The essential ally and advocate of the legal profession in Alberta. Tweets are not necessarily CBA Alberta's position or opinions. RTs are not endorsements.
The CBA Alberta strongly supports Rule 67.4 as an important foundational principle of a self-regulating profession and strongly encourages all members to attend the special meeting of the
@LawSocietyofAB
and reject the resolution to repeal the Rule.
The Path is a program that the CBA has offered since 2020, and one that we believe is important to helping lawyers understand the ongoing and devastating impacts of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples.
BEAMING with pride for Mama Sealy, the first Black woman in Albertan history to receive the designation of Queen’s Counsel.
She is
#BlackGirlMagic
💅🏾⚖️🤎
We are saddened to hear about the passing of H. Markham Silver, Q.C. last week. Markham was a longtime co-chair of the CBAAB Criminal Justice Section, and a champion for access to justice.
We are wrapping up
#BlackHistoryMonth
with an interview
@QB_Alberta
Justice Gaylene Kendell, currently the only Black member of the judiciary in AB. She talks with us about the importance of mentoring and representation in ensuring a diverse judiciary.
Ritu Khullar formally assumed the role of chief justice of the Alberta Court of Appeal Thursday in a ceremony presided over by
@KingsBench_AB
Chief Justice Mary Moreau. Read from the
@edmontonjournal
Prof. Jennifer Koshan of
@UCalgaryLaw
is the recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Service Award for Legal Scholarship.
Register to attend the luncheon and award ceremony on February 5, 2020 in
#yyc
.
@deborahhatchlaw
@PJM_Calgary
Hi Deborah, we also conducted similar research in AB in 2020-21 which concluded that based on the value of saved court time alone, even a modest additional increases in legal aid funding would result in a net return to the government:
Violet King was the first Black person to be called to the Bar in Alberta, and the first Black woman to become a lawyer in Canada. Throughout her career, she broke down barriers for racialized women and Black Canadians, and continues to be an inspiration in the legal profession⬇️
We are so pleased to share that CBA Alberta past president Ola Malik has been appointed to
@QB_Alberta
in
#yyc
. We wish Justice Malik all the best in his new role and know he will be a an asset to the bench.
Tonight, we celebrate our 2020-21 President Ola Malik for his service to CBA Alberta. We are pleased to welcome the many members of the legal community who know and love him.
Congratulations to Justice Moreau on her appointment to the Supreme Court of Canada!
With her excellent leadership of
@KingsBench_AB
these last 7 years, we know she will be a valuable addition to
@SCC_eng
.
#ICYMI
: Last week,
#LawMatters
welcomed
@elsaasce
to its (digital) pages for a piece on accessibility to legal education and the loss of the community lawyer.
Congratulations to CBA Alberta Executive Director Maureen Armitage, who was presented today with the
@CBA_News
Jack Innes Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the CBA by a current staff member.
Congratulations Maureen!
Markham Silver, QC, was a pillar of the criminal law bar in Alberta, and we are honoured to posthumously award him the Distinguished Service Award for his service to the community. His legacy of collegiality and mentorship is one that will not soon be forgotten. (CONTINUE BELOW)
The list of Queen's Counsel appointments is now available from
@AlbertaJSG
. Congratulations to all the recipients, including our past presidents
@WBarkauskas
and
@jmcmordie
!
Last month, we released our Gender Identity Resource Guide, which which will provide you with the information you need to better serve trans, non-binary and gender-diverse clients. Check the full guide here:
#PrideMonth
#SOGIC
#pride2023
We are celebrating the 2021 Distinguished Service Awards today, and our first recipient is Professor
@Steven_Penney
of
@UAlbertaLaw
for his service to legal scholarship. Congratulations Steven!
Congratulations & best wishes from the whole
@CBAAlberta
family to Marie Gordon QC on her many contributions to the profession! Marie was and remains a mentor & role model & example for all lawyers on how to be an excellent advocate for change, and how to be the best one can be.
