February

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.

Don’t Miss Out! - October 2019 Blast Email

Why You Should…JOIN the Family Law Section - Blast Email, October 2019

Save the date for CBA IP Day 2020 - Blast Email October 2019

Time to Fall Back into SOGIC Activities! - October 2019 Blast Email

The Canadian Bar Association is saddened by the passing of Thomas G. Heintzman, O.C., Q.C., FCIArb, on Oct. 24, 2019. He served the Canadian legal profession, his country and our Association well during his long and distinguished career.

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.