”

The Law Society of British Columbia regulates the more than 11,000 practising lawyers in the province, setting and enforcing standards of professional conduct that ensure the public is well-served by a competent, honourable legal profession.

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For further information or to arrange an interview contact:

Taylore Ashlie
Director, Communications and Knowledge Management
604.697.5845
tashlie@lsbc.org