June InForum - Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society

June InForum: 2021 Annual Report, Welcoming our new President, Upcoming Webinar & more

Society welcomes Tuma Young QC as the organization’s first Indigenous president

The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (NSBS) officially announced its new leadership for the coming year at its annual meeting on June 19, 2021.

Tuma Young QC, a member of Eskasoni and Malagawatch First Nation, will serve as the Society’s first Indigenous president in 2021-2022.

A trailblazer for his community and Nova Scotia’s legal profession, Tuma also made history in June 2001 when he was called to the Nova Scotia Bar as the first L’nu (Mi’kmaq) speaking lawyer in Nova Scotia.

“I am very privileged to be a member of the legal profession and I look forward to serving members and the public as President over the next year,” said Tuma Young. “I am aware of the significant place that the NSBS occupies in Nova Scotia’s society. Our work is to continue to ensure we regulate our profession in an ethical manner and for the public interest.”

After serving as an elected At-Large Council member both in 2015 and 2017, Tuma was appointed as the Society’s Second Vice-President in 2019 and continued in succession to become First Vice-President in 2020. He serves on various Society committees and is a dedicated member of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Working Group.

“We are so pleased that Tuma is the Society’s 2021-2022 President,” said Jacqueline Mullenger, NSBS Executive Director. “Throughout his commitment on Council, he has dedicated a tremendous amount of his valued time, insight and expansive knowledge. I know he will continue to help the Society move forward and champion our key strategic initiatives.”

Tuma is a researcher and an assistant professor in Indigenous studies/political science at Cape Breton University (CBU). At CBU, Tuma also has a pro bono law clinic for students, staff and community members where he provides free initial advice and, if necessary, referrals to outside lawyers.

“I am so thrilled to see Tuma Young take on this leadership role within the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society,” said David C. Dingwall, CBU President and Vice-Chancellor. “Tuma brings great perspective to the table not only as an Indigenous lawyer, but as a strong community role model and advocate. His contributions to the field of law have been vast, and I have no doubt he will continue to strengthen and foster relationships for the purpose of education and growth within the Society.”

Tuma will serve on the Society’s Executive with Melanie Petrunia as First Vice-President and Mark Scott QC as Second Vice-President.

Read Tuma’s full biography.

2021 Annual Report

The Society’s Annual Report,provides highlights of the past year including a message from our President and Executive Director and financial statements for the fiscal year-end.

In 2020, as we adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and in an effort to reduce our footprint, we moved to create an annual report website (nsbsannualreport.org) rather than printing a paper report.

Key sections include:

2021 Queen’s Counsel Appointments

In the fall of this year (2021) the Advisory Committee on Queen’s Counsel Appointments, chaired by the Honourable Justice Cindy A. Bourgeois, will consider candidates for the next Queen’s Counsel appointments.

The QC designation is awarded each year to members of the legal profession to recognize exceptional merit and outstanding contribution to the legal community.

Read the Deputy Minister’s letter to members

Members may either apply personally or nominate another member of the Bar. All applicants will be treated equally by the Advisory Committee whether they are nominated or apply personally.

Queen’s Counsel Application or Nomination Process

2021 Queen’s Counsel Application or Nomination Forms

Your complete application or nomination must be received by Justice Bourgeois no later than 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 30, 2021. It may be mailed or delivered to:

Advisory Committee on Queen’s Counsel Appointments
c/o The Honourable Justice Cindy A. Bourgeois
The Law Courts, 1815 Upper Water Street
Halifax, NS B3J 1S7

Please do not send your application or nomination to the Society.

File Retention and Destruction Webinar: Taking the Straightest Path

Register for this educational webinar discussing the easiest path to file retention and destruction. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

Tuesday, July 13, 2021, 12:00-1:30 PM via Zoom
Register at

Presenters: Bob Carter QC (Carter Simpson, and Chair of the Society’s Law Office Management Committee) and Rob McCleave (NSBS Staff Lawyer, Legal Services Support)

NSBS President’s Leadership Award and Race & the Law Essay Prize

2021 NSBS President’s Leadership Award

The NSBS President’s Leadership Award emphasizes the importance of leadership in a lawyer’s career and honours the exemplary volunteer commitment and leadership of Past Presidents to the work of the Society.

