Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the executive of the CBA National Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference Section (SAGDA), I want to welcome you to the year ahead and share some of the initiatives we are excited to be working on.
Advocacy
Our Section continues to focus on advocacy, education, and community. We are committed to supporting lawyers and law students across Canada, advancing equality within the profession, and engaging constructively with government and institutional partners.
The Board of the CBA has approved a proposal for the CBA to seek intervenor status in the Supreme Court Case of the Government of Saskatchewan v. UR Pride (SCC 41979). The appeal involves a new Saskatchewan law requiring parental consent for students under 16 to use their chosen names or pronouns, and the broader question of whether courts retain jurisdiction to conduct judicial review when a legislature invokes s. 33. SAGDA is the proposed lead sponsor along with engagement from the Access to Justice Subcommittee, and the Children and Youth and the Constitutional and Human Rights Law Sections.
As with any intervention by the CBA, feedback was sought from all sections and branches to assess if this is in accordance with CBA mandate or law reform. The proponents of the intervention state that because the CBA’s law reform work depends on courts being able to articulate the scope of Charter rights and clarify how legislative and executive action may engage or limit them, this issue has significant implications for law reform and access to justice.
Education
This year, the SAGDA Section will be advancing several key initiatives aimed at visibility, education, and impact.
During Pride Month, we will be launching a webinar series focused on issues affecting 2SLGBTQIA+ lawyers and communities. These sessions will bring together practitioners, academics, and advocates to address current legal issues, professional challenges, and opportunities for meaningful change. More details and registration information will be circulated shortly.
Keep an eye out for the links to our sessions!
In May, the executive will be holding an in-person meeting, which will include dedicated time to meet with government representatives. These discussions are an important part of our mandate to ensure that the perspectives and lived experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ members of the profession are reflected in policy development and legislative reform.
Hero and Ally Awards
We will also be continuing our tradition of recognizing excellence through the annual SAGDA Hero Award and SAGDA Ally Award. These awards celebrate individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to equality, inclusion, and advocacy, both within the legal profession and beyond. The call for award nominations is now open, with submissions due by May 15, 2026. Please visit the websites for nomination information. I encourage you to consider nominating someone whose work deserves recognition.
None of this work is possible without the engagement and support of our members. Whether you attend a program, nominate a colleague, or reach out to share ideas, your involvement strengthens the Section and its voice.
Thank you for your continued commitment to this work. I look forward to connecting with many of you over the coming months.
Sincerely,
Kyla Lee
Chair, CBA National SAGDA Section