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.

Hiring an Articling Student Between May and September 2025

We are looking for a full-time articling student position for a 12-month term starting between May and September 2025. This is a great opportunity to engage in meaningful law reform and make a positive impact on the community.

Report on Artificial Intelligence and Civil Liability

The Report on Artificial Intelligence and Civil Liability advances
recommendations for the adaptation of tort law to address harm caused by autonomous artificial intelligence. Tort is the area of law relating to redress for non-contractual civil wrongs causing harm to people and property. The term “autonomous artificial intelligence” means carried out with minimal or no direct human direction and control.

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. 

Our consultation paper and a short backgrounder 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.

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 and a short backgrounder are all available on the project page.

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.