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April 2006
CBA News
CBA sets out priorities to Finance Minister
CBA Second Vice-President Bernard Amyot met with Finance Minister James Flaherty on April 13 in a pre-budget roundtable consultation. The Finance Minister had three questions: how best to implement the government's five priorities; where the government can spend less or deliver programs more efficiently and effectively; and how to fund any additional critical investments. Bernard Amyot focused on three CBA priorities:
• Legal Aid Funding: Under-funding of legal aid requires urgent attention, to ensure access to justice.
• Criminal Justice Initiatives: Federal government leadership is needed to adopt effective and cost efficient criminal justice strategies most able to meet the goals of public safety and justice – long-term policies shown to reduce and prevent crime, rather than retribution.
• EI parental benefits for self-employed workers: Extending EI parental leave benefits to self-employed workers will expand their child care choices and help small businesses and professionals.
September 2005 submission
November 2005 submission
Guy Joubert elected national Second V-P
J. Guy Joubert of Winnipeg is the new Second Vice-President-elect for the Canadian Bar Association. President Brian A. Tabor, Q.C., made the announcement on April 19 following a national CBA Council election. In total, 171 Council members cast ballots in the election, which saw a two-way race between the Guy Joubert and James Lebo, Q.C. of Calgary.
“My congratulations to both candidates,” said Mr. Tabor. “Guy will be invited to join the Executive Officers in their monthly meetings and to sit in on the National Board Meetings in June and August to help bring him up-to-speed on current priorities.”
More information
Test case moving forward on two fronts
The CBA’s legal aid test case is moving forward on two fronts, reports Susan McGrath, CBA Past President and spokesperson on legal aid. “Our test case counsel are currently preparing for discovery of documents. We are hoping that both sides cooperate to move the discovery phase expeditiously forward.”
At the same time, counsel have reached an agreement with the defendants about timing of defendants' applications to strike out the CBA's statement of claim. The hearing will begin on June 19. “The CBA had anticipated this type of preliminary challenge,” notes Susan McGrath. The test case was launched on June 20, 2005.
More information
Cecilia Johnstone remembered
CBA President Brian A. Tabor, Q.C. of Halifax has extended condolences to the family of Past President (1993-1994) Madam Justice Cecilia Johnstone following her death in Edmonton on April 15, 2006. Brian Tabor says Cecilia Johnstone will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to gender equality in the legal profession. “She was an agent of change,” he said, “and her presidency was focused on implementing recommendations of the Touchstones for Change Task Force Report on Equality in the Legal Profession. She will be long remembered for her contribution to this Association and the legal profession.”
More information
Supreme Court of Canada intervention
In keeping with its public interest advocacy policy, the CBA has intervened before the Supreme Court in the case of Little Sisters Book and Art Emporium v. Commissioner of Customs and Revenue. The issue is whether advanced costs can be granted to a small, for-profit corporation involved in Charter litigation.
The CBA sees this as an access-to-justice issue, and has intervened to argue that advanced costs should not be limited to not-for-profit groups undertaking Charter challenges. This is one of a series of cases in which CBA will intervene, with a view to building a better foundation for the legal aid test case. The CBA is represented by J.J. Camp and Melina Buckley, both of Vancouver, who are also counsel for the legal aid test case.
Continuing Legal Education
Advocacy Before the Federal Court: IP Matters
A series of 15-minute presentations (including do’s and don’ts) on a variety of strategic and practical trial advocacy topics, and a presentation by well-known former IP practitioner Mr. Justice Roger Hughes of the Federal Court, highlight the CBA’s Continuing Legal Education program on advocacy before the Federal Court.
The half-day program takes place in Ottawa on May 18 in conjunction with the annual Federal Court Judges’ Dinner, and offers a practical examination of trial advocacy in intellectual property disputes before the Federal Court.
Program and registration
Canadian Legal Conference
Great Big Sea to perform
U.S. Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald, Gen. Rick Hillier, Rick Mercer and Great Big Sea: there will something for everyone at the 2006 CBA Canadian Legal Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland Aug. 13-15.
Also on the agenda are marketing seminars, networking and recreation, plus a full children’s and youth program. And don’t miss outstanding pre- and post-conference tours.
Details, registration, and tours
Young Lawyers Pro Bono Award
Nominations sought
Do you know a young lawyer who should be recognized for the pro bono work he or she has been doing? We'd like to hear from you!
The award is presented during the CBA’s Canadian Legal Conference in St. John's, Aug. 13-15, 2006. The award takes the form of a cash prize. Last year's award was presented to Robin Bajer of Miller Thomson LLP in Vancouver, B.C. for his pro bono efforts in access to justice.
Eligibility, prize, past winners
Feedback
How are we doing?
We welcome your feedback. If you have any comments on the items in this E-news, or about the CBA in general, let us know at info@cba.org. |
Canadian Bar Insurance Association
For lawyers, by lawyers
The Canadian Bar Insurance Association has reduced rates and upped coverage on some of its benefits. All plans are designed to meet the needs of the Canadian legal community at break-even pricing. Owning the right amount of insurance has never been so affordable!
Details
Member savings
Dye & Durham
As the preferred supplier of legal support services and law office supplies to the CBA, Dye & Durham is pleased to offer CBA members the following:
• 30 per cent off the Kensington Contour Roller ergonomic rolling case
• a free leather notebook & pen set when you register for e-service.
Call 1-888-393-3874 for more information
Avis
Aeroplan is now offered at Avis. 250 Aeroplan Miles at off-Airport locations and 500 Aeroplan Miles at Airport locations (at participating Avis locations).
Upcoming CLEs
Second Annual Environmental, Energy and Resources Law Summit: Canada-U.S. Cross-Border Issues
April 27-29, 2006, Toronto
Into the Future: The Agenda for Civil Justice Reform
Presented by the Canadian Forum on Civil Justice
April 30-May 2, 2006
Hilton Montréal Bonaventure, Montréal
National Citizenship and Immigration Law Conference
May 5-6, 2006
Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City
Fourth National Symposium on Charity Law
May 11, 2006
OBA Conference Centre, Toronto
2006 National Construction Law Conference
May 12 - 13, 2006
Fairmont Château Whistler, B.C. Full list and details
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Previous issues
March 2006
January 2006
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News Editor: Jared Adams
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