The Ministry of Attorney General of British Columbia is a provincial government department responsible for administering British Columbia’s justice system, including court administration, prosecution services, legal aid, administrative tribunals, civil and family justice services, human rights, legal advice to the provincial government, and justice policy development. Working alongside the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, it supports the province’s justice and public safety sector. The ministry oversees multiculturalism and anti-racism initiatives and houses the Indigenous Justice Secretariat in partnership with the BC First Nations Justice Council.
Background The Attorney General of British Columbia oversees the Ministry of Attorney General within the province of British Columbia, Canada. The attorney general is a member of the provincial cabinet, typically a member of Legislative Assembly who is chosen by the premier of British Columbia and formally appointed by the lieutenant governor of British Columbia.
The Ministry of Attorney General of British Columbia was established on August 5, 1871, following British Columbia's entry into the Canadian Confederation on July 20, 1871. John Foster McCreight, who also served as the first Premier of British Columbia, was the first Attorney General of the province of British Columbia.
The ministry’s mandate includes ensuring that the justice system in British Columbia keeps communities safe and operates with fairness, proportionality, and certainty in criminal, civil, and family law matters. The ministry strives to make the justice system accessible, overcoming barriers such as distance and complexity, and aims to provide clear information and options to the public.
The Ministry of Attorney General actively engages with British Columbians to shape legislation and policy. The ministry’s legislation and policy pages provide comprehensive information on legislative updates, current online consultations, and an archive of past consultations. The ministry is involved in various legislation and policy reviews to advance government priorities, address public interest issues, and respond to developments in common law. Feedback from the public is often sought on legislative or policy proposals to help the ministry evaluate and address issues related to potential changes.
The current minister and attorney general since December 7, 2022 is Niki Sharma.
Organizations
As of February 14, 2025, the Ministry of Attorney General is responsible for the following public sector organizations:
Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC
Association of BC Forest Professionals
British Columbia Ferry Commission
BC Family Maintenance Agency
BC Human Rights Tribunal
British Columbia Institute of Agrologists
British Columbia Review Board
British Columbia Utilities Commission
Building Code Appeal Board
Civil Resolution Tribunal
College of Applied Biology
Community Care and Assisted Living Appeal Board
Employment Standards Tribunal
Energy Resource Appeal Tribunal
Engineers and Geoscientists BC
Environmental Appeal Board
Financial Services Tribunal
Forest Appeals Commission
Health Professions Review Board
Hospital Appeal Board
Independent Investigations Office of BC
Investigation and Standards Office
Judicial Council of the Provincial Court of British Columbia
Labour Relations Board
Legal Aid BC
Mental Health Review Board
Notaries Public Board of Examiners
Property Assessment Appeal Board
Passenger Transportation Board
Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia
Safety Standards Appeal Board
SkilledTradesBC Appeal Board
Surface Rights Board
Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal
See also
Government of British Columbia Politics of British Columbia Attorney General of British Columbia
References
External links Ministry of Attorney General - British Columbia Ministry of Attorney General Service Plan