In 2001/02, the National President of the CBA will be from BC. Two BC Branch members have declared their interest in the new position of 2nd Vice President, which will lead to the presidency two years from now. BarTalk asked Kerry-Lynne D Findlay and Eric Rice, QC to respond to the following question: “How will your National leadership make a difference to members of the BC Branch?”

Eric Rice, QC
Eric Rice’s top 10 things to make a difference:

10. I’ll commit to the full time that will be necessary to do the job adequately.
9. I’ll see that everyone gets a chance to appropriate my clients while I’m away.
8. I’ll work hard to keep up with the current thinking of members with surveys and by showing up at your branch meetings and listening to you, and by keeping my phone, fax, and email lines open.
7. I’ll see that the National office provides relevant information by utilizing the Internet, improving the National Magazine and by coordinating with the Branch.
6. I’ll see that those things that our Branch does well itself—sections, member services, and BC Government Relations—the National doesn’t interfere with.
5. I’ll see that National support is there when the Branch needs it to advance important BC causes such as Legal Services Tax, Legal Aid and No-Fault.
4. I’ll ensure that BC members are adequately consulted on all National policies and positions.
3. I’ll see that as many BC members as possible are recruited to National and International Committees.
2. I’ll try to hold the line on fee increases.
1. I will represent you as a very proud colleague with goodwill and good humour.

Kerry-Lynne D Findlay
As Branch President we faced tough issues together, and effectively. The last few years have brought unprecedented pressure from government policies, competition, Court reform, and escalating public criticism. Our achievements resulted from cooperative effort and strong, focused leadership. Nationally, I represented you in Ottawa to get a greater share of membership revenues for the Branch, and maintain our pre-eminent national status in the new governance structure. I will put to work for you my extensive national experience and current branch knowledge. My style is to build consensus and be decisive. I cherish tradition, and welcome needed change. I am adaptive to the situation, whether it requires advocacy, diplomacy, or both. I will work hard for us. I am comfortable (in English or French) in the public forum, with any size group, and the media. I am proud of my 20 years as a lawyer, and of our Association which is inclusive, progressive, and a champion of equality and the rule of law. I will listen to you, taking whatever steps are necessary to advance our profession, our reputations and our livelihoods. It is essential that CBA membership is viewed as a professional advantage and a professional necessity. I am a natural salesperson! I will have no difficulty promoting your interests, standing up for justice, and for British Columbia (my home province). I have the declared support of senior Executive members in every Branch and Territory. They are doing the work of the Association now, and have urged me to seek your support to carry forward a positive, energetic image of our Association. I am the right person for this job, and I welcome your support.

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