How did this work begin?
The Justice Review Task Force (JRTF) initiated this work. The JRTF was established on the initiative of the Law Society of British Columbia in March 2002 to identify a wide range of potential reforms that could make the justice system more responsive, accessible and efficient.
Several working groups were formed, including the CJRWG. This working group explored fundamental change to the BC civil litigation process, from the time a legal problem develops, through the entire Supreme Court litigation process. This includes all types of civil matters, except for family law cases.
More information on the JRTF can be found at www.bcjusticereview.org.
What report has the Civil Justice Reform Working Group prepared?
The Civil Justice Reform Working Group released a report entitled Effective and Affordable Civil Justice in November 2006 (the “Report”). The Report outlines the CJRWG’s vision for a civil justice system that assists citizens in obtaining just solutions to legal problems quickly and affordably. The Report recommended adopting a new set of B.C. Supreme Court rules in order to provide a streamlined, accessible Supreme Court system where:
- matters that can be settled are settled quickly and affordably; and
- matters that need a trial get to trial quickly and affordably.
The next step in the process of implementing the CJRWG’s recommendation was to create a Concept Draft of new rules, which was posted to this site in July, 2007.
Who are the members of the Civil Justice Reform Working Group?
Members are:
- Chief Justice Donald Brenner, Supreme Court of British Columbia (Co-Chair)
- Allan Seckel, Q.C., Deputy Attorney General (Co-Chair)
- Craig Dennis, Member at Large
- Madam Justice Laura Gerow, Supreme Court of British Columbia
- George Macintosh, Q.C., Member at Large
- Richard Margetts, Q.C., representing the Law Society of BC
- Master William McCallum, Rules Revision Committee
- Carol McEown, Legal Services Society (retired)
- Helen Pedneault, Assistant Deputy Minister, Court Services Branch
- Judge Dennis Schmidt, Provincial Court of British Columbia
- Jim Vilvang, Q.C., representing the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch
- Master Barbara M. Young, Supreme Court of British Columbia
When do the rules come into force?
The new rules and fees were announced by the B.C. Government on July 7, 2009 and will come into force on July 1, 2010.
Will training on the new rules be available to justice system professionals?
Prior to the implementation of the new rules, training courses will be scheduled for lawyers and other justice system professionals. Notices will be distributed through regular channels.