September InForum - Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society

September InForum: National Day For Truth and Reconciliation, NSBS Welcomes CEO, KC Application Deadline & More

Society News

NSBS Welcomes Cheryl Hodder as CEO

Earlier this month, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society welcomed Cheryl Hodder, KC, ICD.D as our new Chief Executive Officer.

Originally from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Cheryl brings a wide range executive leadership experience to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Cheryl has over 30 years of legal, governance and executive business experience, earning the respect of her peers through leadership in corporate, legal, and community organizations at regional, national, and international levels.

“We are delighted to welcome Cheryl ‘home,’ where she has served and practiced over many years.”
— NSBS President Melanie Petrunia.

Before joining the society, Cheryl served as Chief Sustainability and Legal Officer with Canada Post Corporation (CPC), based in Ottawa. In this role Cheryl’s managed a broad portfolio that included work related to Indigenous Reconciliation and equity, diversity and inclusion. She also provided support to the work of a diverse employee group involved in developing a new anti-racism charter. As part of the learning path and process around the organization’s accessibility strategy, she has undertaken extensive consultation across the country involving diverse groups with lived experience, and she has had the opportunity to be involved in intensive unconscious bias training.

“Council is looking forward to working with Cheryl to advance our strategic goals. She is the leader we need to help the Society address the important issues we are facing,” wrote NSBS President Melanie Petrunia.

Prior to her role at CPC, she was a Partner at McInnes Cooper from 2005 until 2019. Her primary areas of practice were corporate governance and business. She was Managing Partner of the Halifax office for four years and Vice-Chair of the firm. Cheryl was named one of the best lawyers in Canada in corporate governance every year from 2011 to 2018 by Best Lawyers in Canada. In 2010, she was named Atlantic Canada’s first Women of Influence and was appointed to the King’s Counsel. She was previously Vice President, Legal Services and Risk Management for a large Atlantic Canadian company, where she also acted as General Counsel to a group of private companies.

“NSBS will benefit from Cheryl’s experiences, as we continue to focus on the momentum and priorities of our organization. Under Cheryl’s leadership we will build upon our success, regulating the profession in the public interest, and in a manner that is proactive, inclusive and supportive so our members deliver competent and ethical legal services.”
— NSBS President Melanie Petrunia

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day: Resources for Members

The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society will close its office on Friday, September 30 in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal holiday to recognize and reflect on the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to one of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls for a national day to “honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

The Province of Nova Scotia announced last year that it will annually recognize Truth and Reconciliation Day in alignment with the federal government.

The Society encourages all staff, members, and Nova Scotians to reflect, learn and consider what we can do to advance reconciliation in our province and live in peace and friendship.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Resources

Resource list gathered by the Society’s Truth and Reconciliation Working Group (TRCWG) to connect Indigenous members, especially residential school survivors, their families and communities, with existing supports.
Truth and Reconciliation related practice resources collected by the Society
Residential School History
Survivors’ Stories
Reading List by First Peoples Law
Indigenous Canada free online course offered by the University of Alberta

Orange Shirt Day

September 30^th is also Orange Shirt Day a day to honour the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential schools in Canada and learn more about the history of those schools.

Phyllis Webstad, a member of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, started Orange Shirt Day. Phyllis is a survivor of the St. Joseph’s Mission residential school in British Columbia and the colour orange always reminded her of her experiences at residential school and, as she has said, “how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared, and I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying, and no one cared.”

She shares her memories in a presentation outlining the meaning of Orange Shirt Day.

Phyllis Webstad Orange Shirt Day Presentation

Mental Health and Wellness Resources

The TRCWG has collected resources to connect Indigenous members, especially residential school survivors, their families and communities, with existing support resources they can access to support them towards their healing journey.

The TRCWG does not specifically endorse any of these resources and recognizes that they may not provide the support that is needed. It is offered as a round-up of the most comprehensive list of options we are aware of.

King’s Counsel Applications and Nominations

The Advisory Committee on King’s Counsel Appointments, chaired by the Honourable Justice Cindy A. Bourgeois, will convene in the fall to consider candidates for the next King’s Counsel appointments.

The criteria for these appointments are:

(a) fifteen years or more as a member of the Bar of Nova Scotia as of September 30, 2022 and eligible to practice law in Nova Scotia;

(b) demonstrated professional integrity, good character and outstanding contributions to the practice of law through one or more of:

recognition by other members of the profession as an exceptional barrister or solicitor,
exceptional contributions through legal scholarship, teaching or continuing legal education,
demonstration of exceptional qualities of leadership in the profession, and
engaging in activities of a public or charitable nature in such a way as to raise the esteem in which the legal profession is held by the public;

The Advisory Committee also considers regional, gender, race, sexual orientation and representation from other diverse groups among the persons recommended for appointment as King’s Counsel.