Attended a lovely
@CBAAlberta
Family Law year-end event in
#yeg
on Wednesday, as we recognized Marie Gordon QC, who reflected on her long career practicing law. Marie has made significant contributions in developing and changing modern
#familylaw
and we will miss her!
The CBA Alberta team is very sad to share that our dear colleague and friend Linda Chapman lost her 3-year battle with cancer. She will be missed dearly by the CBA staff and members whose lives she touched over the years.
We will continue to advocate and provide resources for members of the profession to continue their personal journeys of reconciliation. Thank you to Daniel Song for his powerful op-ed in CBC News ahead of today's special meeting of the
@LawSocietyofAB
.
On this
#InternationalWomensDay
, we are celebrating some of the outstanding women who make up Alberta's legal profession. We invite everyone to join in and submit your own photos!
The 2021 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for service to the profession is
@SLA_YYC
ED and
@UCalgaryLaw
associate prof Susan Billington, Q.C. Register to attend the virtual ceremony to help us celebrate Susan and our other winners.
#DSA2021
We were pleased to host the Justices of
@QB_Alberta
for a reception with our members, and had the chance to catch up with a few past presidents at the same time.
First, from
@BruceMcIvor
- the Doctrine of Discovery, and why revoking this 400-year old papal bull is important to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples:
Congratulations Doris Bonara Q.C., Melissa N. Burkett, Cori Ghitter, Sarah V. Coderre and
@BruyerMackayLLP
on being this years recipients of the 2021
@WILLAwards
It's always exciting to see members of the CBA being acknowledged for their hard work!
Thank you so much to everyone who attended the Distinguished Service Awards today to celebrate Rob, Markham, Howard and Pat for their many contributions to our legal profession, and our communities. Congratulations to our winners!
Today in
#LawMatters
: in "Learning another language of law" author
@CarolineHMagnan
shares how technology and legal education can improve access to justice for french-speaking communities in Canada.
#ICYMI
: in an open letter delivered to Minister
@Doug_Schweitzer
earlier this month, and published in the winter issue of Law Matters, Alberta lawyers sound alarm over budget cuts:
The CBA - here in Alberta and across the country - is committed to making the legal profession and our justice system more inclusive for
#2SLGBTQ
+ people, and to protecting the rights of all members of our society, especially those of the most disadvantaged.
As we witness a rise of anti-2SLGBTQI+ activity and rhetoric across Canada, we need to redouble our efforts in the fight for equality, which is far from over. Read the statement from CBA President John Stefaniuk, K.C.:
Due to chronic under-funding Campus Saint-Jean,
@UAlberta
's multi-disciplinary French-language faculty is at risk of closing. Read how this will impact access to justice in our province in English and en français.
#A2JWeekCan
cc:
@AJEFA
We are so pleased to announce CBAAB past president Cyril Gurevitch, Q.C. as the recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Service Award for service to his community. Register to join us in celebrating Cyril and the other winners on February 10.
#DSA2021
Hon. Marshall Rothstein: Many judges, including me, consider standard of review a “colossal waste of time”. Many judges not enamored with deference on questions of law.
#CBAWest
- FPF
We were so excited to learn that
@CABLNational
is launching a chapter in Alberta! Join the new CABL Alberta Chapter tomorrow for their launch event on Zoom and meet the team that will be leading the chapter.
Our own
@CBAAlberta
secretary
@JohannaPrice15
has been appointed to
@QB_Alberta
! Johanna has been a dedicated CBA volunteer and council member for many years, we will miss her greatly on our executive, but know that she will make an excellent addition to the Bench. All the best!
I am happy to announce that Johanna Price, a partner at Peacock Linder Halt & Mack LLP in Calgary, is appointed a Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta and a Judge of the Court of Appeal of Alberta.
Chief Justice of Alberta Catherine Fraser announced Thursday that QB Justice Kevin Feehan has been appointed to the Court of Appeal of Alberta in
#yeg
. Congratulations and best wishes! We will miss you. See the full announcement at:
#ABQB
#albertacourts
This year for Access to Justice Week, we are highlighting the ways that lawyers, community workers and member of the public can improve access to justice in their communities. Follow along with
#A2JWeekCan
all this week to learn how you can help.