Established by Past Presidents Philip J. Star QC and Catherine S. Walker QC, the award is presented each year at the Schulich School of Law to a graduating student who, in the eyes of the teaching faculty, has “exemplified consistent leadership qualities while at law school.”

A special congratulations to the 2021 recipient of the NSBS President’s Leadership Award Mukisa Kakembo! Mukisa was also the recipient of the Society’s 2020 Race and the Law Essay Prize.

“As a woman working in the field of social justice this recognition is very meaningful to me. Winning this award shows me that feminist and racial justice work is valued and appreciated. I am truly honoured!” – Mukisa Kakembo

2021 Race & the Law Essay Prize

A special congratulations to our 2021 Race and the Law Essay Prize recipient, Maeve McCabe for her paper “Black Femininity and the Erasure of African Nova Scotian Women and their Victimhood in Our Criminal Justice System.”Read this paper

This award recognizes and encourages outstanding scholarship by law students in Nova Scotia, on topics pertaining specifically to issues of race and law. The Society’s Racial Equity Committee presents the award and Stewart McKelvey sponsors the award.

“I am deeply passionate about issues of intersectional social and legal justice, and the stories and issues facing African Nova Scotian women, specifically in navigating our justice system, are often underrepresented. I’m humbled and so appreciative of being given the opportunity to explore and share my perspective on a small area of this important topic through this contest!” – Maeve McCabe

Call for Participation in External Independent Review of Systemic Discrimination in the NSBS

The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society has acknowledged the existence of systemic discrimination in the justice system and within the Society . In its acknowledgement the Society stated, in part:

We not only acknowledge and regret the existence of systemic discrimination within the justice system and the Society, but also recognize the need for action and education to address it. The Society is committed to reducing barriers created by racism, unconscious bias, and discrimination. We are committed to continuing our efforts to learn, to adapt, to improve our processes and to lead Nova Scotia’s legal profession by example. In collaboration with our members, the legal entities we regulate, stakeholders, and justice system partners, we will work diligently towards eliminating all forms of discrimination in the justice system and in the Society.

As part of its commitment to eliminate systemic discrimination I have been retained by the society, as set out in the Terms of Reference to undertake a comprehensive external, independent review of the Society’s policies and processes to identify and address any areas of systemic discrimination that exist within the Society.

I am writing to request the assistance and input of members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and the general public to share your experiences, views and opinions with me in relation to this review as outlined in the Terms of Reference.

If you wish to speak with me or provide your views in writing I may be contacted at the dedicated email address set up by the Society at druck@nsbs.org.

The review is being conducted on a confidential basis. Any conversations, interviews, or thoughts and opinions submitted in writing will be entirely confidential and any comments will be anonymized to remove any indicators of identity.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated assistance in the review.

Douglas G. Ruck, Q.C.

Equity in Action: Amending Your Dress Code

This Equity in Action blog post was written by Asha Pelly, NSBS Summer Law Student

Do dress codes do more harm than good?

To begin our Equity in Action blog series, we’ll discuss step one from our Six Steps to Make Your Legal Workplace more Equitable – amending your dress code. Many dress codes aren’t inclusive of hairstyles, clothing, or makeup styles of different cultures or gender identities.

We’ll review two scenarios that you or your colleagues may find yourselves in & provide questions for reflection. We encourage you to comment & provide your thoughts!

Read the latest Equity in Action blog

Recognizing Indigenous History Month & National Indigenous Peoples Day

June is Indigenous History Month as we honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is also an opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous communities.

We also recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day in June on June 21^st. This is an official day of celebration to recognize and honour the culture, unique history, outstanding achievements and influences by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada.

Indigenous Peoples Day Poster – The eagle to represent the First Nations peoples, the narwhal to represent the Inuit peoples & the violin to represent the Métis peoples

For generations, many Indigenous Peoples and communities across Canada have celebrated their history and culture on this day or near this day because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. This day is celebrated by ceremonies and celebrations that highlight religion, spirituality, artistry, cultural performances, and activities.

