Announcements

Demonstration at the Legislature March 10

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BARR LLP
Edmonton, Alberta

From Shawn King (President, Criminal Trial Lawyers' Association; Co-President, Alberta Coalition of Defence Counsel):

A demonstration at the Legislature regarding the recent attacks on the rule of law is scheduled for March 10, at noon.

As many of you have seen in the last six months, the Alberta government has been attacking individual rights using the Notwithstanding clause, attacking the independence of the judiciary, trying to insulate themselves from being held accountable by the courts and the Law Society of Alberta, and denying funding through the Alberta Law Foundation to organizations that further the rule of law and help the public.

At the moment, the LSA is also being quiet on the issue. Thus, we must take action and have our voices heard that this attack on the rule of law will not be tolerated. This is bigger than just criminal defence counsel. It's bigger than just lawyers. This impacts all Albertans.

I invite and encourage you to attend the Legislature at noon on March 10, 2026, and show our government that you do not support the slow erosion of the rule and law and democracy in Alberta. Tell your colleagues, your friends, your family. Bring your office staff. Bring anyone who is concerned.

12 days ago

Anon 2020

Alberta

The Notwithstanding Clause is a legitimate and lawful use of powers and is being utilized to fulfill a mandate that the Conservative Party campaigned on and won. It is not up to the LSA or any "organized group of lawyers" purporting to speak on behalf of all lawyers. Any INDIVIDUAL (lawyer or otherwise) who feels strongly one way or another on this issue is free to exercise his/her right to demonstrate, complain or advocate. It should remain at the individual level. There does need to be oversight of EACH level of the government and the judicial branch is no exception. Just as the judicial branch is needed to keep the other two in check - so two are the other two needed to keep the judicial branch in check- especially in a system such as Canada where the judges are not elected by the people but rather appointed at the pleasure of the sitting political power. Regarding the funding issue I would need to research this issue to see allocation of ALL funds and how much has actually been allocated for public assistance with the court system but budgets matter and we are still battling a recession so it is not as easy as pointing fingers at a party in power and claiming to be unhappy with an amount. As in every government funded social welfare program there will always be abuse of some kind. The books need to be opened and investigated for all social problems and budgets adjusted accordingly.

12 days ago

	Kathleen Nielsen Cooper Regel LLP Sherwood Park, Alberta Why are you posting this anonymously? Why are you posting this anonymously? Edit Reset 11 days ago 4

Doug Moe K.C.

Treasurer

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Moe Hannah LLP
Calgary, Alberta

Come into the light, don't post anonymously.

Maybe I did not follow the campaign close enough but I do not remember anyone campaigning on the basis that they would use the notwithstanding clause.

Lawyers, as a group, must stand up for the rule of law and the rights of the individual when the state tromps all over them.

Are you saying because there will be some abuse and misuse that those that are deserving and needy should get less or nothing in order to avoid any abuse or misuse?

11 days ago, edited 11 days ago

Sierra Yanush

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BDL Family Law LLP
Calgary, Alberta

I would encourage all lawyers to review the Rule of Law Pledge, and sign it:
https://ruleoflawproject.ca/

This is being headed by a few of the bigger firms in Toronto.

9 days ago

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