SOGIC Branch report – Alberta South

  • March 12, 2018

The CBA SOGIC Alberta South Section has had an exciting and relatively busy past few months.

As the summer drew to a close, the Section celebrated Pride with a cocktail reception at a restaurant in downtown Calgary, which was sponsored by a law firm. The event was a great success, with nearly 100 lawyers and law students in attendance.

Shortly thereafter, in early September, the Section partnered with the CBA Family Law South Section to host a session about property division for common-law couples. A representative from the Alberta Law Reform Institute attended to discuss the ALRI's proposals for legislative reform and its recommendations with respect to making the law fair for all couples. The presentation generated an interesting discussion.

Finally, in October, the Section hosted a lunch with Stephanie McLean, Alberta's Minister for the Status of Women. The event was titled "Achieving and Enhancing Diversity in the Legal Profession and Judiciary." Ms. McLean discussed her experience as a woman in the legal profession prior to her career in politics, the challenges historically underrepresented groups face in this profession, and the steps we can take to further equity and diversity. The lunch was very well attended and Ms. McLean proved to be an engaging speaker.

The Section has also been providing ongoing support to the newly created OUTLaws group at the University of Calgary, which was formed this past summer. The group has some great executive members and is generating considerable interest amongst the student body.

If you would like to get involved with the SOGIC section, please contact: cbasogic@cba.org