We encourage our members to recognize Indigenous History Month and to continue their learning on an ongoing basis by reviewing the following:

CBA Professional Development Course
The Path: Your Journey Through Indigenous Canada
Kisa’muemkewey
(written by NSBS First Vice-President Tuma Young QC)
Ko’wey Net “Biodiversity
(written by NSBS First Vice-President Tuma Young QC)
Reconciliation is Hard Work
(written by NSBS First Vice-President Tuma Young QC)
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
What is reconciliation?
(Video – TRC Commission of Canada)
MMIWG National Inquiry Calls for Justice
(National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls – 2019)
Establishing a Reconciliation Response Plan: Considerations for Legal Workplaces
(CBA-NS – 2020)

The Society’s Equity & Access work originates from and continues to be motivated by the recommendations from the Royal Commission on the Donald Marshall Jr. Prosecution. Donald Marshall Jr.’s life work grounds us in ensuring that that we create a legal profession that reflects the public it serves and provides legal services free from discrimination and racism.

The Society’s Truth and Reconciliation Working Group is dedicated to advising, monitoring and supporting Council in their work and governance on Truth & Reconciliation. Bookmark this webpage (https://nsbs.org/news-categories/society-news/trc/) to stay connected with the latest TRC Working Group updates and education sessions.

The NSBS Gold & Black Medallion and Eagle Feather

The Eagle feather is mentioned in the L’nu (Miꞌkmaq) creation stories where Kitpu (Eagle) presents one of its feathers to Kluskap to remind us about our human responsibilities to the land and to all creation. The feather asks us to contemplate the question – what are our responsibilities? Here the Eagle feather is used by the Society to remind us about our responsibilities to our members and to the public.

Creation stories help explain the larger world to our members. Every culture, society and community has one or more creation stories. Sometimes there are periods of time where the story takes a new direction. The NSBS Creation Story begins in 1749 and continues to the present.

The Gold & Black Medallion is a symbol of the Society’s Presidential office. The medallion was commissioned and made by Jocelyn Marshall of Membertou First Nation. Jocelyn is the niece of the late Donald Marshall Jr. whose name is synonymous with legal reform in NS. The medallion is to remind the President, the Council, and the Society that the story of Donald Marshall Jr is very much a part of the NSBS story.

– written and shared by NSBS President Tuma Young QC

Pride Month Resources

June is Pride Month. Pride Month is about the promotion of human rights, dignity and acceptance for the 2SLGBTQ+ community while celebrating diversity, love and self-affirmation for individuals of the community. Events are held in June throughout the world recognizing the contributions, impact and achievements made by the 2SLGBTQ+ community, commemorating the uprising that took place in 1969 in Stonewall Manhattan, and challenging the continued inequities faced by the community.

Due to the ongoing pandemic and restrictions, Halifax Pride is postponed to August 12-22. The Society and CBA-NS typically host a pride celebration during this week with a special guest speaker. Stay tuned for details.

We encourage our members to recognize Pride Month and to continue their learning this month and on an ongoing basis by reviewing the following resources:

Other valuable resources:

The Youth Project

Halifax Pride

Lawyers’ Insurance Association of Nova Scotia

FRAUD ALERT: Trust Account Shortfall in Old-Fashioned Cheque Scam

NSLAP WELLNESS: Living a Fulfilling Life

CLIA Voluntary Excess Program: 2021/2022 Excess Insurance Renewal

Changes in Category: May 27, 2021-June 24, 2021

In every issue of our newsletter InForum, we provide updates on category changes.

Welcome to the members who were recently called to the Bar on June 18, 2021:

