Law Day 2012 COME CELEBRATE THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CANADIAN CHARTER Saturday April 21st, 2012

President’s Report - Kimberly Poffenroth

 March 2012

 

Over the last several months, I have watched and listened to political discourse both at home and south of the border descend to all new lows. In Washington, a law student is denigrated and dismissed with language I choose not to repeat here; while at home, our federal Minister of Justice chooses the “you’re either with us or with the child pornographers” route to address critics of the federal government’s Bill C-30. 

 

I raise these two instances not to engage in a political debate – we can do that one-on-one over a coffee at Tim’s or a beer at The Rogue – but because it reminds me of the duty we have as lawyers to participate in the discussion. Regardless of which side we as individual lawyers fall on an issue, we bring a unique perspective on and understanding of the law and its effects on the day-to-day lives of the public. We have a duty to present this perspective and understanding to the politicians and to the public, and to present it in a reasoned, principled and professional manner. It is incumbent upon us to remind Canadians, the decision makers and the voters, of the values and principles which are the foundation of this great and diverse nation and which are the basis for the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is not only our duty to uphold the rule of law, but to remind our fellow Canadians of the importance of the rule of law in a healthy, vibrant democracy. To quote another, far more distinguished and well-known president, John F. Kennedy, “The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all.” 

 

. I also encourage you, once again, to get involved in the Branch and National Sections to make your voice heard on issues of importance to your area of practice or on issues of importance on a larger societal scale, such as access to justice. These are the places where you can make a difference … where you can help frame the debate!www.cba.org/CBA/groups/committees/I have used this opportunity in the past to attempt to raise awareness among our members of the advocacy role of the Canadian Bar Association. Now, I urge you to get involved! At the recent Board of Directors meeting in February, the Canadian Bar Association continued its work on a new strategic plan for 2012-2015. The number one strategic priority identified for the Association continues to be Influence and Leadership. It is only with your participation that the Canadian Bar Association can achieve its goals of being the national and international voice of Canadian lawyers on matters of law and justice and being the advocate for the interests of the legal profession. Consider putting your name forward for the National Standing Committee on Legislation and Law Reform. The committee’s primary mandate is to assist the Canadian Bar Association to pursue improvement in the law and the administration of justice. The date for submitting your name to the New Brunswick Branch for the 2012-2013 national standing committees is April 16, 2012. Please visit the following website for details on all the national standing committees, including their mandates and time commitments:  

 

On a different note, I would like to take one last opportunity to congratulate the 2012 NB Branch Midwinter Meeting Organizing Committee and its Chair, David O’Brien, Q.C., for organizing yet another successful Midwinter Meeting in Saint John. The caliber of professional development sessions was outstanding, the social events spectacular and the professional camaraderie inspiring! The feedback I have personally received from all corners of the Province, and across the country, on the 2012 Midwinter Meeting assures me that the Executive of CBA-NB is steering its ship in the right direction. I wish to thank all of you who attended the event as well. It was my pleasure to have an opportunity to meet and speak with so many of you. Every once in a while, we need an opportunity to gather as friends and colleagues and to be reminded that, yes, we are a pretty fantastic group of people, doing great work for the people of this Province!

 

Happy Spring to all!

 

 

CBA NB Distinguished Service Award Recipient
David M. Norman, Q.C.
Pictured above David M.Norman, Q.C., Kimberly Poffenroth, CBA NB President and Walter Vail, Q.C.



CBA NB E. Neil McKelvey Pro Bono and Volunteer Service Award Recipient Kelly VanBuskirk
Pictured above Kelly VanBuskirk and Kimberly Poffenroth, President of CBA NB





Message from the President 

 Kim Poffenroth

 

December 2011 I wish to extend my best wishes to each of you and your families for happiness and good health this holiday season and throughout the coming year. As we prepare for this busy and joyous holiday season, it is a time to reflect on the cherished and important things in our lives. When we think of the things that create meaning in and enrich our lives, our thoughts turn to family and friends. It is easy to forget the important things as we rush through our busy schedules and chaotic lives. However, when we have the opportunity to be with family and friends at this time of year, we are reminded of the important gifts given to each of us. I hope that each and every one of you takes the time to enjoy all that the holiday season has to offer and that this season is spent with those you hold dear. On behalf of the Executive and staff of the New Brunswick Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, happy holidays and safe travels during the festive season!