In order to be considered as a candidate for a King’s Counsel appointment, you must apply or be nominated pursuant to this request. Applications and nominations from previous years will not be considered. Applications and nominations must be submitted as a single email to QCsubmissions@novascotia.ca no later than 4:00 p.m., Friday, September 30, 2022 and include all of the following:

A signed Authorization for Disclosure of Information and Release Form;
A signed Application or Nomination Form;
A completed lnformation Form (The form is three pages and provides for an additional two pages if required); end
Two Letters of Reference. (One letter is to come from within the Bar or Judiciary. The second letter is to (One from outside the Bar and Judiciary.)

The forms are available as fillable PDF documents on the King’s Counsel process page of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society website. Please note that the Adobe Acrobat settings may need to be adjusted to highlight the fillable boxes. You can find those settings in Edit>Preferences>Forms.

Persons 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.

The above email address is for submissions only. Please direct any inquiries to Glenn Anderson, K.C., Secretary to the Advisory Committee on King’s Counsel Appointments, at glenn.r.anderson@novascotia.ca.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,

for: Candace L. Thomas, KC

Deputy Minister of Justice

Equity and Access

Gender Equity Committee: Report on Gender Discrimination and Harassment Survey

Gender based discrimination and harassment is a problem for most employers. The legal profession is no exception and many studies have identified issues and barriers that are unique to female lawyers.

The Society’s seeks to ensure that Nova Scotians will be served by a legal profession that is diverse, inclusive and culturally competent. To advance this goal, the Society seeks to identify and address barriers that affect the retention and advancement of members from diverse and equity-seeking groups in the profession.

To learn more about barriers resulting from gender-based discrimination and harassment in the present, the Society’s Gender Equity Committee designed and distributed an online questionnaire to members in 2019. This report summarizes these findings, and our next step is to research and consider what recommendations the Committee will make to Council and the Society to address the issues and what these results have uncovered.

Read the full report here

Your Practice

Lawyers’ Insurance Association of Nova Scotia

FRAUD ALERT: Identity Theft Scams Continue to Target NS Lawyers

NSLAP WELLNESS: Understanding Family Dynamics

Professional Responsibility

Further Amended Notice of Resumption of Hearing: Christopher Ian Robinson

Changes in Category

In every issue of our newsletter InForum, we provide updates on category changes. These are the Changes in Category from August 25, 2022 to September 28, 2022

Welcome to our new Articling Clerk

Nicholas John Knutson

These members have changed to Practising status:

Christopher Sean Cheverie
Hercules Chiu Chee Chung
Katelyn Heather Dempsey
Matthew Alexander Edmonds
Cherise Noelle Hart
Samantha Claire Higgins
Cheryl Lynn Marie Hodder, KC
Tanner David McInnis
Charys Noelle Payne
Magdalene Isabella Sequeira
Roland Marko Simmonds
Katelyn Elizabeth Christel Viner
Sang Ho You

These members have changed to Non-Practising status:

David Allen Daniels
Connor Michael MacLean
Raman Kumar Sharma
Julianne Michelle Stevenson
Jacqueline Susan Walsh
Andrew Craig Waterbury

These members have changed to Retired status:

Roger A. Burrill
David Arlington Copp
Barbara Ann MacLennan
Stephen M. Robertson

In Memoriam

Our condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of:

Duncan Fraser KC, who passed away on August 21, 2022. He was called to the bar in 1954. After graduating from Dalhousie, he lived and practiced law in Ontario.

John Alfred Young KC, who passed away on August 31, 2022. He was called to the bar in 1970. He was an early founding member of BOYNECLARKE and had spent nine years as the firm’s managing partner.

Dr. Meinhard Doelle, who passed away on September 17, 2022. He was called to the bar in 1990 and had been a law professor at Dalhousie University since 2003. He was also the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) at the Schulich School of Law.

The Honorable Murray James Ryan KC, who passed away on September 18, 2022. He was called to the Bar in 1948. He was appointed as a Judge of the County Court of Nova Scotia in 1982 and was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court in 1993, where he served until his retirement.

For Your Information

Upcoming Court of Appeal Liaison Committee meeting

From the Court of Appeal Liaison Committee:

The next Court of Appeal Liaison Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 3:00 p.m..

Twice a year, this Committee brings together judges of the NSCA Bench and members of the appeal Bar, the latter representative of the civil and criminal Bar, from both the public and private sector.

This Committee provides a forum for ongoing communication between the Court and the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society about matters of mutual concern and interest, identifies such issues, recommends means to address them, and communicates the results to the Court, NSBS, Bar and others.

The Committee has discussed in the past issues including the Court’s Covid-19 Protocol, Court Rules and practices, as well as Access to Justice initiatives, and has achieved many practical solutions to identified obstacles, large or small, that may be interfering with the just, speedy, and inexpensive operation of this court.

