Canadian Lawyer

w w w . C A N A D I A N L a w y e r m a g . c o m M A Y 2 0 1 8 11 T o many lawyers in Canada, a Queen's counsel or QC designa- tion is a treasured moment in a career. It is widely seen as gratify- ingly public recognition of professional excellence, something those so hon- oured proudly attach to their name in all their lawyerly pursuits. To others, the designation is noth- ing but a cheap political payoff from the party in power to like-minded lawyers. The honour was abolished more than 30 years ago in Ontario and Quebec and, until earlier this year, it had been abandoned for more than a decade in Manitoba as well. But the provincial Conservative government thinks QCs look pretty good, and by the time you read this, QCs are expect- ed to be back in Manitoba. The QC has always been the source of prickly debate. In 1898, a federal- provincial spat over just who had the authority to designate QCs even went to the Privy Council (then the highest court in the British Empire). Ottawa insisted Ontario did not have the right to award QCs, as only the federal government had such power. The Privy Council in its imperial wis- dom decided that the provinces did have the power and, with Manitoba's return, eight provinces (and the federal government) continue to honour the profession with QCs. The Law Society of Manitoba was lukewarm about restoring QCs, even though more than 80 per cent of its members voted for retention when it was originally abolished by the prov- ince back in 2001. The LSM's modern- day benchers took the approach that they neither supported nor opposed the proposal. However, as the LSM's CEO, Kristin Dangerfield, puts it, "They strongly recommended that there be absolute transparency in the selection process." The Manitoba Bar Association, however, was a lot more excited by the idea. While it, too, wants to see the proposed de-politicized selection pro- cess put in place, the bar association has strongly supported reinstituting QCs. The MBA's president, Melissa Beaumont, says most lawyers are pleased with the MBA's approach. "It is important to recognize the great work by Manitoba lawyers," she says. — GEOFF ELLWAND \ AT L A N T I C \ C E N T R A L \ P R A I R I E S \ W E S T REGIONAL WRAP-UP Manitoba brings back the QC P R A I R I E S What if you had easy access to expert legal guidance you could count on? Lexis Practice Advisor ® Canada has the power to enhance the way you practice. Providing practical guidance, including access to a broad range of reliable legal expertise and professionally curated precedents, drafting notes, tools and other online materials. ;bvu-1ঞ1;7bvou ® Canada advancing what's possible MORE CONTENT $$!(& )!& TOOLS WRITTEN BY EXPERTS Book a free demo today. Visit www.lexisnexis.ca/lpa-cl ntitled-1 1 2018-04-27 11:10 AM

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