June 4, 2018
A Hearing Committee of the Law Society of Saskatchewan has released a decision in the discipline matter of Dale Norman Blenner-Hassett.
June 1, 2018
Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City Inc. (CLASSIC Inc.) & The Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan are pleased to invite Law Society members to their Joint Annual General Meetings on Wednesday, June 20, 2018:
- Location: Station 20 West in the Multi-Purpose Room 1120 - 20th Street West, Saskatoon
- Reception at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served
- Opening Prayer and Welcome at 5:45 p.m.
- Annual General Meetings at 6:00 p.m.
May 31, 2018
- Discipline Updates
A Hearing Committee of the Law Society of Saskatchewan has released a decision in the discipline matter of Darby Bachynski.
The Law Society of Saskatchewan Discipline Hearing Committee has issued a Notice of Suspension in regard to Norman Christian MacLeod, effective June 1, 2018.
- Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan AGM and Trivia Night
The Annual General Meeting of Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan (PBLS) will take place on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 7:00 pm at Bushwakkers Brewpub, 2206 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK. Following the AGM, PBLS will be hosting a Trivia Night in celebration of PBLS’ 10th Anniversary. This special event will highlight the decade of work that PBLS and their volunteers have provided to improve access to justice for low income and marginalized residents of Saskatchewan. See details here.
May 28, 2018
The Law Society of Saskatchewan Discipline Hearing Committee has issued a notice of penalty hearing in the discipline matter of Mervin Clayton Phillips.
May 24, 2018
- Discipline Update: Peter Andrew Abrametz
The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal has issued a Decision in relation to the penalty appeal of Peter A. Abrametz. The Court of Appeal confirmed its ruling from the Bench of April 18, 2018, in dismissing the portion of the Member’s appeal related to a 2-month suspension previously ordered by the Law Society of Saskatchewan Discipline Committee in 2017 SKLSS 4. The Court of Appeal allowed, in part, the Member’s appeal in relation to costs..
The suspension of Peter A. Abrametz will take effect on June 29, 2018 and run until August 29, 2018.
- From Saskatchewan Lawyers’ Insurance Association Inc.
The insurance levy for the 2018-2019 policy year was recently set by the Benchers at $1,093.00 plus GST and PST per assessible member for a total of $1,163.85. The levy amount is a 14.6% reduction from last year and provides for the mandatory $1 million coverage for members and for the new additional coverage for cyber liability insurance. Our levy continues to be one of the lowest in the country. The credit for the continuing low levy has many sources, including good corporate management, our sound financial position, dedicated oversight by your Bencher Insurance Committee and continued due diligence by all Law Society of Saskatchewan members with a view to limiting the number of insurance claims.
The SLIA Insurance Assessment renewal package will be emailed to all insured members next week.
May 11, 2018
Saskatchewan Law Review 2018 volume 81 issue 1 is now available in fulltext on our website (password required). Articles in this issue include:
and a case comment:
May 4, 2018
The Law Society of Saskatchewan is seeking applications from members of the public, who are not lawyers, to serve as board members for up to a three year term.
The Law Society regulates the legal profession in the public interest, including setting standards for admission, education, ethics and the conduct of lawyers. This duty is entrusted to the Benchers who are the governing body of the Law Society.
Public Representative Benchers participate fully in the deliberation and policy decisions of the Benchers and they are an integral part of the discipline process. No particular area of expertise is required. Public Benchers are called upon to use their practical experience and to express opinions and views of the public. Experience with non-profit organizations and professional regulation would be an asset, as well as proficiency with computers and software. Successful applicants will be required to obtain a criminal record check.
There is a significant time commitment in serving as a Bencher. Meetings are held approximately five times each year for up to two days per meeting at various locations across the province. Travel will be required. In addition, there is preparation time, committee work, investigations and hearings. Successful applicants can expect to spend a minimum of 20 days per year working as Benchers. An honorarium is paid and expenses are reimbursed. For further information, please visit the Law Society’s website to view the position description.
To apply, please submit your resume by June 15, 2018 to:
Timothy J. Brown, Q.C.
Executive Director
Law Society of Saskatchewan
Avord Tower
1100 - 2002 Victoria Avenue
Regina SK S4P 0R7 Or liz.lynchuk@lawsociety.sk.ca
May 3, 2018
- A Hearing Committee of the Law Society of Saskatchewan has released a decision in the discipline matter of Mervin Clayton Phillips.
- Federation Council – Call for Interested Candidates
Canada’s 14 provincial and territorial Law Societies govern 120,000 lawyers, 3,800 Quebec notaries and 9,000 Ontario paralegals in the public interest. The Federation of Law Societies of Canada is their national coordinating body. The Federation leads in the development of high national standards of regulation to ensure that all Canadians are served by a competent, honourable and independent legal profession. More information is available on the Federation website.
The Law Society of Saskatchewan has an opening for a Council member to serve a two-year term and who may also be eligible for reappointment for up to six years, effective January 1, 2019.
The ideal candidate will have sufficient recent and relevant professional regulation experience to provide national leadership, as well as the time and a sincere commitment to remain current on issues of the Law Society of Saskatchewan. Deadline for resumes is June 15, 2018.
- Queen's Counsel Selection Committee
The Law Society of Saskatchewan is inviting applications for appointment to the Queen’s Counsel Selection Committee. The designation of Queen’s Counsel is made by the Minister of Justice through a selection process that includes consultation with the Law Society of Saskatchewan, the Canadian Bar Association and the Courts.
Members interested in participating on this Committee should forward an expression of interest to the Law Society by May 18, 2018.
May 2, 2018
Court of Queen's Bench Announcements:
- The Court of Queen’s Bench has amended Part 9 of its Rules of Court and Forms respecting the process and forms to be used when applying for a copy of an audio or video recording of Court proceedings. The Court has also amended forms 15-33 and 15-34 to remove any reference to filing documents with the Court. The amendments ensure the forms are in alignment with the corresponding rules which do not require the required financial documents to be filed with the Court. The amended Rules and Forms of Court were published in Part 1 of the Saskatchewan Gazette on April 27, 2018.
- The Court of Queen’s Bench has issued a new Practice Directive referenced as GA-PD #8 Respecting Communication and Correspondence with Judges. The new Practice Directive comes into effect on May 1, 2018 and replaces the former Administrative Notice on the topic. The new Practice Directive can be found on the Courts’ website at www.sasklawcourts.ca.
May 1, 2018
The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal has issued an Order in relation to the penalty appeal of Peter A. Abrametz. In a ruling from the Bench on April 18, 2018, the Court of Appeal dismissed the portion of the Member’s appeal related to a 2-month suspension previously ordered by the Law Society of Saskatchewan Discipline Committee in 2017 SKLSS 4. The Court of Appeal reserved its decision in relation to all other aspects of the appeal.
The suspension of Peter A. Abrametz will take effect on June 29, 2018 and run until August 29, 2018.
April 26, 2018
- Notice to the Legal Profession and to the Public from the Court of Queen's Bench - Chief Justice M.D. Popescul of the Court of Queen’s Bench has cancelled the Court’s regular Civil Chambers on June 7 and Family Law Chambers on June 8 in both Regina and Saskatoon. All matters that have been set for Chambers in either Regina or Saskatoon on those dates will be adjourned by the Local Registrar to subsequent Chambers dates. The Local Registrar will notify the applicants and respondents (whose address is known) of the Chambers date to which it has been rescheduled.
- The Court of Queen’s Bench has amended its Criminal Law Practice Directive #4 respecting the issuance of subpoenas in criminal matters. Parties seeking a subpoena must now print on the subpoena a notice to the recipient concerning their choice of oath. The amended practice directive also clarifies when a Court Order is required to obtain a subpoena addressed to an out of province witness. The amended subpoena can be found on the Courts’ website. The Court has also cancelled Criminal Law Practice Directive #2 related to Jury trials as the matters addressed in the directive are now addressed in the Criminal Code.
April 20, 2018
Recent Posts on Legal Sourcery - Please visit the Law Society of Saskatchewan blog, Legal Sourcery, for daily posts on legal research, legal resources, the legal community and the Law Society such as:
April 19, 2018
REMINDER! – Annual General Meeting: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission – Implications for the Legal Profession
Thursday April 26, 2018 – Saskatoon (Delta Bessborough Hotel)
In a continuation of the Law Society's efforts to address the TRC Calls to Action, the focus of this year's CPD Presentation at the Annual General Meeting will be the implications of the TRC recommendations for the legal profession. Our panel of Professor Larry Chartrand, Former Judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, and Leanne Bellegarde, Q.C. will each approach this question from their unique viewpoints.
At the conclusion of the discussion, cocktails will commence allowing time for networking with panel members, colleagues, and members of the Bar. Dinner will be served shortly thereafter, and the business matters and awards presentations will conclude the evening. The Law Society’s 2017 Annual Report and Financial Statements are available on our website. SLIA’s Financial Statements are also available.
Qualifies for 2 CPD Hours, which also qualify for Ethics.
Additional information and registration details can be found here: AGM 2018
April 12, 2018
The Law Society of Saskatchewan Discipline Hearing Committee has issued a notice of penalty hearing in the discipline matter of Peter V. Abrametz.
April 11, 2018
Members are invited to attend the Swearing-in Ceremony for Judge Natasha Crooks, which will take place at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 18, 2018, at the Saskatoon Provincial Court House.
April 9, 2018
- Members are invited to attend the Swearing-in Ceremony for Judge Mary McAuley, which will take place at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 4, 2018, at the Prince Albert Provincial Court House.
- Law Society Annual Report 2017 and financial statements are available on the website.
- A Hearing Committee of the Law Society of Saskatchewan has released a decision in the discipline matter of Norman Christian MacLeod.
April 5, 2018
There is no reference assistance available in the Regina Library today and tomorrow (April 5th and 6th). Please call or email Saskatoon Branch (1-888-989-7499 / (306) 933-5141) if you require assistance.
April 3, 2018
The Law Reform Commission of Saskatchewan recently posted a new consultation paper on its website: Assisted Reproduction & Parentage.
This consultation paper:
- Describes Saskatchewan’s statutory provisions that determine a child’s legal parentage
- Considers the need for new or amended statutory provisions to determine a child’s legal parentage where the child has been conceived using assisted reproduction
- Outlines legislative reform initiatives addressing assisted reproduction and parentage in Canada and internationally
- Discusses several issues arising from assisted reproduction and determinations of parentage under Saskatchewan's current legislation, and presents options for reform
Please visit the Commission’s website to provide comments through an online survey. Comments can also be submitted in writing.
March 28, 2018
Recent Posts on Legal Sourcery - Please visit the Law Society of Saskatchewan blog, Legal Sourcery, for daily posts on legal research, legal resources, the legal community and the Law Society such as:
March 27, 2018
The Law Society of Saskatchewan Discipline Hearing Committee has issued a notice of hearing in the discipline matter of Dale Norman Blenner-Hassett.
March 22, 2018
The Saskatchewan Provincial Court would like to advise that three of the Criminal Division Practice Directives have been revised and copies posted to the www.SaskLawCourts.ca website. The following revised Practice Directives are available in both official languages:
Please note that the Notice to the Profession has also been updated and is also available on the SkLawCourts website.
March 20, 2018
Members are invited to attend the Swearing-in Ceremony for the Honourable Madam Justice Heather MacMillan-Brown, which will take place at 3:30 p.m., Monday, April 2, 2018, at the Saskatoon Queen's Bench Court House, Courtroom #1.
March 15, 2018
The Law Society has posted Practice Conditions, containing a restriction of practice, in relation to Joseph Albert Angus.
March 14, 2018
The Law Society of Saskatchewan Discipline Hearing Committee has issued a notice of hearing in the discipline matter of Darby Bachynski.