If you wish an item placed on the Agenda as a member of the Bar, please contact the Committee’s Bar Co-Chair, Peter C. McVey, KC, at pmcvey@coxandpalmer.com or (902) 491-2820.

Volunteer Opportunity – Halifax Free Legal Clinic

The Free Legal Clinic at the Halifax Law Courts is looking for lawyers to volunteer their time this fall.

This initiative was first launched in 2015 to fill a gap in services for self-represented litigants needing assistance with their civil law matters and family law appeals, excluding child protection matters. Appointments are offered most Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Each session lasts one hour. Appointments can be in person at the Law Courts or by telephone.

The next session of the Free Legal Clinic begins on Sept. 22. Volunteer lawyers are needed for the following dates:

September 22, 29

October 6, 13, 20, 27
November 3, 10, 17, 24
December 1, 8, 15

These clinics provide a valuable service to litigants who may not otherwise have access to a lawyer and are a rewarding experience for volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please call the Executive Office of the Nova Scotia Judiciary at 902-424-3690 or by email at hfxfreelegalclinic@courts.ns.ca.

Robe for sale

Purchased new from Harcourts and worn less than a dozen times. White court shirt is men’s 100% cotton size 16 1/2 x 33 with 2 sets of cuff links. Waistcoat & striped skirt about ladies’ size 14/16. Robe measures about 48 inches. Current owner is 5’6” tall. Asking $850. Please email easternshorelaw@aol.com.

Board of Directors – Chebucto Family Centre

Join Our Board of Directors!
Are you passionate about community change? Do you want to have a real and meaningful impact in your community? Meet interesting people? Share your existing skills? The Chebucto Family Centre is looking for new board members. At this time, we are seeking a member or members with legal expertise.

About the Chebucto Family Centre:
CFC is a non-profit family resource center and community hub located in Spryfield. It provides free services and supports to enhance the quality of life of families and community members.
These include, but are not limited to:

Advocacy and support
Health and wellness programs
Prenatal and parenting courses
Volunteer doula program
Youth programming
Family Home Day Care Agency.

About our Board:
The Board meets monthly on Wednesday evenings from September to June. Members serve for three year renewable terms. Board members are asked to bring enthusiasm and commitment to supporting the mission of Chebucto Family Centre. Members are expected to attend meetings regularly, special events as they are able,
and serve on Board committees.

Who should apply:
Ideally, new board members will bring one or more of the following skills and qualities:

Previous board experience.
Human resources experience
Knowledge of financial services/accounting.
Legal expertise
Fundraising.
Knowledge of community issues/community development
Strategic planning

As part of being an inclusive and representative organization, we are very interested in receiving applications from Black, Indigenous, and persons of colour, immigrants, LGBTQ+, youth (18-35) , and people with lived experience of poverty or other systemic barriers.

What we can offer you:
An opportunity to give back to your community
Experience in working in a not-for-profit governance board
A role in supporting families in need

For more information:
Visit our website, www.homeoftheguardianangel.ca or Chebucto Family Centre on social media.

To apply for Board membership:
Send a letter of interest and your resume to lorain@setonspiritualityctr.ca by December 15, 2022

Job Deadline/Expiry Date: 12/15/2022

Missing Wills

Name on will: Patricia (Patsy) Michael

Last known residence: 54 Meadow Brook Road

Any lawyers with information please contact: Tyler Maloney at ibff@outlook.com or (902) 236-2034

Name on will: Margaret Gillen

Last known residence: 24 Lynn Road, Halifax

Any lawyers with information please contact: Lori Algee at loriparuch@hotmail.com or (902) 489-1395

Name on will: Blair Pellerin

Last known residence: 6422 Highway 316 Larry’s River, Guysborough County

Any lawyers with information please contact: Donald Macdonald at mthree@eastlink.ca or (902) 863-2925

Name on will: Charles Malay

Last known residence: 15 Johnwood Road, Lake Echo

Any lawyers with information please contact: Chrystal Malay at chrystal.malay@gmail.com or (902) 830-5923

Name on will: Janet Conners

Last known residence: 47788 Cabot Trail, Tarbot

Any lawyers with information please contact: Ruth Pritchard at ruthpritchard633@gmail.com or (647 302-0912

Name on will: John Formanger

Last known residence: Hubbards, Nova Scotia

Any lawyers with information please contact: Andria Formanger at andriaformanger@gmail.com or (519) 778-5390

News from the NS Courts

Career Opportunities

Upcoming Events

Keeping the Faith: Practical guidance in evaluating and responding to religious accommodation requests (October 4, 2022)

CBA-NS – Update from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration and Population Growth

(October 4, 2022)

Atlantic Advocacy Symposium: Evolution & Adaptation in 2022 (October 6, 2022)

Macro Questions about Microaggressions: When do they amount to harassment? Is discipline or education the appropriate response? (October 18, 2022)

The Right to Dignity in Canadian Law (October 26, 2022)