From Vision to Reality

by Frank Kraemer, QC

In two previous columns (October and December 2005) as well as on a regular basis to Provincial Council, I have reported on the work of the National Futures Committee and its two reports “Crystal Clear: New Perspectives for the Canadian Bar Association” and “Crystal Clear: Strategic Directions for the CBA” (www.cba.org/Futures).

Following presentation of the second report to National Council in St. John’s, Newfoundland in August 2006, a National Strategic Planning Committee was struck chaired by National First Vice-President Bernard Amyot and made up of National Treasurer Jack Innes plus the previous members of the National Futures Committee. A draft plan has now been prepared and is being circulated for comment among the various Branches, Sections, Committees, and other parts of this organization. The plan sets out 13 strategic objectives that are set out in the box below. Our provincial council will discuss this plan on January 27, 2007.

If you are interested in seeing a complete copy of the draft Strategic Plan, please do not hesitate to contact me at: 10th Floor, 845 Cambie Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6B 5T3, tel: 604-687-3404, ext. 304.

It is anticipated that the consultation process will be concluded in sufficient time so that the Strategic Plan can be finalized and approved at the National Mid-Winter Meeting to be held in Mont Tremblant, Quebec from February 15-18, 2007. This Strategic Plan is a very important document and sets the direction for the next several years for the CBA. I commend it to each of you.

Recruit New Members: The CBA will take specific recruitment and retention action to increase membership by a net 30 per cent over five years.

Build Knowledge About the Legal Profession: The CBA will be the authoritative source of information and expertise on the legal profession in Canada.

Achieving Best Value by Working Cooperatively: The whole CBA is committed to a philosophy of cohesiveness, collaboration, and transparency.

In order to deliver the best value to members, all constituent parts of the Association will work cohesively and collaboratively.

Communications: The CBA will listen to its members and be an effective communicator to demonstrate relevance and build loyalty to the CBA.

Professional Interest Advocacy: The CBA will be the national and international voice of the Canadian legal profession in order to protect its core values, promote the essential role of lawyers in society, and enhance the competitive advantage of CBA members.

Public Interest Advocacy: The CBA will advocate effective law reform and fair justice systems.

Professional Development: CBA will be recognized as a leading provider of relevant, accessible, and cost-effective professional development on law and practice matters affecting lawyers and the legal community.

Promote Equity and Diversity: The CBA will be a diverse association that facilitates and promotes equity and diversity in the legal profession and Canadian society.

Develop Specialized Member Services and Benefits: The CBA will provide each member with benefits and services that are meaningful and relevant to that member.

Futures Planning: The CBA will maintain its culture of effective futures planning.

Goodwill: CBA will manage its goodwill as a strategic asset.

Image: The legal profession, guided by the values of empathy, trust, and client service, will be respected by the Canadian public.

The Canadian Bar Association’s goal is to ensure that its image is based on fact and a sound understanding of the positive contributions of the profession to society and in upholding the Rule of Law.

Organizational Excellence: The CBA strives for organizational and leadership excellence.

This article was published in the February 2007 issue of BarTalk. © 2007 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved.