In a rare display of public displeasure, the chief justice of the B.C. Supreme court has taken aim at the province — blaming it for earlier failures to fund modernization, now badly needed during COVID-19 related closures.

Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson has released a public statement, pushing back against recent comments the courts have been resisting change— contributing to a massive cutback in court hearings and trials due to coronavirus precautions.

“The Court has long been aware of the need to upgrade court technology in order to increase the Court’s ability to provide remote and online access to justice,” writes Justice Hinkson. “Over the years, numerous and repeated requests have been made to government to make the necessary and appropriate investments in this area.”

But he says attempts to get that money have repeatedly failed.

“To date, however, requests for the financial investments necessary to make the strategy a reality have gone unanswered,” says the chief justice.

Attorney General David Eby, responsible for the province’s courts, says he understands Justice Hinkson’s frustration — and he’s working on trying to find a funding solution.

Picture and article: Credit CBC