Our History
The Canadian Centre for Elder Law Studies (“CCELS”) is the national, non-profit body dedicated to exploring the particular legal issues which affect older Canadians.
Our parent body, the B.C. Law Institute, began studying issues of “Elder Law” in 1999 with support from the Law Foundation of B.C. for project work on Private Care Agreements and Financial Arrangements: Loans and Guarantees between Family Members and Friends. From these Law Foundation supported initiatives came the growing realization of the need for a formalized Centre dedicated to legal issues of concern to older adults.
In July 2003, the B.C. Law Institute formally established the Canadian Centre for Elder Law Studies. The mandate of the CCELS includes research, law reform and education relating to legal issues of interest to older adults. Now operating in its third year, the CCELS is recognized for its expertise in Elder Law issues both in Canada and internationally.
Our Strengths and Priorities
Uncovering “hidden issues” is an important part of the work of the CCELS. These are legal issues that can dramatically affect older adults but may be buried beneath familial or systemic overlays. Typically these are also matters on which advice from a practicing lawyer is seldom sought. Identifying these issues and developing appropriate and sensitive ways of addressing them are important functions of the CCELS.
The CCELS is well situated to engage the larger community in identifying problems and developing solutions. An important part of the CCELS mandate is to be “reform-minded” and to seek better laws, policies and systems for Canadian or international societies. If the laws are deficient or inadequate, recommendations for change can be developed and submitted to government or other appropriate agencies or groups. The CCELS has its roots in a law reform tradition, which has been an important part of the legal and governmental landscape in Canada for 35 years.
Facilitation is integral to the work of the CCELS. If issues arise which the CCELS cannot specifically address, we will support those in need to find others who can help. Recently an issue arose regarding possible Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms infringement of older women with regards to a Canadian “pension-split” issue. The CCELS was able to facilitate Charter Challenge funding and link willing lawyers to argue this discrimination case in court. The CCELS will continue to be involved and to support those bringing this action in ways that are appropriate.
Objectives
The objectives of the Canadian Centre for Elder Law Studies are: to enrich and inform the lives of older adults with the law; to meet the increasing need for legal education and research in relation to legal issues having particular significance for older adults; and, to serve as a national focal point for this emergent field. To current knowledge, it appears to be the only such Centre in the world and is currently serving as a model of interest for several other countries.
The CCELS also hosts the World Study Group on Elder Law, a group established October, 2005 to facilitate study and knowledge exchange internationally on issues affecting the legal rights of older adults worldwide.
The Program
The CCELS’ current projects and activities to advance these objectives are as follows: braces both legal and interdisciplinary channels.
Research and Scholarship
Developing academic research and writing in relation to legal issues that particularly touch on the lives of older adults
Fostering the publication of a scholarly Canadian journal devoted to Elder Law issues
Hosting an Annual Distinguished Lecture on Elder Law
Sponsoring the Annual Gregory Steele, Q.C. Student Paper Prize in Elder Law
Developing a national and international collection of Elder Law materials and case law
Law Reform
Identifying ways in which the law could be improved to encompass and develop the interests, rights and well-being of older adults
Participating in the development of solutions which empower older adults to live in a supportive legal environment
Pursuing topics concerned with ensuring the financial integrity of transactions involving older adults
Investigating law reform issues identified through CCELS scholarship and research
Carrying forward Elder Law projects concerned with law reform initiated by the British Columbia Law Institute
Information and Education
Developing education materials that focus on Elder Law issues for the legal profession, law and post-secondary student, health and financial professionals and the community at large
Identifying and working closely with other agencies concerned with the delivery of legal information to older adults and to the legal profession
Changing demographics make it inevitable that Elder Law is an area of significantly increased importance. The dedicated national focus that the CCELS brings to this area is unique in Canada and promotes the development of Elder Law as a coherent body of knowledge and law. The overarching goal of the CCELS is to provide a nexus between older adults and the law, to create a positive impact on Canadian society.
CCELS Services
The CCELS offers workshops and lectures on a variety of issues affecting older adults. Contact the CCELS directly for more information.