Seeking Feedback on Draft Amendments to Model Code in Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 27
The Federation of Law Societies of Canada (the Federation) is seeking feedback from law societies and the legal profession across Canada on draft amendments to the Model Code of Professional Conduct in response to Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Call to Action 27.
The Law Society of Alberta is in the early stages of helping gather feedback on the draft TRC amendments. There are no decisions being made by the Benchers at this stage of the engagement and the feedback gathered will be presented at the June Board meeting for further discussion and feedback only.
The Law Society is currently seeking lawyer volunteers to participate in a focus group. We will also be seeking feedback from members of the Reconciliation Advisory Roster through a separate outreach process.
Current Focus Group Opportunity
The Law Society is seeking 10–12 volunteers from the legal profession to attend a virtual focus group to provide feedback on the draft TRC amendments to the Code.
To participate in the focus group, lawyers must read the 47-page consultation report prior to the session being held on April 30 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Those interested in participating are asked to submit their expression of interest and CV to the Law Society before April 8, 2024, to be considered for the focus group. Each application will be carefully reviewed for inclusive representation of key stakeholder perspectives on legal practice. Please note that it is possible that not everyone who expresses interest will be appointed.
Those lawyers selected to participate in the focus group will be contacted by April 15 and sent a meeting invite for the session, along with the materials for review in advance of the session.
For those who are not selected for this focus group, we anticipate there will be additional opportunities for the profession to provide feedback prior to the Federation making any changes to the Model Code.
The Law Society of Alberta remains committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in a thoughtful and collaborative way that builds and strengthens relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities.