The Canadian Bar Association – Nova Scotia Branch (CBA-NS) is hosting their 2026 Annual Conference on November 20, 2026 at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel.
CBA-NS is joined by Justice Suzanne Côté of the Supreme Court of Canada, who will provide the plenary address. Their full conference agenda includes content streams on family law, wills, estates & trusts, administrative law & litigation, technology, and general interest. With sessions delivered by local experts and leading practitioners, as well as members of the Bench from across Nova Scotia’s Courts, you won’t want to miss this dynamic day! View the full schedule here.
The CBA-NS Annual Conference will also host a special Judicial Symposium with Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada—the first stop on a national tour launched by the Minister’s Office. Taking place over the lunch hour, this panel will bring together distinguished leaders from Canada’s justice system, including The Honourable Sean Fraser, Marc Giroux (Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs), Associate Chief Justice Darlene Jamieson (Supreme Court of Nova Scotia), and Justice Gail Gatchalian (Supreme Court of Nova Scotia) for a panel moderated by CBA-NS Branch President, Jason Cooke KC.
This discussion will explore the vital importance of judicial independence in Canada’s justice system, offering insight into the federal judicial appointments process and encouraging talented lawyers to consider a future career on the bench. As the inaugural stop on this national tour, this is a unique opportunity for Nova Scotia’s legal community to be part of an important conversation about the future of our judiciary.
Help shape the conversation at the National Judicial Symposium. CBA-NS is inviting members to submit questions and topics in advance of the November 20 Symposium to help inform the panel discussion. Follow this link to submit a topic or question on judicial independence, federal judicial appointments, pathways to the bench, and more.
To inquire about attending the Symposium if you are not attending the rest of the Annual Conference, please contact the CBA-NS Office at pd@cbans.ca.