News

The centuries-old tradition of gowning in court is overdue for a modernization. The national Women Lawyers Forum Section is working with the branches to write to various courts across the country, encouraging them to adopt more inclusive gowning policies.

The Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, which affirms Indigenous peoples' inherent right to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services, will come into force on January 1, 2020. In its analysis of what was then Bill C-92, the CBA commended the intent of the proposed legislation, but urged that the bill include a more explicit commitment of federal funding to ensure it achieves its objectives.

Alumni of the Young Lawyers International Program took their place atop the castle walls at a two-day conference in May that brought together Queen’s law students, alumni, faculty, and experts in various fields of international law. The conference, “International Law at a Crossroads” took place at the Bader International Study Centre, located at the spectacular Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, United Kingdom.

The CBA is a resource for the practice of law. The Real Property Section has updated the Mortgage Instructions Toolkit, which offers advise to residential real estate lawyers on seven new subjects. Meanwhile, the Municipal Law Section launched a legal guide to help combat homelessness.

Every profession needs to nurture its next generation of leaders and the Douglas Miller Rising Star Award, to be given out for the first time in 2020, will recognize an up-and-coming lawyer who is realizing their potential.

The CBA’s Young Lawyers Section, in partnership with the Law Students Section, has shown that it can make a difference in shaping their own careers and those of their peers. Through their advocacy efforts, the legal community has more information about the articling system in Canada and the experiences of new lawyers within it.

The Supreme Court of Canada’s week-long visit to Winnipeg between September 23 and 27 was a historic, once-in-a-lifetime occasion for the city, according to CBA Vice-President Brad Regehr, who had a front-row seat for numerous activities.

With less than two weeks until election day, time is becoming short for our votes and our voices to be heard. As legal professionals, we know well that government decisions have an impact on our community and profession.

The CBA’s 2020 Annual General Meeting is about 4 months away, but it is not too early to make plans to attend the Wednesday, February 19 meeting, to debate resolutions and decide whether they become official CBA policy.

CBA members have until November 8, 2019 to submit nominations for five 2020 awards. Each year, this suite of awards honour the most talented and dedicated members of the legal profession in Canada. Awards will be presented at the President’s Dinner on February 19, 2020 in Ottawa. The President’s Award, which is a selection of the CBA President, will also be given out that evening.