2017 Bi-Monthly Update Series: November/December

To keep you informed, here are some highlights of changes and updates made to Clicklaw in November and December:

Jan-Feb | Mar-Apr | May-Jun | Jul-Aug | Sep-Oct | Nov-Dec


Legal Services Society

  • Gladue Submission Guide
    This new, plain language booklet for Aboriginal peoples explains how to prepare a Gladue submission to help the judge decide bail or sentencing. Includes a Gladue factors checklist and a worksheet to help Aboriginal peoples, lawyers, and Native courtworkers gather information needed to prepare a submission.
  • Your Gladue Rights
    This revised booklet explains Gladue rights, rights under the Criminal Code that apply to anyone who identifies as Aboriginal. Gladue rights can apply at bail and sentencing hearings.
  • Sponsorship Breakdown
    This updated booklet is for permanent residents who need help when the person sponsoring them in Canada is no longer supporting them.

Provincial Court of BC

  • CFCSA flowchart (Child Protection Matters)
    Chart shows possible stages and orders in child protection proceedings under the Child, Family and Community Service Act, with notes – statute sections are hyperlinked to the Act.
  • Criminal Case Flowchart
    Stages in a Criminal Case: These notes provide more information about criminal procedure – the procedures set out in the Criminal Code of Canada to be followed in criminal cases.
  • BC Provincial Court Common Questions
    General information about the Provincial Court and the BC justice system.

Disability Alliance BC Help Sheets Update

The following help sheets on BC’s disability benefits have been updated:

Small Claims Trial Preparation Clinic
by Seniors First BC

Are you a senior representing yourself in a Small Claims Court proceeding? Call 604-336-5653 to find out more about this Trial Preparation Clinic. A lawyer will call you back to assess if the clinic is able to assist.

Mothers Without Status
by YWCA Vancouver

This updated booklet is for service providers assisting “mothers without status”. It now has new content on MCFD and has been updated for immigration and Family Law Act changes.

Financing Litigation Legal Research Project
by British Columbia Law Institute (BCLI)

The paper reviews six financing models to pay for litigation: unbundled legal services, third-party litigation funding, alternative fee arrangements, crowdfunding, legal expense insurance, and publicly funded litigation funds. It also discusses 18 ideas on how to enhance the use of each model.

Operating in Darkness: BC’s Mental Health Act Detention System
by Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)

Mental health detentions in BC have increased dramatically over the last ten years. This report reveals several disturbing practices and points to a number of deep flaws in the BC Mental Health Act that do not comply with the rights guaranteed by the Charter and international human rights law.

2017 CEDAW Report Card
by West Coast LEAF

The annual CEDAW Report Card grades BC’s compliance with United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). BC’s record of action and inaction in the past year is assessed in nine key areas impacting the rights of women and girls.

The National Self-Represented Litigants Project

Charterpedia
by the Government of Canada

Charterpedia provides legal info about the Charter and contains information about the purpose of each section of the Charter, the analysis or test developed through case law in respect of the section, and any particular considerations related to it. Each Charterpedia entry cites relevant case law.

Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family

Stay informed:

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November 2017 Events (BC-wide, Online)

Bookmark this post! It will be updated as more events are announced. You can also get frequent updates via our Twitter. Have a suggestion? Email us.

  • Wednesday, November 1 (6-7:30pm): Fashion Without Limits: Diversity in Motion at 644 Bentley Road, Port Moody: the Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia will mark Canada’s 150th anniversary with Fashion Without Limits: Diversity in Motion, a multi-disciplinary showcase of the disability community. Our community celebration of diversity in honour of Canada 150 will feature: Adapted ballroom dancing, an adapted fashion show, and the launch of our new Assistive Equipment Fund to honour our two most active and boundary-pushing members: Jason Cole and Rand Surbey. This free, inclusive event will includes refreshments and networking opportunities with community members and organizations. We are excited to bring together members of the disabled community in an inclusive cultural event to share in the inspiration and accomplishment of our members.
  • November 4-10 2017: Conflict Resolution Week: Everyone has their own story during a conflict. It feels like we’re right and they’re wrong – we’re the victim or hero and they’re the villain. There’s Another Story – explore how mediation, unlike fairy tales, has creative and fair options to resolve conflict. Mediators can help you uncover that story and will be out across the province to share some of their tips and skills with you. Check out the Conflict Resolution Week calendar to check out events in Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver, and online.
  • November 7-22, 2017 (Various Dates): People’s Law School presents several classes on the following topics in Burnaby, Salmon Arm, and Vancouver:
    • Tuesday, November 7 (12-1pm) Communication Toolbox—Tips on Communicating With a Co-Parent – People’s Law School
    • Tuesday, November 14 (6:30-8pm) Wills and Estates – Okanagan Regional Library – Salmon Arm Branch
    • Tuesday, November 21 (7-8:30pm) Wills and Estates – Burnaby Public Library – McGill Branch
    • Wednesday, November 22 (7-8:30pm) Power of Attorney – Burnaby Public Library – McGill Branch
  • November 8-29, 2017: Nidus presents various online webinars and an in-person presentation in Vancouver:
    • November 8, 11:30am-12:30pm – Online Webinar – Planning for Health Care & Personal Care – How can you plan for incapacity, end-of-life, and other support needs? Learn about Representation Agreements – the only legal document in BC to plan for health care and personal care matters. Find out about other documents being used and promoted in the health system – are they legal? What do they mean for patients and their families?
    • November 15, 1-2:30pm – South Granville Seniors Centre (3rd floor, 1420 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver): Attend a free presentation conducted by a Nidus-trained volunteer. Learn about planning for incapacity and end-of-life. Find out how to book an appointment for personal help to make and register your planning documents. No registration Required.
    • November 29, 11:30am-12:30pm – Online Webinar – Planning for Financial & Legal Matters – Enduring Powers of Attorney or a Representation Agreement with authority for routine finances are legal documents in BC adults may use to plan for incapacity, end-of-life, and other support needs. If there are no arrangements in place, adults can lose their rights through adult guardianship, called Committeeship in BC. Find out how adult guardianship is the LAST RESORT in BC. Also learn about the limits of a Power of Attorney and Bank Power of Attorney.
  • Friday, November 17 (3:45-6pm): Legal Workshops-Mental Health in the Workplace: Rights and Responsibilities of Youth with Disabilities at 451-409 Granville St., Vancouver: The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC is proud to host a new workshop series titled Mental Health in the Workplace: Rights and Responsibilities of Youth with Disabilities This workshop series will address the issues of mental health in the workplace for youth with disabilities. The workshops will be given by Lou Poskitt from Miller Titerle Law Corporation and Kemily Ho from Tevlin Cledle Curtis Employment Law Strategies. Food and refreshments will be provided. To register for these workshops contact Lindsay at programs@bccerebralpalsy.com or call 604-408-9484.
  • Wednesday, November 29 (7:30pm): Battered Women’s Support Services Presents Angela Davis at the Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver: Angela Davis has spent decades as an activist, author and scholar expressing ideas that remain at the forefront, on important issues of race, women’s rights, capitalism and justice. Private reception is now sold out but excellent seats are still available. Don’t miss the opportunity to see one of the most enduring feminist icons live in Vancouver, Coast Salish Territory.

Stay informed:

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