New Perspectives for the Canadian Bar Association – Part II

by Frank Kraemer

In the first article on this topic in the October issue of BarTalk, I outlined the process the National Futures Committee undertook in creating the Crystal Clear Report as well as the key drivers for change that were identified. In this column, I would like to briefly discuss the recommendations in the report as well as the next steps.

The Futures Committee made two major recommendations for the future directions of the CBA, including over 125 specific actions that could be taken to support them. These recommendations revolve around four key strategies:

1. Creating Internal Strength – by building CBA membership; developing core programs and services that are directed and delivered to segments of the membership; promoting equity and recognizing member differences in developing CBA policy, advocacy, programming, governance, organization, communications and membership recruitment actions; building a more integrated organizational structure; assisting members with achieving economic value from their careers; and establishing a centre of expertise about the profession.
2. Reaching Out – by creating greater dialogue and “connectedness” with members and other stakeholders; creating a distinct CBA identity; and by developing a more positive image and level of trust with the public.
3. Developing New Cooperative Arrangements – by building or expanding upon existing or potential partnerships and alliances.
4. Protecting the Profession – by introducing environmental scanning, risk assessment and futures analysis to all planning activities.

The recommendations and suggested actions in the report are currently being reviewed through an intense process of national and local consultation, dialogue and interaction among CBA and its stakeholder groups.

Here in B.C., members of the Committee will conduct a local consultation with members of Council (members elected by county, section chairs, CBABC past presidents and representatives of other stakeholder groups in the legal system) and other CBA leaders such as CBABC Committee chairs at the Provincial Council meeting on January 28, 2006. Once the consultation process is concluded, it is proposed that there will be a national meeting of CBA leaders to develop the final recommendations to go to National Council for approval at the Canadian Legal Conference in August 2006 in St. John’s Newfoundland.

It is anticipated that new operational and management structures may need to be developed at the CBA in line with the key directions for the future. In addition, future recruitment of CBA staff and volunteers must reflect the knowledge and skill sets that will be required to implement these new directions.

This is an exciting time for the CBA and I challenge CBA members to carry on the tradition of the Association by becoming involved in reviewing the ideas contained in this Report, providing input and assisting the CBA to approach the future with greater clarity and a shared vision.

To view the entire report please visit www.cba.org/futures.

This article was published in the December 2005 issue of BarTalk and is subject to the copyright by the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, 2005, all rights reserved.