CPD Program Planning Committee - Call for Members
The Law Society of Saskatchewan is committed to providing continuing professional development opportunities to the profession. The CPD Program Planning Committee will assist the Director of Admissions & Education and the CPD Program Coordinator in the selection of subject matter, presenters, and the organization and delivery of continuing professional development programming.
The Law Society is seeking applications for the CPD Program Planning Committee. Selection for the Committee should be representative of the profession including diversity in practice, geographic location, gender, etc. An interest or experience in education would also be an asset.
The deadline for receipt of applications is May 2, 2018. Please submit a letter of interest and resume to the attention of Sarah Rider, CPD Program Coordinator via email to sarah.rider@lawsociety.sk.ca.
March 7, 2018
Recent Posts on Legal Sourcery - Please visit the Law Society of Saskatchewan blog, Legal Sourcery, for daily posts on legal research, legal resources, the legal community and the Law Society such as:
March 5, 2018
Members are invited to attend the Swearing-in Ceremony for the Honourable Madam Justice Meghan McCreary, which will take place at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at the Regina Queen's Bench Court House.
February 28, 2018
The Court of Queen’s Bench has updated two of its practice directives. Amendments to Criminal Practice Directive #1 require the Crown to provide written summaries of evidence in the event of a direct or preferred indictment, and address changes to the scheduling of criminal pre-trial conferences. Amendments to General Practice Directive #5 clarifies when counsel are required to gown. The Court’s current practice directives can be found on the Courts’ website.
The Court of Queen’s Bench has issued an Administrative Notice to endorse revised template orders for receivership and for orders pursuant to The Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act. The Administrative Notice together with the endorsed templates and explanatory notes can be found on the Courts’ website.
February 23, 2018
The Law Society of Saskatchewan Discipline Hearing Committee has issued a notice of hearing in the discipline matter of Norman Christian MacLeod.
February 20, 2018
After hour emergency contact numbers for the Court of Queen’s Bench have now been posted in the Members section.
February 7, 2018
The Law Society of Saskatchewan Discipline Hearing Committee has issued a notice of hearing in the discipline matter of Michel Riou.
February 2, 2018
A Hearing Committee of the Law Society of Saskatchewan has released a decision in the discipline matter of Daniel Kwochka.
February 1, 2018
CPD Program Review – Revisions to the CPD Policy
As you know, we are in the midst of completing a comprehensive review of our CPD program, and as part of that review, we conducted a survey to solicit feedback from our members. We received significant response from the profession, and overall, our members reported general satisfaction with the existing CPD Program. We also received some helpful suggestions for improvement, all of which we are examining, along with other data and research, in an effort to assess this important program and to explore opportunities for improvement.
We have now completed the first stage of our review and have made a number of revisions to the CPD Policy, effective January 1, 2018. We will continue to report to the membership as we progress through further stages of our CPD program review.
January 29, 2018
Please be advised that due to the trial running at Court of Queen’s Bench in Battleford during the next several weeks, Chambers has been moved off site to the Provincial Court in North Battleford, in Court Room #2 for both Feb 1, 2018, and Feb 8, 2018, Chambers days. All filing and telephone requests should still be sent to Court of Queen’s Bench.
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A Hearing Committee of the Law Society of Saskatchewan has released a decision in the discipline matter of Russell Peet.
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Beginning February 5, 2018, search results in the Saskatchewan Personal Property Registry (SPPR) and Judgment Registry (JR) will display active enforcement instructions registered against judgments. Including these notices into the SPPR and JR will provide quick and convenient access to this information.
On February 5, all newly received enforcement instructions delivered to the local Sheriff will be registered by the Enforcement of Money Judgments Unit against judgments in the registry. At that time, all current enforcement instructions filed with Sheriff Offices will have been imported into the SPPR and JR.
An enforcement instruction is a part of the legal process in place that enables the Sheriff to pursue funds owed under a judgment. Enforcement Instructions to enforce a judgment can be provided to the local Sheriff after a judgment has been registered in the Judgment Registry. More information on enforcement of judgments may be found at Sask Law Courts.
