May 2021 Events

Events

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.

Educating & Helping the Public

Free or low cost events for the general public to understand and use the law. Follow the links to see cost & registration info. All times in Pacific Time unless stated otherwise. See disclaimer.
May 1-9 | May 10-16 | May 17-23 | May 24-31
Looking for events for intermediaries? Jump to the next section.

May 10-16, 2021

  • Pivoting to Digital: The Writers and Literary Organizations Edition (Webinar)
    by Pacific Legal Education and Outreach Society (PLEO)
    • What: What are the copyrights and copywrongs of written content online? What new opportunities does the digital transition present for writers, publishers, and events curators? Due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, writers have to advocate for themselves in new ways, requiring new legal literacy when it comes to contracts, and more in order to be empowered when sharing their craft with the world. For this special event co-presented by The Writers’ Trust, as part of the National Network’s Virtual Forum, discussion focuses on the Writers rights when pivoting to digital.
    • When: Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 Noon to 1:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
  • Registered Disability Savings Plan Level 1 (Webinar)
    by Plan Institute
    • What: Beginner RDSP workshop for those who want to learn what an RDSP is, who qualifies, how to apply for the Disability Tax Credit, and how to open an RDSP. This is best suited to people who want to learn the basics of RDSPs and get general information about the plan. No background knowledge needed to get the most out of this workshop.
    • When: Wednesday, May 12th, 2021 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
    • Cost: Free
  • Introducing the Legal Self Assessment and Learning Tool (LSALT) (Webinar)
    by Pacific Legal Education and Outreach Society (PLEO)
    • What: Created by PLEO, the LSALT is a simple and low barrier tool that helps your non-profit understand its legal obligations and compliance through an interactive experience. This tool is for artist organizations in the BC and Yukon, offering modules in privacy and records, the Societies Act, Human Rights, and more.
    • When: Wednesday, May 12th, 2021 Noon to 2:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
  • Board Table Disruption: Lawyers at the Board Table (Webinar)
    by Pacific Legal Education and Outreach Society (PLEO)
    • What: Where do lawyers fit in at our board tables? Lawyers who act on boards are often informally expected to provide legal counsel to the organization, but this can cause many conflicts if the board also acts as your boss. PLEO hopes to shift the conversation in order to redefine how arts organizations engage and experience the law through their boards. How can lawyers at the board table best protect the interests of an organization, while not being held solely responsible for de-escalating a society’s legal problems?
    • When: Thursday, May 13th, 2021 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
  • Powers of Attorney, Joint Bank Accounts and Representation Agreements (Webinar)
    by Seniors First BC and West End Seniors’ Network
    • What: This workshop focuses on the importance of advance planning, forms of financial abuse through joint bank accounts, powers of attorney, and strategies to deal with financial abuse.
    • When: Thursday, May 13th, 2021 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free

May 17-23, 2021

  • Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Information Session Level 2 (Webinar)
    by Plan Institute
    • What: Advanced RDSP workshop for those who already have an RDSP or are deciding where to open their RDSP and want to deepen their knowledge and learn how to maximize growth. This workshop includes more complicated financial information and attendees should already have an understanding of RDSP basics before joining or attend Level 1 first.
    • When: Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
    • Cost: Free
  • Do’s and Don’ts of Starting a Non-profit (Webinar)
    by Pacific Legal Education and Outreach Society (PLEO)
    • What: Are you thinking of starting a non-profit? Are you new to a board? This online workshop will provide you with everything you need to know to get started on your passion project, turning your idea into a society.
    • When: Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 10:00 AM to Noon
    • Cost: $68.27
  • Cyber Frauds and Scams (Webinar)
    by Seniors First BC and the Surrey RCMP
    • What: Join the Surrey RCMP and Seniors First BC to learn about cyber frauds and scams that are on the rise since COVID-19. Topics will include common and emerging scams with CRS, immigration, friends or romance scams, how to identify frauds and scams, and preventing identity theft.
    • When: Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 11:00 AM to Noon
    • Cost: Free

May 24-31, 2021

  • Pivoting to Digital: The Dance Edition (Webinar)
    by Pacific Legal Education and Outreach Society (PLEO)
    • What: Virtual performances have carried many of us through the pandemic, providing new ways for us to experience art, and stay connected. But, what are the concerns for dance artists when going virtual, and how can you protect yourself? Dancers everywhere have made the necessary pivot to digital in order to continue to share their work whether it be through offering a livestream, pre-recorded and purchased performance, or more. On May 27th as part of the Vancouver International Dance Festival, PLEO will discuss the legal complexities at play.
    • When: Thursday, May 27th, 2021 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
    • Cost: Free

Learning & Community Building

Free or low cost professional development events for intermediaries, the people providing information and support to members of the public in their interactions with the legal system. We only include those that are open to non-lawyers. Also, events by organizations who help British Columbians in their interactions with the legal system. All times in Pacific Time unless stated otherwise. See disclaimer.
May 1-9 | May 10-16 | May 17-23 | May 24-31
Looking for public legal education events? Go back to the beginning.

