by Greg A Harding QC

Edmonton will be showcasing the “spirit of the west” this summer as we welcome colleagues from across the country at the 1999 CBA Annual Conference. Allow me, as Chair of the organizing committee, to share a few meeting highlights with you.

The meeting kicks off with a grand opening at Fort Edmonton on Sunday evening, August 22, 1999. Guests will wander around the historic grounds enjoying lively music, great food, and some very special events. The Opening Plenary on Monday, August 23, 1999, is sponsored by the Law Society and features one of Canada’s most prominent contemporary writers, John Raulston Saul. His presentation will be followed by a panel discussion including media personality Peter Kent. The Conference boasts a comprehensive and relevant continuing legal education program which will benefit even the most experienced practitioner.

Monday evening is reception night. In addition to the many law firms who will be hosting the delegates, the University of Alberta Law School Alumni Association will be hosting a reception for former grads. The Alberta Court of Appeal, the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta, and the Provincial Court of Alberta are also welcoming delegates at the Law Courts Building as part of the Law Firm Reception program. When the delegates have finished their reception tour, they will make their way to an After Party at Edmonton’s famous Side Track Cafe (sponsored by the Edmonton and the Calgary Bar Associations).

A “Gala” event will be the highlight of Tuesday, August 24, 1999. A dinner will be served in the foyer at the Winspear Centre, Edmonton’s new world class venue.

On Wednesday, Edmonton lawyers will be opening their homes to delegates for the traditional “at-home dinners”.

We look forward to hosting our BC colleagues—be sure to include us in your summer plans.

Greg A Harding QC, Chair, 1999 CBA National Annual Meeting

This article was published in the June 1999 issue of BarTalk. © 1999 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.