Canadian Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service
The BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association operates the Lawyer Referral
Service, funded by the Law Foundation of BC. The Service enables members of the
public to consult with a lawyer for up to 30 minutes for a fee of $25. After the
consultation, the fees to be charged are strictly between the lawyer and the
client. The lawyer is not obliged to accept the applicant’s case and the applicant is under no obligation to retain the lawyer.
Courts of British Columbia
There are three levels of court in British Columbia: in ascending order, the Provincial Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court was originally the highest court in the province. In 1909 the Court of Appeal was created. The Court of Appeal for British Columbia is now the highest court in the province.
British Columbia Financial Services Authority
The
BC Financial Services Authority is the Crown Agency that regulates British Columbia’s financial services sector, including credit unions, trust companies, insurance companies, pension plans, mortgage brokers, real estate service providers, and the Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Insurance Council of British Columbia
The Insurance Council of BC was originally established
more than 50 years ago. In 1984, the Council was
delegated the authority to license insurance agents,
salespersons, and adjusters; and was subsequently
given authority to investigate and discipline
licensees. In 1990, the Insurance Act established the
Council’s make up and defined its responsibilities in
regulating insurance licensees. The Council is
accountable to the provincial government and reports
to the Minister of Finance.
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