April

CBA Task Force on Justice Issues Arising from COVID-19

The Canadian Bar Association welcomes the initiative taken by Senator Rosemary Moodie to table a private member’s bill to establish a National Commissioner for Children and Youth. The CBA appreciates that she has taken the first step toward fulfilling Canada’s international obligations, and its responsibility to the children and youth of this country.

COVID-19 has highlighted many cracks in the justice system from the use of technology to access to justice issues. The need to open up courtrooms via technology is a major issue that has emerged in the COVID-19 era.

Legal professionals expecting to enjoy a tax rebate from working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic should not start budgeting for a windfall on their 2020 return.

Young lawyers and law students are feeling the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic in the legal profession. Jobs, summer positions and articling opportunities have been slashed.

If it wasn’t already evident before the events of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now clear that technology is reshaping the legal profession in Canada. From innovative legal technologies to the increasing likelihood of virtual courtrooms and hearings, technology is becoming the lifeline of a functional legal system.

A 27-year career of serving the legal community at the CBA will draw to a close at the end of June. Gaylene Schellenberg retires with a well-earned record for leading work on gender equality and guiding the CBA’s efforts on access to justice.

The CBA is committed to continuing the conversation on race in the legal profession and to providing support for lawyers to overcome systemic barriers.

Cheryl Farrow has tendered her resignation after close to four years as the CEO of the Canadian Bar Association.

As Canada’s legal profession powers through this unprecedented time, the CBA has launched its 2020 membership renewal campaign. The message? More than ever, CBA membership is important.