November 6, 2025

The legal profession plays an important role in upholding the rule of law — one of the cornerstones of our democracy. But as concerns over the strength of democratic freedoms dominate international headlines, new research shows that Canadians are increasingly concerned about threats to our democratic foundations. 

That’s why law societies across Canada have come together to launch Ours to Protect, a national campaign to raise awareness about the importance of the rule of law and to unite Canadians around the shared values of democracy and justice.  

The campaign highlights that while Canadians overwhelmingly support the rule of law, many see cracks in our democratic systems — from access to justice concerns, disinformation and perceived political interference. The campaign is designed to encourage Canadians to learn more about the rule of law and to support important conversations about protecting the rule of law in this country. 

“The Law Society of Alberta is proud to participate in the Ours to Protect campaign, alongside a cross-country coalition of law societies and the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, to educate and unite Canadians around the rule of law,” says Stacy Petriuk, KC, President of the Law Society of Alberta.  

Our goal is to spread awareness by asking the legal profession in Alberta and across the country to view the campaign, and to share it through your personal and professional networks. 

To learn more about Canada’s rule of law and the Ours to Protect campaign visit www.ourstoprotect.ca. 

Together, we can help Canadians better understand why the rule of law is Ours to Protect. 

You are invited to complete a brief five-minute survey to provide your feedback and experience with substantive law competence and continuing professional development (CPD). The survey will be open until midnight on Thursday, Nov. 20, and any responses provided will be kept anonymous and confidential.


The Law Society is increasingly receiving feedback regarding substantive law competence concerns from the judiciary, Benchers, lawyers and other legal stakeholders. Traditionally, the Law Society has left substantive law learning opportunities to other legal stakeholders; however, given the increase in feedback we are receiving, we want to better understand if we can collaborate in this space or find other ways to have a positive impact. 


We do not intend to duplicate existing efforts, as a lot of excellent work is already being done for substantive law competence. But we do believe it’s important to have a clear understanding of any gaps to see if there is a meaningful way that we can contribute.

We are particularly interested in hearing from: 


• internationally trained lawyers; 
• newer lawyers (five years or less since call to the bar);
• lawyers who have recently transitioned or are planning to transition from one practice area to another; and 
• lawyers currently practising in an area of law that changes regularly. 


Each of these areas present unique challenges related to substantive law and your opinions are valuable as we explore this topic.


At the end of the survey, respondents have the option to enter for a chance to win a free course from the Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA) (some exclusions may apply).


View the survey for more information and to provide your feedback. If you have any further questions, please contact our Education department.

Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA) is currently seeking new candidates to join their board of directors. 


PBLA is a non-profit charitable organization that promotes access to justice in Alberta by creating and promoting opportunities for lawyers and other volunteers to provide pro bono (free) legal services to people who would otherwise be unable to afford them. PBLA is not a direct provider of pro bono services to the public; instead, PBLA works with the legal community to encourage pro bono service through varied volunteer opportunities to benefit low-income Albertans seeking legal assistance and community service organizations. 


If you are passionate about access to justice issues and are looking for a way to contribute your talents and ideas to this cause, please consider applying for a board position. Board members attend four to five board meetings and multiple committee meetings per year, either virtually or in person. They are supported financially to travel for board activities as needed.


PBLA is especially interested in candidates who bring experience in financial management and accounting, and candidates who reflect the full diversity of the geographic communities that they serve. 


PBLA is receiving applications until Sunday, Nov. 30. For more information on the position and details on how to apply, visit the PBLA website. 

New Protocol for Evidence Under Section 276 of the Criminal Code

Effective Nov. 3, 2025, the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta will implement a new protocol to make it easier for counsel and unrepresented accused persons to book s.276 pre-trial applications and to have them heard in a timely manner, well in advance of trial.


View the full announcement.

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