The Canadian Bar Association Alberta Branch (“CBA Alberta”) is aware that a special meeting of the Law Society of Alberta has been called for February 6, 2023 to vote on a resolution to repeal Rule 67.4 of the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta (the “Rules”).
Rule 67.4(1) provides:
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“The Benchers may, from time to time, prescribe continuing professional development requirements to be completed by members, in a form and manner, as well as time frame, acceptable to the Benchers.” |
One of the petitioners’ stated concerns is the actual or potential inclusion of “cultural, political and ideological education” within such prescribed continuing professional development requirements.
Rule 67.1(1) provides a broader description of “continuing professional development” which includes any learning activity that is relevant to the professional needs of a lawyer, pertinent to long-term interests as a lawyer, in the interests of the employer of a lawyer, or related to the professional ethics and responsibilities of lawyers.
CBA Alberta believes that the Law Society of Alberta, as the regulator, should have the authority to determine which learning activities are necessary to maintain a high professional standard and the integrity of the legal profession as one that serves the public interest. The commitment of the profession and its regulator to continuing professional development is a commitment to excellence within the profession.
The mission of the Canadian Bar Association (“CBA”) includes “the improvement and promotion of the knowledge, skills, ethical standards and well-being of members of the legal profession”. The CBA provides leading professional development across the country and encourages its members to maintain high standards in their personal commitment to broad-based continuing legal education.
CBA Alberta strongly supports Rule 67.4 as an important foundational principle of a self-regulating profession. CBA Alberta encourages its members to attend the special meeting and reject the resolution to repeal Rule 67.4.
Amanda Lindberg
President, Canadian Bar Association - Alberta Branch
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To attend the Special Meeting, you must pre-register here by 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2023.
IMPORTANT: Lawyers must log in by 10:45 a.m. on Monday, February 6, 2023, to attend the meeting and have an opportunity to vote. Proxy votes are not permitted.
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