Statement on BC election results

The Law Society of BC acknowledges the outcome of the October 24, 2026 provincial election, which saw the Conservative Party of BC elected to a majority government. We look forward to working with the incoming government on matters affecting the regulation of the legal profession and the administration of justice in the public interest.

The Conservative Party of BC has previously committed to repealing the Legal Professions Act, which was passed by the Legislative Assembly of BC in 2024. Following the Act receiving Royal Assent, the Law Society initiated a constitutional challenge over significant concerns the legislation fails to ensure the independence of the Bar, an unwritten constitutional principle. Although the court recognized for the first time the principle of the independence of the Bar, the Law Society’s action was dismissed. We appealed that order to the BC Court of Appeal. The appeal is presently set to be heard January 18-20, 2027.

While our litigation was ongoing, under the Act, we were required to fulfil statutory obligations by supporting the work of the Transitional Board and Transitional Indigenous Council and preparing operationally for amalgamation with the Society of Notaries Public of BC and licensing of regulated paralegals.

“The Law Society welcomes the new government’s promises to repeal the Act and encourages them to do so immediately upon forming government” said Thomas L. Spraggs, KC, President of the Law Society of BC. “Repealing the Act will preserve the independence of the Bar and the public’s right to impartial legal advice, and stop further costs to the profession caused by the transition.”

We look forward to future conversations with the new government on matters relating to the justice system in BC. Our focus remains on our statutory mandate to uphold and protect the public interest in the administration of justice, including through the independent regulation of lawyers in BC.