Vancouver – The Law Society of BC congratulates all those who were elected in yesterday’s provincial election and encourages the newly elected Liberal government to continue its work on access to justice.
“There is growing awareness around the problems facing our justice system,” said President Art Vertlieb, QC. “The challenge now is to capitalize on that awareness and translate it into real change. Government can be a driving force in that process.”
The Law Society is encouraged by the Liberal government’s work to date on justice system reform. The Cowper Report, the two-part white paper, the inaugural justice summit and the memorandum of understanding between government and the courts all demonstrate a consultative approach towards correcting problems in the system.
“But it’s not only up to government. Everybody with a stake in the justice system has to look for ways to make it run more effectively and efficiently,” said Vertlieb. He points to steps the Law Society has taken to improve access to justice including expanding the range of services that can be provided by articled students and designated paralegals.
The Law Society of British Columbia regulates the more than 10,000 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:
Ben Hadaway
Communications Officer
604.443.5708
bhadaway@lsbc.org
Robyn Crisanti
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
604.697.5845
rcrisanti@lsbc.org