Nyusha Samiei, a partner and family lawyer at Sinclair Centre Law LLP, was quoted by Radio-Canada in its reporting on the French-language version of British Columbia’s Parenting After Separation course. Her comments highlight a practical issue for families: understanding the information they need to take part in decisions affecting their children and their future.

Language access is about participation

In the report, Nyusha points to the importance of making a central family-justice resource available in Canada’s other official language. She also describes seeing more Francophone clients from Europe, Africa and elsewhere, including some who speak very little English. For these parents, receiving information in French can make a real difference to their ability to participate in their own case.

That is an important distinction. Being able to manage everyday conversations in English is not necessarily the same as feeling confident with unfamiliar legal terms or understanding the consequences of a proposed parenting arrangement. Clear communication helps clients ask questions, explain their concerns and understand the choices before them.

A useful resource for parents going through separation

The Province announced the French version of the free online course on August 10, 2026. Known in French as Être parent après une séparation, it covers the effects of separation, ways to reduce conflict, communication between parents and options for resolving family disputes. It is intended to help parents support their children through a difficult transition.

Access to the course in French and the language in which court proceedings can take place are separate questions. The course is an educational resource, not individual legal advice or a guarantee that a particular proceeding will be heard in French. Parents should obtain advice about the process and language arrangements that apply to their own matter. Our earlier article explains the course in more detail.

Family-law advice in French

Sinclair Centre Law LLP offers family-law services in French. Nyusha assists clients with separation and divorce, parenting arrangements, child and spousal support, property division and separation agreements. Our aim is to make the legal issues and practical next steps understandable in the context of each family’s circumstances.

We appreciate Radio-Canada highlighting language access in family justice and including Nyusha’s perspective. Read the original report below. If you need advice about a family-law matter in British Columbia, contact our office to arrange a consultation.

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This article provides general information, not legal advice. Available procedures and language arrangements depend on the particular matter.