Syed Ebad Raza Abidi

Hannah Elizabeth Joan Adams

Diedre Claire Alexander

Hilary Patricia Angrove

Jordan Elizabeth Archibald

Duan Jamal Ash

Chelsea Winsome Barkhouse

Houston Alexander Barnaby

Jane Elise Bates

Jenny Katherine Boehner

Colin Joseph Boyd

Kathryn Grace Brady

Danette Cheryl Cashman

Tyler Neil Paul Chiasson

Ryan Matthew David Chute

Logan Charles Clark-Kenney

Claudia Covalciuc

John James Creighton

Ryan Murray Cutcliffe

Margaret Ellen Day

Calvin Scott DeWolfe

Savannah Jo Dewolfe

Sarah Jacqueline Dobson

Sarah Blair Gorman Douglas

Deirdre Mairead Festeryga

Nicholas Joseph Foran

Arielle Lisa Hardy Francis

Alan William Freckelton

Fritz Christian Gaerdes

James Murray Galsworthy

Julia Marie Goodwin

James Daniel Ells Gorman

Maile Joy Alice Graham-Laidlaw

Jacob Raymond Greenslade

Moira Esther Harding

Jacqueline Marie Hartigan

Sarah Marie Hebert

Charlotte Nicole Henderson

Samantha Claire Higgins

Lloyd Daniel Hogan

Leslie Dawn Hogg

Sydney Ann Hull

Emily Jean Hunter

Erin Melissa Huntington

David Blair Irvine

Madison Andrew Peter Joe

Beth Mary Jones

Kaitlyn Shawna Joyce

Cydney Lynn Kane

Raylene Jessica Langor

Mealey Jade MacDonald

Nora Jane MacIntosh

Ian Lauchlin MacKinnon

Sarah Lindsay MacLeod

Zachary Michael Evan MacMillan

Caitlin Marie Mailman

Luke Vincent McCabe

Erin Elizabeth Mitchell

Colleen Mary Morley

Gregory James Morris

Waverly Ann Muessle

Chee-Wang Ng

Christopher Ryan O’Connor

Tess Piera Panzarasa

Armand William Paul

Dominique Kathleen Perinchief

Sarah Anne Perrone-Panneton

Justin Allen Pyke

Sarah Rajguru

Piotr Igor Rak

Pir Mohsin Ali Rashdi

Anjana Ravindran

Alexander Campbell Rimmington

Connor Daniel Rogers

Remy Elsa Cecilia Rosinski

Daniel Robert Kennedy Roth

James Alexander Russell

Matthew Jeffrey Ryder

Anne Burnham Sedgwick

Magdalene Isabella Sequeira

Jenna Christena Shaddock

Madeline Mae Smillie-Sharp

Basia Sophia Sowinski-Banfield

Nathan Douglas Stanley

Megan Kathleen Thompson

Joseph Robert Tracey

Victoria Doreen Tremblett

Chantal Claire Veinotte

Yael Nora Wexler

William Robert Wojcik

Chung Yuan Wu

Perry Yat Yung

Welcome to our new articled clerks:

Rachel Rita Abi Daoud

Fiyinfolu Alexandria Adesanya

Christopher Martin Arisz

Brandon Stuart Baker

Nicholas Filippo Bartolacci

Abel Begashaw

Eyoab Begashaw

Dakota Francis Michael Bernard

Daniel Edmond Boucher

Will Shinske Brien

Hannah Elise Brison

Anthony Steven Buckland

Parker James Byrne

Danielle Jessica Cable

Christina Megan Cleroux

David Alexander Collins

Kayla Ann Cunningham

Anthony Benjamin Currie

Elizabeth Jane Dickson

Madysen Anne Gillespie

Andre Michel Goguen

Jennifer Megan Goodhart

Jonathan Robert Goud

Emma Rose Goulden

Isaac Alexander Gray

Sarah Jasmine Gray

Sarah Jessica Hagarty

Kallen John Heenan

Kathryn Regina Hill

Joseph John Hollis

Shane Francois Isler

Desiree Santeena Jones-Matthias

Courtney Taylor Jukes

Erin Kathleen Kennedy

Holly Lee Lake

Ziad Ridchard Lawen

Kathryn Amelia LeBlanc

Justyne Mary-Anne Leslie

Grace Cecilia Levy

Sarah Lianne MacCallum

Emily Anne MacDonald

Danielle Jessie MacDonald-Kaplun

Natalie Sarah MacDougall

Andrea Lauren MacGregor

Adriana Kathleen MacLean

Haley Emily MacLean

Simone Arlene MacLennan

Shirley-Anne Mailman

Andrew James Marshall

Marcus Arthur Marsman

Yazan Khader Matarieh

Morgan Gail McAloney

Caitlin Elizabeth Menczel

Hartwell William Millett

Heather Christine Mills

Ella Louise Murphy

Eryn Katelyn Murphy

Meghan Elizabeth Murphy

Alexis Jordan Muscat

Craig Eldon Paul

Eldon Wayne Paul

Rachel Quinn Petcoff

Imogen Stratford Phipps-Burton

Nicholas Clark Poirier

Andrea Nadine Rasmussen

Jordan Marie Richard

Maria Nicole Rizzetto

Leah Marie Ann Robertson

Stephanie Anne Robinson

Haley Lillian Sampson

Kathleen Rebecca Short

John Benjamin Stephenson

Alexander Kent Tomer

Nabille Toulany

Sophia Margaret Trinacty

Lauren Addie Vogel

Lori Katelyn Wareham

Danielle Marie Winter

Payton Kay Wood

Shanieka Irene Wood

Rachel Alexandra Zuliniak

These members have changed to Practising status:

