THE ADVOCATE V O L . 7 8 P A R T 3 M A Y 2 0 2 0 331
Courts remained open only for the most urgent matters, and those were
mostly held by telephone or videoconference. All regularly scheduled matters
were summarily adjourned. On March 26, 2020 provincial limitation
periods were suspended. Clearly these are all momentous matters the likes
of which this province has never seen before. The ramifications these measures
will have on the law and our lives are only just starting to be measured.
In the circumstances, the BC Courts website is currently compulsory
daily viewing for litigators, and both the Law Society and CBABC have
COVID-19 update pages. The Advocate, meanwhile, will remain the place
where we bring you matters “of interest to the lawyer and in the lawyer’s
interest”. The Advocate began its life during World War II, and at the time it
was a means for the profession to keep track of those members volunteering
to go overseas to fight the Axis powers. It also became a record and
memorial of those who did not come back. Having been formed in times of
adversity, it only makes sense that the Advocate shall proceed in times of
adversity. We will continue to go for deeper dives, take longer looks and provide
you with considered analysis and thoughtful and even humorous distraction
in these uncertain times.
Please keep in touch. Send us your thoughts. Drop us a line, or two, or
forty-two. Some of you, we know, are in solitary isolation. Others have three
children climbing over your heads as you try to interact with clients. Some
have spouses or children working on the front lines in the ICU. Many of you
have aging parents or grandparents you are worried about. Some of you are
grandparents who now have to stay away from your grandchildren. Whatever
your situation, we hope that this issue of the Advocate will fit into your
new routine, which includes quality time for your bodies, minds and spirits.
Stay safe.
ENDNOTE
1. Yes, that was a thing. Early in the crisis people
flocked to bulk grocery stores and emptied the
shelves of toilet paper.