June 23, 2021

Statement from Treasurer Teresa Donnelly — Kamloops Indian Residential School
The Treasurer began Convocation today by acknowledging the tragic discovery of the unmarked burials of 215 children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. On behalf of Convocation, she expressed condolences  to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc People, Indigenous communities and all those affected by this discovery. As a symbol of respect for the 215 children and their grieving families Convocation observed a moment of silence. Read the Treasurer’s statement here.
 
Honorary LLD presented to R. Douglas Elliott
A degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LLD) was presented to Mr. Elliott,for his leadership in public law, class actions and Charter litigation.  The Law Society awards honorary doctorates each year to distinguished individuals in recognition of outstanding achievements in the legal profession, the rule of law or the cause of justice. Read the Gazette article about Mr. Elliott.

Treasurer announcement
Teresa Donnelly was declared elected as Treasurer for the term June 23, 2021 to June 23, 2022. As she enters her second term, Treasurer Donnelly has written a blog post reflecting on her first term and sharing her personal priorities as Treasurer in the coming months.

Competence Task Force Call for Comment
The Competence Task Force’s report: Renewing the Law Society’s Continuing Competence Framework was included as an Information Item at today’s Convocation meeting. As part of its research, the Task Force has launched a Call for Comment to assist the Law Society in renewing its continuing competence framework to ensure that it is both meaningful and sustainable. The Law Society encourages lawyers, paralegals, legal organizations, members of the public and others to share their concerns, experiences and ideas, in order to ensure that the Task Force has the benefit of a full range of options and approaches to supporting post-licensure competence. The Call for Comment closes on November 30.
 
Law Society Tribunal Rules of Practice and Procedure amended
Convocation approved amendments to the Rules of Practice and Procedure. The amendments, which come into effect October 1, 2021, build on the learnings of the last year and prepare the Tribunal for continuing operations post-pandemic. The Tribunal Committee recommended the amendments for approval following a Call for Comment. For more information see the full report.

Update on Legal Aid Working Group report
The Access to Justice Committee provided Convocation with an update on the implementation of the Law Society’s Report of the Legal Aid Working Group: An Abiding Interest, which was approved by Convocation in January 2018. The Law Society has made significant progress on implementing the report’s recommendations and is well positioned to continue this work. For more information see the full report.


Other decisions

• Human Rights Monitoring Group request for intervention approved
• By-law 3 amended re: Paralegal Standing Committee chair election process
• Audit and Finance Committee report approved
• Appointment