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December 15, 2011

Batten Down the Hatches: CBA NB Docks in Saint John
February 2- 4, 2012
to be held at the Saint John Hilton Trade and Convention Centre

MidWinter 2012 Brochure



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December 10, 2011
QC Appointements

http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/attorney_general/multimedia/mmrenderer.2011.10.2011-10-07_2.jpg.html


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Fall 2011

With the university students beginning to return to our provincial capital and the little ones preparing for that monumental “first day of school”, I am reminded that a new year really begins in September, not January as the calendar would have you believe. A new year is beginning at CBA-NB also, as your new Executive Committee and Council begin their terms in office on September 1. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Kevin Haché of Caraquet to the Executive Committee as your new CBA-NB Treasurer. Kevin joins an Executive Committee comprised of Denise Leblanc, Q.C. (Past-President), David O’Brien, Q.C. (Vice-President) and Lucie Richard, Q.C. (Communications Chair). I am both honoured and humbled to have the opportunity to work with such an exemplary group of individuals over the next year. 

 

While attending the Canadian Legal Conference (CLC) in Halifax last month, I had an opportunity to hear exceptional speakers such as Arianna Huffington and Simon Sinek discuss leadership – both what it is and what good, and bad, leadership looks like. I have been fortunate to witness and learn from excellent leaders while serving on the CBA-NB Executive Committee. I want to thank Léonard Larocque for his excellent work over the last four years. As the first CBA-NB President from the Acadian Peninsula, Léonard logged many miles travelling throughout the Province on your behalf, brought the Annual Midwinter Meeting to Caraquet for the first time and promoted participation in CBA-NB by our members’ who practice and reside outside New Brunswick’s three urban centers. I also wish to thank Denise Leblanc, Q.C., for the many, MANY hours she has dedicated to the CBA, both provincially and nationally, and for the leadership she has provided to our Executive Committee and to our profession as a whole. She has left big shoes for me to fill. With her assistance and counsel over the coming year, and the lessons I have learned as her “second-in-command”, I will endeavour to fill these shoes as I continue Denise’s efforts to encourage more of you to actively participate in the CBA.

 

The CBA is known throughout the profession, the judiciary and the federal, provincial and territorial governments as the voice of the legal profession. Through its countless, dedicated volunteers across Canada, the CBA shows true leadership by advocating for lawyers’ professional interests, the independence of the judiciary, access to justice, the rule of law and many others. In the 2010-2011 parliamentary session alone, the CBA made over 80 submissions to the federal government on a range of legislative proposals. Although the CBA’s position may not always be that which prevails, its submissions and representations are respected and appreciated by the committees before which they are brought. Most recently, your National CBA Council brought its voice and leadership to the debate on the federal government’s “tough on crime” agenda. At Council’s meeting at the CLC, a number of headline-making resolutions were adopted urging the federal government to make changes to its legislative agenda on crime. I urge you to go to the following website to find out more about the leadership role being taken by the CBA in advocacy: http://www.cba.org/CBA/Advocacy/main/ .

 

Like CBA National, CBA-NB also plays an important leadership role in our profession. Since the introduction of mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) by the Law Society of New Brunswick, CBA-NB’s CPD Committee, chaired by Deloras O’Neil, and the CPD Coordinator, Ginette Arseneault, have striven to make CBA-NB the leading provider of CPD to our members throughout the Province. CBA-NB is utilizing new technologies such as video conferencing and webinars to ensure that all our members have access to affordable CPD in both official languages. However, to ensure we achieve our goals in this area, we need you to be leaders as well! Our CPD programming relies on volunteers for its success. If you have a session you wish to present or even an idea for a session or a speaker, I strongly encourage you to take the lead and contact Ginette or any member of the CPD or Executive Committee.

