EVENT REMINDER
Law Day 2012 Marks 30th Anniversary of the Charter 

April 17, 2012, will mark both Law Day and the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. On and around that day, lawyers and judges will participate in programs for elementary and high school students, families, and the general public to explain the workings of the law and legal systems in Canada. Numerous activities will have a special focus on the Charter and its importance.

National Law Day Chair Karlee Blatz of Winnipeg says planning for Law Day 2012 is off to a good start. “We held our first call of the national committee in November and the scope of activities in the works is most impressive.” Planned activities across the country include lectures on the law, mock trials, courthouse tours, fun runs, open citizenship courts, and poster, photography and public speaking contests.

In British Columbia, many activities are planned – in fact too many to be held on one day. Law Week takes place from April 15-22. “We’re very excited about the events we are planning across the province,” says Colleen Spier, Chair of CBABC’s Law Week committee. “Some of these events include high school outreach programs, police demonstrations and our annual dial-a-lawyer program, which allows B.C. residents to speak with volunteer lawyers for 15 minutes free of charge.” 

In addition to the CBA’s lineup of activities, a group of University of Windsor law students have launched the Charter Project in honour of the Charter’s 30th anniversary. The project’s objective is to increase awareness and understanding of the Charter through education. “They are offering online video content and educational workshops aimed at high school students,” explains Karlee Blatz. 

Byron Pascoe and Jennifer Graham of the University of Windsor described the online character of their initiative on the committee’s November call. Currently, it contains videos of legal pioneers and celebrities, including Frank Iacobucci, Howie Mandel, and Rick Hansen, to name a few, describing what the Charter means to them. On the education side, online programs will offer basic information about rights and responsibilities under the Charter. 

“Law Day organizers are hoping to make use of the materials developed by the Charter Project in conjunction with high school mock trials and debates,” says Karlee Blatz.

Law Day is organized by the CBA. Volunteer committees in CBA Branches are in place. To volunteer or take part in B.C., please contact Alexandra Schwabe of the CBABC Branch at aschwabe@bccba.org.

Law Day: www.cba.org/CBA/LawDay/main/ 

EVENT REMINDER
April 15-22, 2012

Law Week 2012 events will be held in communities throughout British Columbia. The Vancouver Law Week Open House will be held on April 17, 2012 at the Vancouver Art Gallery. The Vancouver Fun Run is scheduled for April 22, 2012.

For more information on Law Week 2012 events visit www.bclawweek.org.


CBA B.C. WLF NEWS
CBA B.C. WLF Networking Event

CBA B.C. Women Lawyers Forum will host its first networking event geared specifically for junior women lawyers at Joeys Bentall in Vancouver on February 23, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. The event is open to all WLF members at a cost of $17 per person plus tax, which includes appetizers as well as a no-host bar. Space is limited. For further information, please contact Kate Saunders at ksaunders@branmac.com.


CBA B.C. WLF Potluck

Trinda Ernst, QC CBA National President will be the guest of honour at the CBA B.C. Women Lawyers Forum’s next potluck dinner on March 8, 2012. This event will be hosted by CBABC President, Sharon Matthews and will provide a unique opportunity for women lawyers to meet these two CBA Presidents in a casual environment. Watch for further registration details or contact sections@bccba.org.

For more information on Law Week 2012 events visit www.bclawweek.org.

These articles were published in the February 2012 issue of BarTalk. © 2012 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.