Every once in a while something happens to make you think about things differently. For me it was a recent conversation with fellow lawyer Jacinta Gallant. Jacinta is a collaborative lawyer, mediator and conflict resolution trainer from Charlottetown.

I am a white settler. Recently a presenter introducing me stumbled over these words. I still feel awkward saying them. These words can make everyone in the room tense, on edge.

It is bittersweet knowing that my term as one of the two Co-Chairs of CBA Nova Scotia branch of the Women’s Forum has come to an end. I had no idea at the beginning how enriching the experience would be.

The past year was an exciting one for the New Brunswick Branch of the WLF. Over the past five years, we have continued to build interest in the work of our Forum by offering excellent programming and this year was no exception with many interesting events and opportunities.

A new initiative is underway in Prince Edward Island that will hopefully have a lasting impact on the political landscape. Island women are being encouraged to explore their interest in politics and to develop plans to move forward with their political ambitions through a newly developed intensive training program taking place in the greater Charlottetown area.

On June 8, 2017, the Manitoba Bar Association’s Women Lawyers Forum held its seventh annual Celebrating Success event in recognition of the achievements of women in the profession who have been appointed to the bench. The honourees celebrated at this year’s event were Justices Lore Mirwaldt and Candace Grammond.

A peer support program for new parents has been started by ASSIST – the Alberta Lawyers’ Assistance Society. I recently interviewed Moira Vane, a federal prosecutor and mother of two, who had the idea for this program.

On June 2, 2017 the Honourable Madame Justice J. Dorgan will be retiring from the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

Domestic violence is frequently seen as a criminal- or family law-related issue. The potential civil law implications for the victims of domestic violence are less often considered.

The federal government’s message about diversity as our strength, especially in relation to the thousands of refugees we welcomed to Canada in 2016, has increased national interest in diversity. Successive leaders have viewed Canada as a multicultural country comprising peoples from different cultures and ethnic groups. The government's policy vis-à-vis diversity and multiculturalism is sound. Yet, much more is needed to translate policy into action.