May 1-9, 2021

  • Seniors Navigating Training Class 4 (Webinar)
    by Seniors Services Society of BC and the YMCA of Greater Vancouver
    • What: Navigator Training for Seniors Housing and Support courses are specially designed for social service workers, supporting seniors who need housing information and support in BC. Enhance your skills and knowledge in navigating seniors’ housing options and facilitating access to community resources through guest speakers. Class 4 covers: Digital literacy for seniors and Elder Abuse Prevention.
    • When: Thursday, May 6th, 2021 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM
    • Cost: Already paid for with registration of class 1

May 10-16, 2021

  • Rock Your Virtual Presentation Part One: Content Development & Delivery (Webinar)
    by PovNet Society
    • What: We’ve moved into a highly virtual way of working this year, which has prompted a hard shift in how we meet and present information to people. This time last year people would have said “what’s Zoom?”, but now it’s a household name. If you haven’t had the opportunity to develop your skills in virtual presentations, now is your chance with PovNet Society’s five part webinar series.
    • When: Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
    • Cost: Free; Registration includes all five sessions

May 17-23, 2021

  • 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusive Trauma-Informed Care (Webinar)
    by Jenna MacKay, MA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Consultant & Trainer
    • What: Research demonstrates that 2SLGBTQ+ individuals experience disproportionate rates of violence and trauma. This webinar will provide an introduction to trauma experienced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and explore how trauma-informed care and practices may be tailored to more competently work with 2SLGBTQ+ individuals from an affirmative stance.
    • When: Tuesday, May 18th, 2021 10:00 AM
    • Cost: Free
  • Rock Your Virtual Presentation Part Two: The Technical Stuff (Webinar)
    by PovNet Society
    • What: We’ve moved into a highly virtual way of working this year, which has prompted a hard shift in how we meet and present information to people. This time last year people would have said “what’s Zoom?”, but now it’s a household name. If you haven’t had the opportunity to develop your skills in virtual presentations, now is your chance with PovNet Society’s five part webinar series.
    • When: Tuesday, May 18th, 2021 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
    • Cost: Free; Registration includes all five sessions

May 24-31, 2021

  • Rock Your Virtual Presentation Part Three: Zoom Alternatives & Other Tools (Webinar)
    by PovNet Society
    • What: We’ve moved into a highly virtual way of working this year, which has prompted a hard shift in how we meet and present information to people. This time last year people would have said “what’s Zoom?”, but now it’s a household name. If you haven’t had the opportunity to develop your skills in virtual presentations, now is your chance with PovNet Society’s five part webinar series.
    • When: Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
    • Cost: Free; Registration includes all five sessions
  • Supporting trans, non-binary and gender diverse communities (Webinar)
    by Public Legal Education Association of Canada (PLEAC)
    • What: Trans, non-binary, 2-Spirit, and gender diverse people deserve respect and understanding at work and in the world. Join Shila and Shae from Legal Information Society Nova Scotia to learn about best practices when working with this demographic. They will explore how to navigate pronouns, honorifics, sex, gender, restorative methods, and more.
    • When: Thursday, May 27th, 2021 11:00 AM to Noon
    • Cost: Free
  • Rise Review: Going Public with Dr. Julie Macfarlane, CM (Webinar)
    by Rise Women’s Legal Centre
    • What: In her new book “Going Public: A Survivor’s Journey from Grief to Action”, law professor and National Self-Represented Litigants Director Julie Macfarlane reveals her personal history of sexual violence and domestic abuse, and describes the process of gradually coming to terms with its impact on her life.
    • When: Thursday, May 27th, 2021 Noon to 1:30 PM
    • Cost: Free

June 2021 Events

Plan ahead! Here’s a preview of what’s coming next month.

