Federal Courts Bench and Bar Liaison Committee

The CBA/Federal Courts Bench and Bar Liaison Committee (FCBBLC) was established in 1992. The Committee provides a forum for members of the bar, the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal to informally discuss issues of mutual concern to which fall outside the mandate of the Federal Court Rules Committee.

The Committee meets in Ottawa, normally twice each year. Section members can suggest agenda items by contacting any member of the Committee or Julie Terrien at the CBA National office.

CBA members serve for rotating two-year terms. A call for nominations for any vacant positions is distributed each spring and nominees must be CBA. Candidates must have the following qualifications:

1. Significant involvement in an area of practice that includes federal legislation
2. Actively appear before the Federal Courts.

Reports and minutes can be accessed through the Federal Courts Bench and Bar Liaison Committee webpage.

Tax Court Bench and Bar Committee

The Tax Court Bench and Bar Committee was established in 1994/95 to provide a forum for dialogue between the Tax Court of Canada and the taxation Bar in relation to procedures and practice before the Court. The Committee includes repesentatives of the Tax Court, CBA, and the Department of Justice (Canada). The Committee meets twice a year.

The National Commodity Tax, Customs & Trade and Taxation Law Sections nominate CBA members, for approval by the CBA Sections Subcommittee.

Section members can suggest agenda items by contacting any member of the Committee or Tamra Thomson at the CBA National office.

Minutes, once approved, are available on the website (CBA membership number required).

Supreme Court of Canada Liaison Committee

The Supreme Court of Canada Liaison Committee liaises with the Supreme Court on issues of mutual concern. The Committee consults with National Sections and CBA members who appear before the Supreme Court on matters that the Court and the Bar may raise for review.

Members of the Supreme Court of Canada Liaison Committee bring experience at the Supreme Court, either as a litigator or as an agent.