January 25, 2018
The Hearing Committee of the Admissions and Education Committee for the Law Society of Saskatchewan has issued a Notice of Hearing in the matter of Manorama Sennek.
January 22, 2018
A Hearing Committee of the Law Society of Saskatchewan has released a decision in the discipline matter of Peter V. Abrametz, Sr.
January 16, 2018
Just before Christmas, the Law Society Library launched Primo, our new cataloguing system. Please visit our blog for more information and the opportunity to view a free recorded webinar on the use of Primo.
January 15, 2018
The Law Society has developed a document entitled “Practice Tips for Maintaining a Digital Practice”, for the assistance of the membership. Please visit our blog for more information.
January 11, 2018
Changes to the WCB’s Rate Model Will Impact the Premiums You Pay
Employers in 14 industry rate codes will be impacted by the transition to the enhanced model and should attend the WCB’s upcoming information sessions.
You are invited to attend a special industry-specific information session for your industry rate code. Sessions will take place February 13-15, 2018. Attend your industry session to learn more about how the WCB’s enhanced rate model impacts your industry and how it will impact the premiums you pay in the future.
(Need help finding your company’s rate code? Find out what your rate code is and the current premiums you pay at www.wcbsask.com/2018-premium-rates/.)
REGISTRATION:
- 13-14 sessions are in Regina. Feb. 15 sessions are in Saskatoon. Each session will be approximately two hours long.
- Register for your industry session at wcbsask.com/registration. Webinars will be available for all sessions.
- Recordings for each session will also be posted on the WCB’s website after the session ends at wcbsask.com and on the WCB’s YouTube channel.
January 2, 2018
For the third time, Legal Sourcery, has won the Canadian Law Blog Award (Clawbie) for Best Canadian Law Library Blog. Please see our recent post for most information.
December 21, 2017
Seventeen Saskatchewan lawyers have been recognized with the honourary Queen’s Counsel (Q.C.) designation. Congratulations to all recipients, including the Law Society’s Executive Director, Tim Brown.
“These individuals have shown exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession and to our communities,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said. “We’re honoured to recognize their hard work by appointing them as Queen’s Counsel.”
The 2017 Queen’s Counsel appointments are:
- Gary Lyndon Bainbridge is with the firm Bainbridge Jodouin Cheecham in Saskatoon. He was admitted to the bar in 1989.
- Leanne Marie Bellegarde is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at PotashCorp. She was admitted to the bar in 1993.
- Timothy James Brown is the Executive Director of the Law Society of Saskatchewan. He was admitted to the bar in 1992.
- Kimberly Ann Earing is the Legal Director of Legal Aid Saskatchewan, Northern Office. She was admitted to the bar in 1996.
- Jennifer Edith Fabian is the Registrar and Executive Legal Officer at Court of Queen’s Bench for Saskatchewan. She was admitted to the bar in 1983.
- Dennis Jay Fisher is a partner with Scharfstein Gibbings Walen Fisher in Saskatoon. He was admitted to the bar in 1992.
- Joel Patrick Friesen is a partner with the firm Anderson and Company in Swift Current. He was admitted to the bar in 2007.
- Jordan Patrick Hardy is with MLT Aikins in Regina. He was admitted to the bar in 1996.
- Timothy Peter Paul Hawryluk is a partner at the firm Robertson Stromberg in Saskatoon. He was admitted to the bar in 2002.
- Marianne Margaret Kramchynsky is with the Rosthern office of Balicki Parchomchuk Sherdahl Hunter. She was admitted to the bar in 1988.
- Meghan Rachel McCreary is a partner with MLT Aikins in Regina. She was admitted to the bar in 1999.
- Joni Ann MacKay is with the Automobile Injury Appeal Commission. She was admitted to the bar in 1978.
- Evatt Francis Anthony Merchant is with the Merchant Law Group and current president of the Canadian Bar Association, Saskatchewan Branch. He was admitted to the bar in 1998.