  • Confronting Racism in the Criminal Justice System (Webinar)
    by Continuing Legal Education Society of BC (CLEBC)
    • What: Systemic racism is deeply embedded in civil society and in our governing structures. In this full-day course, CLEBC will walk through where, when and how systemic racism, unconscious and conscious bias, micro-aggressions and white privilege exist at each stage of the criminal justice system – from policing to charge assessment, in the bail process, in trials and at sentencing. We will explore how this impacts decisions and proceedings and the ways we can interrupt negative outcomes.
    • When: Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    • Cost: Free
  • NEVR Conference: Healthy Relationships 2021 (Virtual Conference)
    by Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships
    • What: This is an opportunity to learn about the court system and the role of different professionals in the domestic violence justice system, and to participate in designing a court that may work better for survivors of domestic violence. There will be time to listen, reflect and participate in discussions while developing new ideas.
    • When: June 2, 3, and 4, 2021 1:00-4:00 PM each day
    • Cost: $22.23 for all three days
  • Elder Abuse: What Is It? How Do We Deal With It? (Webinar)
    by Seniors First BC
    • What: This workshop addresses the correlation between social isolation and abuse of older adults, types of abuse and people involved, and strategies to deal with abuse. Seniors First BC discusses the importance of staying connected to others through brainstorming community resources, and viewing a short video depicting a fictional story of social isolation and elder abuse.
    • When: Thursday, June 3rd, 2021 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
    • Cost: Free

Disclaimer: These events are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the Clicklaw team of any of the products or services of the organizations. Contact the external site for questions regarding their events.

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Coming soon! New BC Provincial Court Family Rules starting May 17, 2021

New BC Provincial Court Family Rules Starting May 17, 2021

Community posts

By Justice Services Branch, the Ministry of Attorney General, British Columbia

What’s happening? 

On May 17, 2021, a full new set of Provincial Court Family Rules (PCFR) will be implemented. The rules were updated when the Family Law Act was implemented in 2013, however, the last substantial reform of the PCFR was in 1998.

What is changing? 

There are substantial changes to forms, terminology, and processes. 

Why are the rules changing? 

The new rules aim to help families to reduce conflict and work towards earlier resolutions outside the court process, make court process and forms user friendly, and make each court appearance meaningful and productive. The Ministry of Attorney General and the Provincial Court jointly led the modernization of the rules supported by a dedicated working group and informed by a public consultation.   

What are these rules used for?  

The rules apply in Provincial Court to: 

  • (a) FLA family law matters (parenting arrangements, child support, contact with a child, guardianship of a child, spousal support);
  • (b) protection orders under the Family Law Act;
  • (c) priority parenting matters;
  • (d) relocation; and
  • (e) enforcement, including enforcement of support orders under the Family Maintenance Enforcement Act. 

The PCFR do not apply to child protection matters, adoption, divorce, property or pension division.

What are some key points? 

  • Know your registry. An existing case with the same parties can continue in the same registry, but new cases (if the issue is child-related) will be filed in the registry closest to where the child lives most of the time and if there is no child-related issue involved, then the registry closest to where the filing party lives. 
  • The Notice of Motion is being replaced by subject specific forms. 
  • The Family Management Conference becomes the first step in court proceedings about family law matters to provide active case management and meaningful, better utilized, court appearances.
  • Priority matters, including protection orders have distinct processes and forms to address those applications in a timely manner.

What about transition?

The new rules are effective province-wide May 17, 2021. Cases started before that will carry on under the new rules. The new forms must be used as of May 17, 2021; the only exception is a short grace period allowed for the old version of the Reply and Financial Statement.

Where do I find the new rules and forms? 

The new rules and forms are in BC Reg 120/2020 (please use the consolidated version). Upon implementation, the new forms will be available on the provincial family court forms page of the BC government website.  After implementation, we will also begin to offer several key forms in a user-friendly online app format.

Where can I find out more?

A section by section explanation of the new rules can be found in Provincial Court Family Rules (PCFR) Explained (also listed on Clicklaw). For family lawyers, a CLE about the new PCFR will be held on April 20, 2021 with several rebroadcasts scheduled for May, June and July. Upon implementation, additional information will be available on the websites of the BC government, the Provincial Court of BC and public legal information and education sites such as Clicklaw.bc.ca or Legal Aid BC’s Family Law in BC website.

(May 12, 2021) A note from Clicklaw Editor: For plain language resources, check out the list on Clicklaw’s common question How do the new Provincial Court Family Rules affect my family law matter? (bit.ly/clicklaw-pcfr)

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