Latest news with #King'sCounsel
Scoop
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Strengthening Integrity Of Immigration System
Minister of Immigration The Government is taking another step to strengthen the fiscal sustainability and integrity of the immigration system following the successful first reading of the Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Bill. 'Our immigration system needs to be smart, responsive and flexible to keep pace with the changing geopolitical context. The changes proposed will help ensure our settings appropriately respond to risk and are sustainable,' Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. 'The Bill introduces appropriate safeguards in the system for vulnerable people and implements legislative recommendations from two independent King's Counsel (KC) reviews of the immigration system. It also offers pragmatic updates to keep the Act current and support efficient visa processing.' Changes include: Introducing appropriate safeguards in the system for vulnerable people, including refugees and protection claimants, as recommended in the 2022 Victoria Casey review. Introducing a requirement for a judicial warrant for any 'out-of-hours' compliance activity, as recommended in the 2023 Micheal Heron review. Tightening some settings so that more instances of migrant exploitation can be prosecuted, and strengthening consequences for residence class visa holders who commit criminal offences. Ensuring the system is flexible to respond to unusual events, such as natural disasters. Other changes, such as the options to expand the immigration levy payer base and create a new immigration levy in the future, will enable a greater sharing of the costs of the immigration, although there is no intent to implement these changes this year. 'These sensible and timely changes will help futureproof the immigration system, and better balance the integrity of the immigration system with the rights of individuals,' Ms Stanford says.
Hamilton Spectator
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
BC First Nations Justice Council Congratulates Justice Trailblazing staff Christina J. Cook and Katisha Paul
Unceded & Ancestral Territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh & səlilwətaɬ Nations, Vancouver BC, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For Immediate Release May 07, 2025 The BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) is proud to celebrate and extend our heartfelt congratulations to BCFNJC staff members Christina J. Cook (Brokenhead Ojibway Nation) and Katisha Paul (W̱ JOȽEȽP and Lil'wat). On May 05th, Christina was appointed by BC Attorney General Niki Sharma with the esteemed King's Counsel (K.C.) designation. This honour recognizes exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession in British Columbia, and Christina's appointment reflects a career of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to justice for Indigenous Peoples. Christina Cook has long been a trailblazer in advancing Indigenous legal perspectives and empowering the next generation of legal professionals. Currently the Managing Policy Lawyer at BCFNJC, her leadership includes serving as an elected bencher for the Law Society of BC and as chair of the Canadian Bar Association BC (CBABC) Aboriginal Lawyers Forum. Through her work with the BCFNJC and her involvement in national legal initiatives, she continues to shape policy and mentor Indigenous lawyers, advocating tirelessly for a more inclusive and culturally grounded justice system. On May 02nd, Katisha Paul (W̱ JOȽEȽP and Lil'wat) was elected UN Global Indigenous Youth Caucus Co-Chair at the 2025 United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). In her role as Co-Chair of the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus, Katisha is tasked with coordinating and facilitating dialogue among Indigenous youth from across the globe. Katisha, currently a Policy Analyst at the BCFNJC and elected youth representative for the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, is a powerful voice for Indigenous youth. BCFNJC looks forward to seeing her voice amplified at a global scale to ensure the voices of Indigenous youth voices are centered in decision making. 'The Justice Council is thrilled to see BCFNJC staff being recognized for their outstanding achievements as justice policy trailblazers. Christina's appointment as King's Counsel is not only a recognition of her legal excellence and service but also an affirmation of her advocacy for Indigenous voices within the legal profession,' stated Kory Wilson, BCFNJC Chair. 'Similarly, we hold up Katisha for stepping into another leadership role for Indigenous youth. We are honoured to work alongside Christina and Katisha and celebrate these well-deserved accomplishments. We celebrate these First Nations policy and legal professionals and trailblazers changing the justice landscape for the better.' Council is pleased to see others recognize these two extraordinary individuals, Christina and Katisha, whose contributions continue to inspire and advance Indigenous legal and policy excellence across the province and beyond borders. Attachments
