CBA set to mark 30 years of Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom
Canadian Bar Association News Release ******************** OTTAWA – Tuesday, April 17, 2012, is Law Day, an annual event which this year celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
OTTAWA – Tuesday, April 17, 2012, is Law Day, an annual event which this year celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
“Our Charter safeguards for all Canadians many freedoms, including religion, expression, association, and peaceful assembly, as well as the rights to liberty and equality under the law,” says Canadian Bar Association President Trinda L. Ernst, Q.C.
“In addition to celebrating this milestone 30th anniversary of the Charter on Law Day, lawyers across the country will be assisting the public in learning about the law, the legal profession, and some of the legal institutions that form the cornerstones of our Canadian democracy.”
Trinda Ernst will spend Law Day, April 17, in Halifax, where she will attend a CBA flag-raising event at Province House just before noon.
In the afternoon, the CBA President will be introduced by Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter in the provincial legislature during his proclamation of Law Day.
The CBA’s contribution to constitutional debate dates back 35 years. After a year of study, the CBA published its seminal report Towards a New Canada in 1978, which contained some 133 recommendations led by a call for a wholly Canadian Constitution including an amendment procedure, and an entrenched bill of rights.
Two years later, in November 1980, the CBA appeared before the Special Parliamentary Committee on the Constitution, urging the government to follow the recommendations contained in the 1978 report.
On April 17, 1982, the Charter came into force as part of the patriation of the Constitution.
A year later, and every year since then, the CBA has organized Law Day to celebrate the anniversary.
In March 2012, the CBA’s National magazine dedicated a full edition to the Charter at 30.
Seven contributors, all experts in constitutional law, provided their reflections on the past 30 years as well as their perspective on what lies ahead.
Internationally, the Charter has served as a model for constitution-drafters in several countries around the world, notably South Africa and Israel.
In addition, the Charter has been cited in the jurisprudence of a number of Commonwealth countries.
The theme of Law Day is Access to Justice.
“It reflects the right of every Canadian to have equal access to information about the law and the legal institutions of Canada,” says Trinda Ernst.
Law Day – Law Week in many jurisdictions – is marked by projects and activities taking place across the country.
Activities include lectures and education sessions on the law for high school students and the public, mock trials, courthouse tours, open Citizenship Courts, and poster, photography, and essay contests aimed at elementary and high school students.
Public engagement in Law Day has been strong.
“Our estimates show that close to half a million people have been touched by – or in some way participated in – Law Day since 1983. The volunteer commitment of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals shows approximately 150,000 volunteer hours logged for Law Day events,” adds Trinda Ernst.
A strong proponent of public legal education, the CBA – through Law Day – offers the public an opportunity to learn about the law and the legal system.
Timing of Law Day events varies across the country. For information and details on Law Day or Law Week activities in your area, please contact the appropriate National Law Day committee member below.
The Canadian Bar Association is dedicated to support for the rule of law, and improvement in the law and the administration of justice.
Some 37,000 lawyers, law teachers, and law students from across Canada are members.
