Better Laws,
Plain and Simple.

The BCLI undertakes law reform projects in the public interest. We bring together academic, expert, and community collaborators to clarify and improve the law, develop innovative, inclusive solutions, and increase access to justice.

BCLI’s Latest Release

Our first Reconciliation Primer under our Reconciling Crown Legal Frameworks Program

Welcome Kelly Melnyk!

The BCLI is pleased to welcome Kelly Melnyk as our new CCEL Director this June!

Kelly was called to the Bar in 2017. After articling and practicing in Lumby, BC, Kelly moved back to the Kamloops and practiced in the areas of family law, advance planning, and not-for-profit law. Passionate about issues impacting vulnerable clients, specifically those in the aging population, Kelly has focused much of her career on examining issues of capacity, advance planning in the legal context, and legal decision-making. Kelly sat as a board member with the Centre for Seniors Information in Kamloops for three terms and continues to sit as a board member with the Kamloops Bar Association, as well as Secretary for the Rotary Club of Kamloops. Kelly is also co-chair of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) Advisory Committee on Ethical, Legal and Social Issues. On top of teaching Elder Law and Wills and Estates, Kelly is one of the MacIntyre Cup moot team coaches at Thompson Rivers University, Faculty of Law.

We are excited about having Kelly lead us on CCEL issues going forward and are excited about the future of our CCEL program!

The Canadian Centre for Elder Law (CCEL) works collaboratively with community stakeholders, provincial agencies, national bodies and other organizations to uncover hidden issues that dramatically affect older adults.

How We Work

Through rigorous research, the BCLI creates comprehensive reports and recommendations to modernize laws and to develop innovative and inclusive solutions that propel legislation towards a more just society.

Our History

The BC Law Institute is a continuation of the work of the B.C. Law Reform Commission (LRC), which existed from 1969-1997 and submitted more than 140 reports on a variety of topics, many of which led to improved legislation. Continuing the great work of the BC Law Reform Commission, the BCLI performs scholarly research, writing and analysis for law reform, collaborating with government and other entities.