Welcome from the Chair and Vice-Chair

I am delighted to be Chair of the Constitutional, Civil Liberties and Human Rights (“CCLHR”) section for the 2020/21 term. I am looking forward to working with our talented executive, including our Vice-Chair, J. Andrew Sprague. The 2020/21 term will no doubt prove to be one to remember, as we all continue to work through the COVID-19 global pandemic and the new issues that continue to arise, both practical and legal.

The CCLHR section is an active one in publishing monthly newsletters, putting on a variety of programs, and participating in advocacy initiatives. There are many opportunities for involvement, and we encourage all members to participate. Working with colleagues on a variety of projects is both rewarding and important to meet the objectives of the section as a whole.  We are also very fortunate to have the expertise and leadership of the OBA’s wonderful staff.

The CCLHR section hosts two annual CPD events – the Charter Conference in the fall and the Annual Human Rights Update in the spring. The section is also a regular participant in the OBA’s Institute program that takes place annually in the winter. Further, the CCLHR section organizes an additional 4-5 programs throughout the year, often in coordination with other sections. The section aims to make these programs relevant to our members, by keeping them up to date on practice points and developments in the jurisprudence through programs that involve presentations and panel discussions from well-regarded members of the bar, the bench and academia.