 Hail and Farewell
by Frank Kraemer, QC
As you may know, I have now left my position as Executive Director of CBABC to take up a new position as Senior Counsel and Executive Director of B.C. Superior Courts Judiciary.
When I accepted this position more than six years ago, I knew there were challenges to be faced, but I doubt anyone anticipated their extent and number. Indeed, at my very first Council meeting in March 2001, I asked Council members to fasten their seat belts. Little did we all know at that time! But what would life be without challenges? Those challenges have given me and all of those with whom I have worked the opportunity to rise to the occasion and I believe that we have succeeded admirably. The Branch has survived the loss of universal membership and today has emerged as a continuing significant player within the justice system.
In my parting remarks, I want to express my sincere thanks to the many volunteers I have worked with, both at the National level and here at the Branch. In particular, I wish to thank the Branch Presidents I have served, namely Margaret Ostrowski, QC; Carmen Overholt, QC; David Paul, QC; Robert Brun, QC; Michael Woodward; Meg Shaw, QC; and Frits Verhoeven. Although each of them had a slightly different approach, no one can doubt their commitment to this organization and its goals.
I also wish to thank the various members of Provincial Council and the many volunteers who have served on our Committees.
In my work, I have been very fortunate in having the support of National CEO John Hoyles and my colleague Executive Directors across the country. They have been a continual source of knowledge and inspiration and for that I thank them.
Last but not least, I extend my sincere thanks to all of the Branch staff with whom I have worked. I believe that we have created an organization that is even more responsive to the needs of our members, and that also well serves the public through our various education programs.
And so I say hail and farewell. Hail to a strong organization that I encourage all of you to continue to support, and farewell as I move to my new position.
Farewell from the Branch
CBABC has been fortunate to have Frank Kraemer, QC at the helm of the Branch office through some of the most tumultuous years in our recent history – unprecedented cuts to the courts and legal aid, the ongoing fight against the tax on legal services, and of course, the final resolution after several battles over mandatory CBA membership.
Frank contributed exceptional leadership in overseeing the Branch’s revamping of its services and programs in response to the loss of revenues that came with voluntary membership. His Executive Committees will remember his exceptional professionalism and integrity during that difficult period; his staff will remember his compassion in exploring every option to minimize the impact on our small team. The National CBA will remember his contributions to the CBA Futures Committee, and the resulting far-reaching plan for ensuring we remain forever relevant and vital to the profession.
When Frank announced his departure, the Branch received a flood of notes and e-mails, all universally complimentary and gracious. The overwhelming message was clear: We are very grateful for your exemplary service to the CBA and the profession, and we consider our great loss to be the Courts’ significant gain. We wish you well. |
This article was published in the April 2007 issue of BarTalk. © 2007 The Canadian Bar Association. All rights reserved. |
