The York Region Law Association had a very busy and successful year.  As this was the first year of mandatory CPD as required by the LSUC, our association made it a priority to ensure that our members had easy access to programs.  The result was that members could earn their entire CPD requirement without leaving the courthouse. 

We therefore provided over 20 Law Society of Upper Canada video replays, numerous Lunch and Learns seminars in both Criminal and Family Law.  We also provided members via email with information on free programs.  Our programs were held in the Lawyer’s Lounge and proved to be a success.  Although these programs were held throughout the year, there was as expected a late season rush from members who had hours to complete prior to the year end.  Fortunately our library staff Betty and Pat were very accommodating to ensure that the targeted 12 hours were met for members in need.

In addition to thanking the library staff and I would also like to thank the members of the Family Law and Criminal Law Committees for their hard work in organizing the programs and in providing both topics and speakers and in particular to Carolyn Jones and her office. 

This year as well our website underwent a complete overhaul both in appearance and content, being updated to meet more current technological expectations.  The result is that information regarding our Association is now not only available to those looking for it, but, it is now easier to search for the information required.   We have received many compliments on the new version of the website.

Both Valerie Brown and I attended 2 CDLPA Plenary sessions as representatives of this Association and Alfred Schorr on behalf of the Central East Region.  As well, I and other members of the Board were active in the Central East Region meetings. 

The YRLA held a couple of social functions, notably the annual Golf Tournament – many thanks to Corinne Rivers for her organization of this event, and the Annual Holiday Dance – many thanks to Dan Monteith and the social committee for their hard work in making this event happen. 

On behalf of the Association, I attended the swearing in ceremony of Mr. Justice Michael K. McKelvey in December of 2011.

At this time we wish to acknowledge the passing of one of our members Pauline Taylor, who practiced Family, lost her battle with Cancer earlier this year.

Things to look forward to in the next year:  There are ongoing issues concerning Paralegals both at the LSUC and CDLPA level but also within this jurisdiction.   The Building management are also looking at the security of the library and lounge and these things will be addressed in the coming year.

In addition I recently received an email from CLDPA Vice Chair Janet Whitehead, regarding new Ontario Government Legislation (Bill 34) which in part deals with security in all courthouses.  This Bill has been referred to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy for review.   She advises that under the proposed legislation, individuals can be searched without warrant upon entering the courthouse, as can any vehicle that the individual is driving or is a passenger in, or any other property in the custody or care of the individual.  

She further advises that nothing in the proposed legislation exempts a lawyer from such searches.  This Legislation therefore raises a number of serious concerns.  Accordingly she has sent a letter outlining our serious concerns to the Clerk of the Standing Committee on Justice Policy requesting the opportunity to make a presentation at the hearing of the Standing Committee.  This request has been agreed to and they are making a presentation to the Standing Committee on April 19^th in essence to exempt lawyers from these searches.

Needless to say it is going to be an interesting year.

Finally I wish to extend my personal appreciation and thanks to members of the board who are retiring from the board.  

Norman Panzica

President, YRLA

AGM. April 18th, 2012
From Left to Right
Robert Evans, Central East Region Bencher
Norman Panzica, President YRLA
Michael Johnston, CDLPA Chair