The Cecilia I. Johnstone Award was established in 2007 to recognize women who have achieved professional excellence in their field and influenced other women to pursue legal careers, supported other women in career advancement or opened doors for women lawyers in a variety of job settings that historically were closed to them. It is named in honour of the outstanding woman lawyer, judge, and CBA President who passed away April 15, 2006.
Madam Justice Cecilia Johnstone was born, raised and educated in Edmonton. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta in 1973 and her LLB from the Faculty of Law in 1974 and was admitted to the Bar in 1975. She practiced in the areas of wills and estates until her appointment to the Court of Queen’s Bench in 1996. She served as President of the Edmonton Bar Association (1988-89); the first female President of the Alberta Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (1990-91); a member of the American Bar Association; and the National President of the Canadian Bar Association (1993-94).
Cecilia courageously championed the fair treatment of women in the legal system and played a major role in the adoption of the recommendations of the 1993 Bertha Wilson Task Force on gender equality. Her volunteer work and service to the profession was unparalleled, and her efforts were recognized with numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1988. In addition to her many and impressive professional achievements, Cecilia was also the proud mother of three daughters.
Award Eligibility & Criteria
The individual has achieved professional excellence in her field and influenced other women to pursue legal careers, supported other women in career advancement or opened doors for women lawyers in a variety of job settings that historically were closed to them.
The Award is open to CBA members and will not be given posthumously.
Members of the National Women Lawyers’ Forum Executive are not eligible to receive the award.
Candidates should demonstrate the following:
- the highest standards of professional conduct;
- a high level of leadership in the community; and
- a history of dedication to advancing and supporting other women in law.
Presentation
The award is presented bi-annually at the WLF Conference. The winner is expected to attend the conference in person.
Nomination procedure
- Nominations must take the form of a letter stating reasons for the candidate’s nomination, including a description of her exemplary performance and/or service; the time frame involved, and the impact the performance or service had on the nominator and/or the profession;
- The nominee’s written consent and curriculum vitae must be included with the nomination;
- The full name, mailing address, telephone number (including cell phone) and email address, as well as years in practice, of both the nominee and the nominator shall be included with the nomination;
- Each nomination shall include up to three reference letters (including name, title, phone number and email address) from persons familiar with the nominee’s performance and suitability for the award. The references need not be CBA members; however, the person nominating the nominee must be a CBA member.
- Completed nominations must be submitted online and include all above noted documents.
Past Winners
- 2023 – Myrna McCallum (North Vancouver, BC)
- 2021 – Jacqueline A. St. Hill, Q.C (Winnipeg, MB)
- 2019 – Daphne E. Dumont, C.M., Q.C(Charlottetown, PEI
- 2017 – Theresa L. McDonald Q.C.(The Pas, MB)
- 2015 – Patricia C. Lane (Winnipeg, Man.)
- 2013 – The Honourable Louise Mailhot (Montreal, QC)
- 2012 – Madam Justice Freda Steel (Winnipeg, MB)
- 2011 – Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Q.C. (Richmond, BC)
- 2010 – Dr. Beth Bilson, Q.C. (Saskatoon, SK)
- 2009 – Susan Devine (Winnipeg, MB)
- 2008 – Joan Brockman (Burnaby, BC)