.
@lindberg_amanda
is treasurer of the CBAAB executive committee. She has been an active member since her time in law school, participating in Sections and several committees. Amanda loves to travel across Canada, and is currently taking violin lessons with her daughter.
#NVW2021
This Thursday, join the Women Lawyers’ Forum for an engaging conversation with Justices’ from
@QB_Alberta
Hear about their paths to the Bench and tips for women in the legal profession.
Don’t miss out!
On Wednesday, we celebrated four outstanding members of the legal profession at the 2020 Distinguished Service Awards. Please join us on congratulating Steve Raby, Q.C., Meenu Ahluwalia, Robert W. Calvert, Q.C. and Prof. Jennifer Koshan.
To our community, we regretfully announce the passing of J. Patrick Peacock K.C., our Past-President of the Alberta Branch of the CBA and National President. He passed away peacefully at his home in Vancouver in Virginia’s arms with his family by his side on December 4, 2022.
Joe Schuck (
@jtschuck1971
) was a long-time CBA member, and always a familiar and friendly face around our Calgary office. He will certainly be missed by his CBA family. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.
A big thank you to our Editorial Committee who make the publication of Law Matters possible, especially our talented co-editors
@JoshuaSealy
and Jessica Robertshaw.
Fantastic meeting with the rest of the
@CBAAlberta
Editorial Committee to discuss the future direction of our publication and explore exciting new topics for the next editions! Stay tuned!
#LawMatters
⚖️
Today we acknowledge International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Last year,
#LawMatters
published an article discussing Covid-19's impacts on violence against women. The article provides resources for lawyers who want to help.
Read:
We are wishing a very happy
#MothersDay
to all of our members who are juggling the demands of their practice with the demands of motherhood, all while working from home, homeschooling, and practicing physical distancing. We salute you!
Join us in celebrating
#BlackHistoryMonth
this February! Throughout the month, we will be reflecting on the historial and contemporary contributions of Black Canadians to our province and the legal profession. (Continue⬇️)
Our
@CBAAlberta
joint
#CBAWest2019
with
@CBA_BC
is coming up... and tomorrow is the deadline for the Advanced Pricing!!! Don’t miss this excellent PD and networking opportunity in Penticton!
Register for
#CBAWest2019
before Thu, Feb 28 for Advanced Pricing. Join Shari Gregory from the Oregon Attorney Assistance Program as she presents on lawyer wellness and self care. Learn about other speakers at
#legalconference
#okanagan
#penticton
Congratulations to the amazing group of women recognized at last night's
#WILLAwards2017
. You each serve as an inspiration for the next generation of lawyers.
We are so pleased to congratulate Justice Michel Bourque on his appointment to
@QB_Alberta
!
Justice Bourque has been an active member of the CBA Alberta Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee for several years, and we know he will be outstanding in his new role.
#ABQB
is pleased to announce that Michel H. Bourque has been appointed a Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta. Congratulations! Justice Bourque will sit in
#yyc
. Read the Justice Canada news release at:
#albertacourts
As another school year begins, we want to warmly welcome all the incoming 1Ls, and welcome back all returning students at the
@UAlbertaLaw
and the
@UCalgaryLaw
.
On behalf CBA Alberta members across the province, we are wishing you all the best for a successful school year!
The winter 2019-20 issue of Law Matters on Budget & Justice is now available. Hard copies will be landing on desks shortly, or you can read the full issue online here:
Announcing the 2023 DSA recipients:
-Service to the Profession: Robert McDonald, K.C.
-Service to the Community: H. Markham Silver, Q.C. (posthumous)
-Pro Bono Legal Service: Howard Sniderman, K.C.
-Service in Promoting EDI: Patricia Blocksom, K.C., A.O.E.
