Chief Justice and Minister of Justice speak at AGM

The Chief Justice of Canada Richard Wagner thanked the Canadian Bar Association for its work broadening access to justice at the 2023 Annual General Meeting, making special mention of pro bono initiatives to support vulnerable people in Afghanistan and Ukraine. "The excellence of your volunteer service has, without a doubt, contributed to Canada welcoming more than 150,000 Ukrainians so far," he told the audience of approximately 300 CBA members attending online.

"The CBA's track record for leadership in times of crisis is something I am proud to share when I am abroad, meeting with my judicial colleagues around the world," the Chief Justice Wagner. He also expressed gratitude for the association's support for the Supreme Court holding hearings outside of Ottawa, most recently in Quebec City last fall, and for the CBA's continued dedication to improving access to justice and defending the principle of judicial independence.

David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Canada, also took to the podium to discuss issues that are top of mind for CBA members, particularly criminal justice and bail reform. He insisted on the need for strong collaboration among provinces and territories and essential stakeholders like the CBA to ensure our communities are safe and Canadians continue to have confidence in our justice system.

CBA President Steeves Bujold told attendees that as an active member of the CBA for more than two decades, the AGM has always been an important moment for him. “A wonderful opportunity for us to network with members and staff and to determine our organisation’s priorities for the following year,” he said. 

CBA Vice-President John Stefaniuk announced that Lynne Vicars, the Board member for Ontario, had been elected as the 2023-2024 Vice-President. Vicars is a banker turned lawyer whose experience will help members of the profession navigate economic, technological and social changes. "Thank you for accepting to serve our association in this important role and I look forward to continuing to work with you as you start your new role this September," Stefaniuk said.

Fulfilling her current role as CBA Finance Committee Chair, Vicars presented her report outlining the CBA's current financial position and reviewed the audited financial statements for 2021-2022. KPMG was re-appointed as the auditor for the CBA for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2023.

All resolutions debated at the AGM were adopted on issues ranging from implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and curbing the abusive use of NDAs to improving data collected on judicial applicants and promoting French for better access to justice.