Leading change for Canada’s legal community

As the leading voice for Canada’s legal community, the Canadian Bar Association actively advanced important issues for our members and the rule of law in 2023–2024. Throughout the year, our President, Board of Directors and volunteers represented CBA members and the legal profession across Canada and internationally.

We hosted and attended important legal events, often led by our distinguished President John Stefaniuk, K.C. Here are some of the highlights:

CBA welcomes new leadership

Winnipeg lawyer John Stefaniuk began his year-long tenure as the 95^th President of the Canadian Bar Association in September 2023. The official transfer of the CBA Chain of Office took place at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, with his partner, Lucy Byzio, and CBA Past President, Guy Joubert, undertaking the honours. Toronto’s Lynne M. J. Vicars began her term as Vice-President.

CBA on the world stage

The 17^th Annual Bar Leaders’ Conference, hosted by the International Bar Association, took place in May 2024 in Bucharest, Romania. It was an important opportunity for President John Stefaniuk to represent the CBA on the world stage. The assembly explored trending issues for legal professionals worldwide, including the role of the bar in national elections, the impact of AI on legal practice, and the bar’s leadership role on climate change. Stefaniuk was joined by Erin Kleisinger, K.C., President of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada.

CBA at the Supreme Court of Canada

In February 2024, the CBA President participated in Justice Mary T. Moreau’s welcome ceremony at the Supreme Court of Canada. John Stefaniuk delivered welcome remarks on behalf of the CBA. Justice Moreau, a francophone, served in the Alberta court system throughout her career, including as the head of the Alberta Court of King’s Bench.

CBA Annual General Meeting

The CBA Annual General Meeting (AGM) offers an important opportunity for members to network and shape the future of their association. The 106^th CBA AGM took place in February 2024. We welcomed the Chief Justice of Canada, the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C., who spoke about the CBA’s critical role in advocating for judicial independence and access to justice. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Arif Virani, P.C., K.C., also delivered remarks to members.

Cross-Canada visits

During his term as CBA President, John Stefaniuk visited many of our branches across Canada. In March 2024, he travelled North to participate in the Northwest Territories Branch AGM in Yellowknife.