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.

Latest Reconciliation Primers Explore Legal Pluralism

The BCLI has released three new primers on legal pluralism to support legal practitioners and those in the legal/policy community working with Crown law institutions in understanding some of the ways in which multiple systems of law can operate together. These primers belong to a series of primers aimed at providing information on law reform issues related to BC’s adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (“Declaration Act”).

BCLI Remembers Donovan Waters, KC FRSC 1928-2023

BCLI regrets the passing on 9 September 2023 of Donovan W.M. Waters, KC FRSC.  Dr. Waters chaired our Trustee Act Modernization Committee and was one of the foremost authorities on trust law in the Commonwealth.

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.

Video: “Why the New Undue Influence Guide is important to your practice”

This video explains why our newly released “Undue Influence Recognition and Prevention: A Guide for Legal Practitioners” is an indispensable resource for those who draft wills and other personal planning documents.

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.