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 invites feedback on Defining Parentage

The Parentage Law Reform Project has examined whether part 3 of the Family Law Act continues to address children and parents equally (no matter whether the child was born with or without assisted reproduction e.g. fertility services, donor sperm, eggs, surrogacy, etc.), to protect children’s best interests, and to support the diversity of ways that people create families. 

Now we want to hear from you! Our consultation paper, backgrounder resources, and a link to our survey are all available on the project page.

Empowering People Living With Dementia and Their Caregivers

In honour of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we are pleased to release our CCEL Dementia + Decision-Making Project. This project supports people living with dementia, as well as family or friend caregivers and care partners, and health care providers.

Based on the information gathered from all of these perspectives, we developed tools, videos, practical guides, information brochures and decision-making pathways – to support and empower people living with dementia.

Have your say on reforming public engagement!

Our Renovate the Public Hearing Project provides an opportunity to think about improvements to BC’s legislation on public engagement when a local government is enacting a land-use bylaw. 

Our consultation paper, a short backgrounder, and a link to our survey are all available on the project page.

Check out the Canadian Centre for Elder Law’s newly released study paper on Supporting Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses.

This study paper identifies barriers and considers best practices to support vulnerable adults who are involved in the criminal justice system.

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.