2017

A Canadian Bar Association resolution passed at the 2016 Mid-Winter Meeting of Council.

Whereas the right to vote is foundational to democracy and the rule of law, and the exercise of that right is crucial for the legitimacy and healthy functioning of democracy;

Whereas one of the CBA Strategic Plan objectives is to connect, understand and engage with law students;

Whereas the CBA Bylaws and Regulations defines the term ‘Conferences’ as common interest groups;

Whereas the National Immigration Law Section wishes to benefit from more active involvement of its past chairs;

Whereas the National Sections Council has approved changes to the term of office for National Sections Council Executive positions in order to increase leadership opportunities;

Whereas the National Sections Council is in the best position to evaluate the activities and contributions of National Sections;

Whereas Canadian legislation gives little guidance for parents to know when they need permission from the other parent or the court to relocate with a child, and no clear test or factors help determine if a move is likely to be permitted in the child’s best interests;

Whereas the Canadian Bar Association’s Reaching Equal Justice report illustrates that only a multi-pronged approach to making justice a reality for everyone in Canada can address the current access to justice problem;

Whereas Canada’s prison population is increasing rapidly as a result of legislative changes including mandatory minimum sentences and increased sentences;