#CBAWest
kicks off tomorrow, and we are excited to have
@CBAAlberta
's own Vice President
@frankfriesacher
guest tweeting from this account live from Las Vegas! Follow along, and join the conversation with Frank using
#CBAWest
.
#ICYMI
: Brooks Arcand-Paul (
@sipiysis
), VP of
@IBA_Canada
wrote for
#LawMatters
about the diversity of Indigenous laws across Canada and the need for its legal system provide space for these laws to evolve as part of our collective legal future.
The Alberta
@CBA_WLF
Section welcomes
@QB_Alberta
Justices Marta Burns, Gaylene Kendell and Anna Loparco to speak with members on Thursday about their paths to the bench and advice for women in the legal profession. Register:
It is always our pleasure to hear from representatives from our courts. Today, Provincial Court Chief Judge Matchett and
@QB_Alberta
Associate Chief Justice Rooke spoke about the work and advancements being done in Alberta's courts.
We are so proud of the our alumni who are appointed to the bench. Thank you Madam Justice Price for inspiring the next generation of jurists in our province!
QB Justice Johanna Price read Shiver, Gobble and Snore, a story about why people need laws, to Grade 6 students at St. Rose of Lima School
@StRose_CCSD
on Tuesday in
#yyc
. She also spoke about the justice system and answered tons of questions!
@CCSD_edu
#ABQB
#albertacourts
The holidays have arrived at the CBA office in
#yyc
! We're looking forward to seeing our members and wishing you all the best of the season before we wrap for 2019 later this month.
The Canadian Bar Association is pleased to announce that Paul D. Paton, Q.C., professor and former Dean of Law at the University of Alberta, has become Interim CEO effective July 1, 2021.
At CBA Alberta, we have long advocated for reform in the family justice system to streamline and modernize the process and increase access to family justice for all. The unified family court was one piece of this puzzle. Read more about our position here:
Here are the
#YEG
and
#YYC
Branch hub attendees for the
@CBA_News
2019 National
#CBAAGM
happening in Ottawa! And our group of Albertans right in our nation’s capital. Plus of course members across
@CBAAlberta
logging in from their office desktops! Thanks to all for participating!
The CBA Alberta has long supported law students and internationally trained lawyers at
@UCalgaryLaw
and
@UAlbertaLaw
through mentorship, professional development and other student-focused programming.
Join us this week for an opportunity to learn about new initiatives, connect with diverse partners and explore critical access to justice issues from different perspectives.
Learn more about
#accesstojustice
week:
#A2JWeekCan
In honour of the International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, spend some time learning about anti-racism with this on-demand webinar from our 2021 EDI Series: Anti-Racism Training for Legal Professionals.
#IDERD
Another successful
@LawDayAlberta
event at St. Paul courthouse! Many events, including a mock children trial & a demonstrated sentencing circle, together with storytelling & cell tours, and of course the citizenship ceremony with 44 new Canadian!
@QB_Alberta
#ABQB
#albertacourts
Fabulous time in St. Paul, Alberta Friday for
@LawDayAlberta
events! 44 new Canadians sworn in at the citizenship ceremony, with
@QB_Alberta
Madam Justice Browne presiding. Happy to participate as the
@CBAAlberta
rep at this great event!
#lawday
This afternoon, we welcomed several senior members of the bench and bar for Women in Litigation with the Civil Lit Section in
#yyc
. The panel includes Deanna Steblyk of
@ASCUpdates
, the Hon. Madam Justice Johanna Price of
@QB_Alberta
, and Heather Treacy, Q.C. of
@DLA_PiperCanada
.
Canadians shouldn't have to navigate the justice system alone. Today, join elected officials, chief justices and more for a special online
@dutycounselday
event. Learn about Duty Counsel and the support it brings to Canadians.
#A2JWeekCan
#knowdutycounsel
Brody Nestorvich (
@bdnestorvich
) and Jason Bradley from
@OldsCollege
join the Food and Agribusiness south Section on Wednesday to give an update on Smart Farm Research and implications for producers.
Register today!