British Columbia Law Institute

Today marks the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day. It is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the cultures, traditions, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, and to reflect on their enduring presence and leadership across Canada.

Learn more about our Reconciling Crown Legal Frameworks Program, which explores how Crown legal frameworks can adapt to strengthen relationships between Crown and Indigenous laws and support the recognition of Indigenous jurisdiction: https://www.bcli.org/reconciling-crown-legal-frameworks-program

Father’s Day is tomorrow. We extend our appreciation to all fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures whose care, guidance, and support make a difference in the lives of their families and communities.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Father’s Day weekend.

Help improve how laws manage ownerless property in BC. Share your thoughts on our consultation report on the Escheat Act Modernization Project by September 18. https://www.bcli.org/escheat-act-modernization

The British Columbia Law Institute, , with the support of Canadian Bar Association - BC Branch (CBABC), is proud to announce that Adhithya Krishnan, a 2L student at the University of British Columbia's Peter A. Allard School of Law, is the winner of the second annual BCLI Mathew Good Memorial Prize! His essay explores how the law has failed to keep pace with the risks posed by digital consumer markets, particularly Buy Now Pay Later services and online sports betting. The essay can be read on BCLI’s website and will be in CBABC’s BarTalk.

https://www.bcli.org/matgoodprize.

We are seeking a lawyer to join the BCLI team as a staff lawyer. This position offers an opportunity to work on projects that examine and improve the law through research, consultation, analysis, and recommendations for reform. The early focus of this position will primarily be on social policy, human rights, housing and law reform related to land tenure and disaster response frameworks. Future workload will depend on funding and organizational needs.

Application closes 5 pm on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. View the job posting at https://www.bcli.org/job_post/employment-opportunity-staff-lawyer-2/.

Construction projects often require access to neighbouring land and airspace, but when agreement can’t be reached, delays and rising costs can follow. Read our study paper on possible solutions at https://www.bcli.org/construction-access-project.

# housingaffordability

When can corporate directors and officers be held personally liable for the acts of the companies they manage?

Our latest report examines the conflicting case law that has led to directors and officers frequently being named as co-defendants in lawsuits and proposes reforms to bring greater clarity to this area of law.

Download the report: bcli.org/director-liability

Canadian law on the personal, non-statutory liability of directors and officers is widely viewed as uncertain and inconsistent.

Join our lunch webinar with Canadian Bar Association - BC Branch (CBABC) about BCLI's report that examines divergent lines of Canadian case law, the practical consequences for corporate governance and litigation, and the knock-on effects for D&O insurance.

Registration for the June 22 session closes on June 18.

https://www.cbapd.org/details_en.aspx?id=bc_bc26bus05r

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, heritage, diversity, and legal traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

This month also provides an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing work of reconciliation. At BCLI, our Reconciling Crown Legal Frameworks Program supports the alignment of BC’s Crown legal framework with Indigenous laws.

Learn more about Indigenous law and legal pluralism: https://www.bcli.org/reconciling-crown-legal-frameworks-program

Help improve how laws manage ownerless property in BC. Share your thoughts on our consultation report on the Escheat Act Modernization Project by September 18.

https://www.bcli.org/escheat-act-modernization