Sarah Julianne Belong

Hayley Victoria Fitzgerald

Nathan David Cecil Little

Cara Lavender Locke

Susan Marion Jean Precious

John Thomas Snow

These members have changed to Non-Practising status:

Annette M. Boucher, QC

Terrance Delbert Brown

Ashley Jennifer Hill

Sydney Elizabeth Logan

Shannon Leigh McEvenue

Laura Celeste McKenna Neals

These members have Retired:

Gilles Joseph Deveau

Anne P. Gatchell

Alexander E. MacKinnon

Christopher John McNeil

David Michael Meadows, QC

Susan Clare Potts

Sharon E. Walter

For Your Information

National Well-Being Survey Reminder

A reminder to members that you’re invited to participate in a research study on the mental health and well-being of legal professionals in Canada entitledTowards a Healthy and Sustainable Practice of Law in Canada.

The study was developed by Professor Nathalie Cadieux and her research team at Université de Sherbrooke in partnership with the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, the Canadian Bar Association and all law societies across Canada.

Learn more & complete the survey

HRM Notice: Penalty Forgiveness on Historic Beneficial Transfers of Real Property

Halifax Regional Municipality (the “Municipality”) has been fielding several requests regarding penalty forgiveness on historic beneficial transfers of real property.

As background, some landowners elect to hold their title to real property through a beneficial ownership structure whereby legal or registered title to the property is held by a nominee and this nominee, typically, is a party to a nominee or bare trust agreement whereby the nominee confirms that it holds registered legal title on behalf of the beneficial owner. Broadly defined, a beneficial owner is one that does not have registered title to the property but has rights in the property which are the normal incidents of ownership. Stated otherwise, the beneficial owner has the beneficial interest in the property; the nominee holding legal (and registered) title.

As is the case in jurisdictions across Canada, beneficial transfers are subject to deed transfer tax. Due diligence by corporate lenders and others as a component of subsequent transactions has resulted in the Municipality being approached to forgive and/or waive statutory interest and penalty charges. Practitioners should be aware that the Municipal Treasurer does not have any discretion under the Halifax Regional Municipality Charter to forgive or waive any interest and penalty charges on the outstanding deed transfer tax if not paid within the prescribed limits.

It is recommended that members of the Nova Scotia Bar act accordingly in advising their clients moving forward.

Missing Wills

Name on will: Clara Macnamara
Last known residence: 3144 hinchey avenue
Any lawyers with information please contact: Elvis Reid at Bingadabber101@outlook.com or (306) 990-0322.

Name on will: Linda (Lynda) Rosalie Barrett
Last known residence: Halifax NS
Any lawyers with information please contact: Lorna Fraser at lornajanefraser@gmail.com or (902) 574-3608.

Law Practice in Bridgewater, NS, Available

The law practice of Romneylaw Inc. is available located in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. The firm currently practices primarily in all aspects of real estate, corporate, probate and estate planning, family and criminal law. The practice is very busy with many long term clients and provides an opportunity for one or more young lawyers to manage their own practice with an excellent opportunity to earn more than average income immediately.

For more information, please contact A. Franceen Romney at afromney@eastlink.ca or G. F. Philip Romney at gfpromney@eastlink.ca, or call (902) 543-4444.

Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission seeking members for Discipline Committee

The Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission (NSREC) is seeking members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society to fill vacancies on our Discipline Committee. The Discipline Committee is responsible to select members to sit on hearing panels for formal discipline hearings of licensees. The Discipline Committee meets on an as-needed basis. Learn more.

About the NSREC

The NSREC is the regulatory body for real estate trading in the province. Established by the provincial government in 1997, the NSREC is an independent, non-profit agency whose goal is to protect the public interest. The NSREC is responsible for administering and enforcing the Real Estate Trading Act, its Regulations and the NSREC By-law.

News from the NS Courts

Career Opportunities

Upcoming Events

These events include NSBS events as well as professional development opportunities and related events posted to the events page on our website.