Public Interest Law Participation Fund

Purpose

The purpose of the Law Foundation of BC Public Interest Law Participation Fund (the “PILP Fund”) is to enhance public participation in public interest law matters in British Columbia, and particularly to support:

  • Inclusion of perspectives and voices not otherwise represented through Law Foundation funding in Public Proceedings
  • Balancing of differing public interests and perspectives in Public Proceedings.

Guidelines

Participation in a Public Proceeding, for the purpose of the PILP Fund, includes:

  • Intervention in a matter before any level of court, with preference given to cases being heard by an appellate court or the Supreme Court of Canada.
  • Intervention in a Human Rights case either at the BC Human Rights Tribunal or the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.
  • Presenting submissions at a regulatory hearing where the applicant to the Fund is not the proponent of a project under review and does not have a direct financial interest in the outcome of the proceeding. Examples of such processes include but are not limited to public engagement in the BC Utilities Commission, the Environmental Assessment Process for BC, or Canada Energy Regulator hearings.
  • Presenting submissions at a public hearing held under the Local Government Act or Vancouver Charter, where the applicant to the Fund is not the proponent of a project under review and does not have a direct financial interest in the outcome of the proceeding.
  • Intervention at a public inquest or inquiry, including but not limited to a Coroner’s Inquest, or a Commission of Inquiry established by an order of the government of BC or Canada (e.g., BC’s Missing Women Commission of Inquiry).

If the above criteria are met, the PILP Fund is open to any organization or individual resident in British Columbia provided they have not initiated the Public Proceeding and/or are not a party to the Public Proceeding.

In making any decision, the Committee will:

  • Give priority to applicants with financial need; and
  • applicants whose participation will broaden the diversity, inclusiveness and balance of views being discussed.

Grant Amounts and Use of Funds

The maximum amount of any PILP Fund grant will be $10,000 and receipt of a PILP Grant to intervene at one level of court does not guarantee funding for intervention in future appeals. The following categories of expenses are allowable uses of PILP Fund grants:

  • consultants’ and experts’ fees and disbursements for the purpose of preparation to participate in a Public Proceeding
  • expert witness fees and disbursements for the purpose of providing testimony in a Public Proceeding
  • Legal fees and disbursements for the purposes of preparation and representation in a Public Proceeding
  • applicants’ out-of-pocket expenses incurred for the purpose of participating in a Public Proceeding (including preparation, travel, accommodation, and meals)

All of which is subject to limits on hourly rates, and to per diem and per meal limits outlined in the tariff sheet HERE.

Grant Size

The maximum amount of any Participation Fund grant is $10,000.

Application Process

 To discuss an application to the PLIP Fund:

Applications will be adjudicated periodically, likely three times a year.

Please note that submitting an application is not a guarantee of funding.