About

What we do

Reviews overall governance of the organization and recommends changes when required, including the development of effective and transparent bylaws, regulations, policies and procedures
Accountable for implementation of equity policy and actual diversity across the CBA
Defines, proposes and manages the annual Board self-evaluation process
Defines and proposes criteria for Board members
Manages Board election, and analyzes applications for completeness, including Law Society check
Reviews Policy Committee composition, selection criteria and process in consultation with Sections
Reviews Finance Committee composition and selection process
Reviews human resources policies and practices
Defines, proposes and manages CEO selection and performance evaluation processes
Determines and manages dispute resolution processes within governance bodies and between governance bodies and staff
Oversees the work of its subcommittees and reports to the Board on their work
Selects recipients of and administers the Viscount Bennett Fellowship, Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Law, Louis St-Laurent Award of Excellence and other awards referred by the Board

Eight members, five of whom are Board members (including the VP, who chairs the Committee).

Knowledge of CBA structures
Knowledge of governance issues in large, diverse, member-driven, not-for-profit organization
Experience on board of other large not-for-profit organizations
Experience in developing and interpreting relevant legislation, bylaws and internal governance policies.
Ability to support and initiate change, while helping others deal with the transition
At least one member of the committee must practice law in Quebec and at least one member must practice law in a Canadian common law jurisdiction

Ability and experience in equality issues through:

An understanding of the CBA’s mandate and history in relation to equity initiatives
Involvement with equality initiatives at your CBA branch or workplace
Solid knowledge of equity issues and related legislation, jurisprudence, procedural justice, theory and practices
Knowledge of challenges faced by members of particular diverse communities coming into contact with the justice system, or in the legal profession
Knowledge of or involvement in initiatives undertaken in other equity-seeking organizations

Committee members spend approximately 20 hours/month providing their expertise and attending meetings.