As I sat down to write this article, I thought about the Canadian Judges’ Forum, its mandate and the numerous projects and activities the Forum has accomplished over the years. I think, as judges, we can all be proud of what the Forum has accomplished on our behalf.
The Judges’ Forum was established in 1995 to provide judges with a means to promote their specific views and interests, to connect judges from all levels of court and to enable them to participate in the CBA without compromising judicial independence. Since the beginning we have played an active role within the association.
Over the years, the Forum has developed a number of products for its members including the Judicial Independence videos for use in high schools and more recently the Court Security in Canada guide, which is available on the Canadian Judges’ Forum webpage. This year we are fortunate to have received funding from Law for the Future Fund to create a ‘Dealing with Difficult Litigants’ guide and checklist for judges. Work on this has just begun and we anticipate the guide and checklist will be launched at next year’s CBA Legal Conference in Calgary.
The Forum consistently hosts a number of events at the CBA’s Legal Conference. This year, in St. John’s, the Forum will host a reception for judges and their guests on the Thursday evening, at which time the Hon. Margaret Cameron will be recognized and celebrated as our Colleague in the Spotlight. On the Saturday, the Forum will present a session on expert witnesses which will be followed by a roundtable discussion for judges only on effective case management. On the Sunday, the Forum and the Canadian Association of Superior Court Judges will once again co- sponsor an educational program. This year the Judges’ Day program will focus on Newfoundland – then and now. There is something for everyone at this year’s conference. I hope to welcome many of you to St. John’s in August!
Every year the Forum circulates this newsletter to members. We try to focus the articles around a theme of importance to our executive and members. You will note that this year’s theme is judicial wellness. I hope the articles give you pause for thought and help you remain active and healthy in your job.
Finally, it is that time of year when we welcome new people onto the executive and say goodbye to others. Our Past Chair, Justice Sophie Bourque from the Superior Court of Quebec, will be leaving us at the end of August after many years. Sophie’s energy and dedication to the Forum will be greatly missed. We thank Sophie for all she has done on behalf of the Forum.
In closing, we would love to hear from you with ideas and suggestions for future projects or programs. Please write to us c/o our CBA Staff Liaison, Jennifer Lalonde.
About the Author
William H. Goodridge of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador is 2nd Co-Chair of the Canadian Judges Forum.