CBA Statement

My name is Graeme Maitland, and I am honoured to present my candidacy for the position of National Vice-President of the Canadian Bar Association.

Since joining the CBA early in law school, I have served as Branch Section Chair, National Section Chair, and National Board Member. I have witnessed the CBA’s achievements and believe we can do even better.  As the CBA prepares its strategic vision for the next five years, the Vice-President will play a vital role in shaping and delivering these goals. 

My forward-facing vision lies in three areas of growth: Growing our Membership, Increasing our Resources, and Expanding our Advocacy.

The strength of the CBA is in its members. Growing our membership, especially in areas of untapped potential such as young lawyers, solo and small-firm lawyers, and public-sector lawyers, is key to the future of the CBA. More members means more volunteers, more ideas, and more opportunities. A diverse membership base is vital to guaranteeing the CBA remains the premier association of the legal profession for all lawyers.

As membership numbers increase, so too will our resources. It is prudent for our organization to establish a long-term financial model that ensures we can provide top-level professional development, advocacy, and networking programming cost-effectively and sustainably.

We are the voice of our profession, and our advocacy is essential. We must modernise our approach, clarify when and why we take our positions, and remain a strong voice for access to justice and against political interference in our profession.

These three areas cannot grow alone; each supports the others and makes them more effective in the long run. If you believe in a strong CBA with a growing membership, a forward-looking financial focus, and a clearer voice in advocacy, then I am your candidate.

Thank you for your consideration; I look forward to the opportunity to serve as your next National Vice-President.