Legislative Look-Ahead
Parliament reconvenes this month with Canada's first minority government in a generation. CBA Sections and Committees are ready to respond to new and returning government initiatives. Here are just some of the issues on the radar screen:

• the three-year review of anti-terrorism legislation;
• a more transparent appointment process for the Supreme Court of Canada;
• family law – custody and access, and spousal support guidelines;
• corporate governance;
• legal aid;
• a review of the refugee determination system;
• drug-impaired driving;
• report of the quadrennial commission on judicial compensation; and
• possession of marijuana.

Code of Conduct Changes
After four years of deliberation, changes are ready to be incorporated into the CBA’s Code of Professional Conduct to bring it into line with the reality of current law practice. Rules for conflict of interest when a lawyer changes firm, duty of loyalty to the client, protection and advancement of the independence of the bar, new rules for lawyers acting as mediators, along with updated commentary on non-discrimination (sexual harassment and harassment), are among the many revisions to the Code that were approved unanimously by CBA Council.

The last comprehensive changes to the Code were made in 1987. The CBA is looking at funding options to print the Code and make hard copies available to all members. Meanwhile, to view the resolutions amending the Code online, visit www.cba.org/CBA/resolutions/2004res.


CBA Joins Protest For Guantanamo Bay Prisoners
The CBA has joined 26 international legal leaders to condemn the continuing detention of non-U.S. “enemy combatants” in Guantanamo Bay. In a joint letter signed in August, the 26 bar leaders deplored the considerable time the detainees have been held without access to lawyers of their choice or their families in reported conditions of physical and psychological duress. “The case for them to be able to challenge their detention in a civilian court is stronger than ever,” says the document.

The statement asserts that the war on terrorism will not and cannot be won by denying those suspected of terrorism the fundamental right of a fair opportunity to test the evidence against them.


Image Campaign Enters Round Two
This fall, the CBA launches the second phase of its bilingual national image campaign. TV ads, produced and aired last spring and seen by millions of Canadians, will run during “The Greatest Canadian” television series, scheduled to air starting on October 17. The ads will also run on CBC Newsworld.

Both the TV and print ads were well received by the public and CBA members. The B.C. Branch has arranged further local broadcasts of the TV ad and placed print ads in many newspapers.

The ads can be viewed at www.cba.org/CBA/about/discover.


National Law Student Edition
National magazine has published its second annual law student edition. This year’s issue contains a series of articles in which students describe successful articling experiences, alternative summer positions, and humanitarian opportunities overseas.


2005 Canadian Legal Conference
The CBA’s annual Canadian Legal Conference is coming to Vancouver August 13 to 16, 2005. There will be plenty of volunteers needed; if you are available to help for half a day or so, please call Rose Fabbro at the CBABC 604-687-3404 (e-mail committees@bccba.org).

Two volunteer activities involve participating in the at-home dinners or law firm receptions. At-home dinners involve hosting lawyers and spouses in your home for dinner and socializing on Saturday, August 13, 2005. This is one of the highlight events of the conference; so don’t miss your chance to participate. Contact Ming Song (mingsong@novuscom.net) for more information or to volunteer. Law firm receptions occur on Monday, August 15, in the afternoon. Perhaps your firm could sponsor a reception at the Art Gallery or the Terminal City Club? Contact Diana Dorey (dldorey@davis.ca) for more information or to volunteer.

These articles were published in the October 2004 issue of BarTalk. © 2004 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.