Dear Members,
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome new and returning Section members and provide you with a Section activity update.
On September 18, Kathryn Pentz, QC presented the Section’s views on Bill C-46 (Impaired Driving) to the House of Commons Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Among other points, she stressed the impact that the proposed broad changes to the impaired driving regime were likely to have on the criminal justice system as a whole, and on court delays in particular.
On November 27, the Section will meet with representatives from Justice Canada and we hope to maintain that relationship throughout the year. The Section and its Committee on Imprisonment and Release will continue their involvement with other national organizations, including the Uniform Law Conference of Canada, the Steering Committee on Justice Efficiencies, and National Associations Active in Criminal Justice.
There are many opportunities to get involved with the Section and I invite you to take a look at the information below and tell us how you would like to participate.
Sincerely,
Loreley Berra,
Chair of CBA Criminal Justice Section
Legislation & Law Reform
Interested in federal law reform activities and want to contribute to CBA policy on criminal law matters? This may include helping draft Section submissions, highlighting those positions to media or parliamentary committees, responding to government consultations and discussion papers, and working with volunteers from other CBA Sections on areas of common interest. There are lots of opportunities for anyone interested in criminal justice policy to get involved and the Section needs more volunteers to help with this important work!
With your help, the Section recently provided constructive and balanced comments on several criminal law issues, including Bill C-46 (Impaired Driving Act), Bill C-45 (Cannabis Act), and Bill C-51 (Criminal Code and Department of Justice Act amendments). The Section is now finalizing submissions on Bill C-28 (Victim Fine Surcharge) and Bill C-59 (National Security and Intelligence Review Agency Act).
Please contact Gaylene Schellenberg for more information on what is currently on our agenda.
Section Activities
- Register for the annual Criminal Justice Conference on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
- Stay tuned! The CBA Criminal Justice Section is hosting a webinar entitled “Groia: Zealous Advocacy or Incivility?” scheduled for Spring 2018.
- Want to publish an online article in Voir Dire? Send an article to the Section editors.