 

CBA-NB also needs you to become a leader through participation in our provincial and national sections. CBA-NB has done exceptional advocacy work on your behalf with respect to such matters as auto insurance, limitations legislation, access to justice and the independence of the judiciary. However, with greater participation and input from our members, we could do so much more! Much of the advocacy work that is done originates from within the sections. With vibrant, active sections, CBA-NB can become the leader in advocacy that I know it can and should be!

 

In order to strengthen CBA-NB’s leadership role, I will be leading some changes in the coming year. The only thing one needs to be a leader is followers. In order for our “followers” to know why and where they are following us, improvements in communications will be one of my priorities. The transition to an electronic newsletter is just the first step. The form and effectiveness of CBA-NB’s communications to its members, the public and government must be improved. I intend for you to see exciting, new developments in this area during the coming year.

 

To ensure that CBA-NB is providing effective leadership, I will also be leading a review of our governance structure. This will be a comprehensive review to ensure that we are utilizing our most important asset – our hard-working volunteers – as effectively and efficiently as possible. The knowledge and efforts of our volunteers – and this means YOU – are at the heart of this organization!

 

Finally, I wish to thank the hard working staff of CBA-NB. Enough cannot be said about how tirelessly this small staff of three works on our behalf. The commitment of our Executive Director, Denise Cameron Scott, and her staff, Ginette Arseneault and Natalie Landry, is the key to the success of our association. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Natalie Landry all the best in the future. Natalie left us on September 9 to pursue other opportunities. All my best wishes for a happy and healthy future Natalie! Your dedication and bright smile will be missed.

 

In closing, I encourage you to mark the Midwinter Meeting dates in your calendar. The meeting will take place in Saint John from February 2-4, 2012. The organizing committee, chaired by David O’Brien, Q.C., is already planning another unforgettable event. I look forward to seeing all of you in Saint John. In the meantime, I encourage all members to contact me with suggestions on how CBA-NB can serve you better.

 

 

 Kimberly A. Poffenroth

President, CBA New Brunswick

 

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Farewell Message from Outgoing President Denise LeBlanc, Q.C.

 I’M NOT AS COOL AS I THOUGHT I WAS

In September 2010, I wrote my “in-coming President’s message” and as I prepare to ease into the role of Past-President of CBA NB, I want to share with you the following.

Anyone who gets involved in CBA hears the usual what I thought to be clichés about the opportunity to meet colleagues not only within one’s own Province but also throughout Canada and how through involvement with the CBA your pride and interest in the profession are rejuvenated.

While I did not doubt the sincerity of those who hold such views, what I can now say is that I was not aware of was the degree to which this is true.

One of the highlights of my year as President, amongst many, was the opportunity to have dinner with the Justices at the Supreme Court of Canada. I have to admit that prior to the dinner, after a long week and a hurried flight to Ottawa, I was whining to myself that the thought of attending yet another formal dinner was not necessarily appealing to me and that after all, I had had the opportunity to participate in a tour of the Supreme Court of Canada a few times before.    Nonetheless, duty called for me to attend and I can assure that within 15 minutes of being greeted by our gracious hosts, not only did I become infused with an enthusiasm reminiscent of a 12 year old fan at a Justin Bieber concert, confirming that I’m not as cool as I thought I was, but witnessing the obvious respect which the Supreme court justices hold for the CBA renewed my sense of pride in being a lawyer. 

I thank all of you for allowing me the privilege of representing you during my tenure as President of CBA NB. I was given opportunities to learn where I thought I had nothing to learn and the opportunity to meet and work with talented and congenial people from all across Canada.

I cannot end my tenure as President without thanking the hard-working executive members from New Brunswick with whom I’ve served----THANKS Kim, David, Léonard and Lucie!  

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Thanks to Law Day 2011 Participants & Congratulations Contest Winners