- Joanne Carol Moser is with the firm Richmond Nychuk in Regina. She was admitted to the bar in 1994.
- Mary Ellen Wellsch works with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice Legislative Services. She was admitted to the bar in 1980.
- Todd Jay Wellsch has been the Regional Crown Prosecutor in Yorkton since 2011. He was admitted to the bar in 1984.
- John Charles Will is senior partner at Behiel, Will and Biemans. He was admitted to the bar in 1986.
For more information, please see the Government of Saskatchewan news page.
December 20, 2017
The Court of Appeal will mark its centenary in 2018. This milestone will be celebrated at a gala banquet in Regina on Friday, March 2. Tickets can be purchased at https://printtickets.ca/saskcourt/dinner. For more information, visit the Centenary tab under the Court of Appeal heading at www.sasklawcourts.ca.
December 12, 2017
Saskatchewan Legal Advice/Information for Survivors of Sexual Violence - The Ministry of Justice is working with the Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan (PLEA) to pilot a four year program to provide free legal information/advice to survivors of sexual violence. The Ministry is currently seeking expressions of interest for the lawyer roster and training related to this service.
December 11, 2017
A Hearing Committee of the Law Society of Saskatchewan has released a decision in the discipline matter of Benjamin Mah.
December 6, 2017
At Convocation on December 1, 2017, the Benchers, elected Craig Zawada, Q.C., as President and Leslie Belloc-Pinder as Vice President for 2018. We congratulate our new President and Vice President and would like to thank our outgoing President, Erin Kleisinger, Q.C., for her tireless work in 2017. Please visit our blog, Legal Sourcery, for more information.
November 30, 2017
Legislation Improves Small Claims Court - In an effort to improve access to justice, the Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed new small claims legislation to make the small claims process easier to navigate and less costly for Saskatchewan people. The new legislation will come into force on January 1, 2018. Please visit their website for more information.
November 25, 2017
Articling students can now sign in to the Members' Section with your email address and password registered in Member Profile.
November 24, 2017
Victor P. Dietz, Q.C. Pro Bono Service Award Nominations Open: For several years Pro Bono Law Saskatchewan and the Law Society of Saskatchewan have jointly presented an award to recognize outstanding pro bono contributions in the province. With the blessing of Victor P. Dietz, Q.C.’s family and his friends at Olive Waller Zinkhan & Waller LLP, a decision has been made to name the award in Vic’s honour. The award will now be the “Victor P. Dietz, Q.C. Pro Bono Service Award”. Vic was a founding Director and the President of PBLS from its inception until 2013 when he retired after serving the maximum number of terms allowed on the Board. After his retirement from the Board, Vic continued to support PBLS in many ways, including as a mentor to staff, an advisor to the Board, and a donor. Nominations for the award are due January 5, 2018.
November 20, 2017
The Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin, PC, Chief Justice of Canada will retire from the bench on December 15, 2017. To recognize her accomplishments, two events are being organized. See details on both events here.
November 9, 2017
Notice - The Law Society of Saskatchewan has obtained an Injunction Order against Ksenia Hudym pursuant to the unauthorized practice provisions contained in The Legal Profession Act, 1990. Pursuant to the Order Ms. Hudym, who is not a lawyer, is restrained from providing legal services and advice for fee or reward and is prohibited from appearing in court on behalf of clients as an agent or otherwise. A copy of the Order pertaining to Ms. Hudym may be viewed here.
November 6, 2017
The Law Society of Saskatchewan Discipline Hearing Committee has issued a notice of hearing in the discipline matter of Roch Dupont.
New Interjurisdictional Support Order (ISO) application forms were released October 1, 2017. The updated forms were created based on a uniform model template that will eventually be rolled out in all provinces and territories that have enacted ISO legislation. Electronic copies of the new forms are available here. Paper copies of the forms can be obtained from the Family Law Information Centre by contacting 1-888-218-2822 (extension 2). Until further notice, the older version of the application forms will continue to be accepted by the ISO Unit.
