Greetings members and colleagues.
I am writing you as the new President of the Calgary Bar Association and to kick off our 134th year of furthering our objects, which are set out in Article 2 of our Bylaws:
The objects of the Association shall be to advance the interests of the legal profession, uphold the honor of the profession of law and encourage cordial intercourse among its members.
We were very busy in 2023 working to fulfil our mandate. Our Judge’s Dinner in March and KC Dinner in September were incredibly well attended. The Stampede Whoop-Up continues to draw bigger crowds. Our 3rd annual Clay Shoot again drew over 100 shooters, and we had a record number of golfers at our Charity Golf Tournament.
The Calgary Bar Association continued our service to our legal profession in a number of ways, once again raising funds to donate to charitable organizations in our Calgary legal community. Last year, we were able to support Student Legal Assistance, Calgary Legal Guidance, and Pro Bono Law Alberta. We look forward to continuing to support our local organizations in 2024.
Our executive has had a few changes and additions. Justice Melanie Gaston left us to serve the greater good on the Court of King’s Bench. Jody Sutherland graciously assumed the Past President role, and we are pleased to welcome Ricki Johnston as our new Middle Member and Micah Chartrand as our new Junior Member. Your 2023/24 executive is as follows:
Aaron Bickman, President
Adriano Iovinelli, KC, Vice President
Zailin Lakhoo, Treasurer
Laura Gill, Secretary
Laura Coward, Senior Member
Ricki Johnston, Middle Member
Micah Chartrand, Junior Member
The executive will be hitting the ground running in the New Year as we work on planning our 2024 events:
BONSPIEL - we are Making Curling Great Again! February 23, 2024 at the Garrison Curling Club. Space is limited so be sure to register early! Neither skill nor experience necessary and we encourage all members to register.
JUDGE’S DINNER - On March 14, 2024, we will be back at the Westin to honour our recent Court appointees. This event sells out quickly - please watch your inbox and our website for announcements. Please remember that you have to be a Calgary Bar Association member to attend.
CLAY SHOOT - this event continues to be popular and on June 21, 2024 we are booked again at the Silver Willow Sporting Club. We will be opening registration in early spring. No equipment or experience is required to participate.
STAMPEDE WHOOP-UP - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it: National on 10th, July 9, 2024. We will again have exclusive use of the facility from the bowling alley to the rooftop. You will be able to find your friendly executive members in their pink Western shirts. Please purchase your membership in advance to avoid lineups at the door (note: the same membership you buy to attend the Judge’s Dinner in March will get you in to the Whoop-Up in July).
CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT - we are back at the Banff Springs Golf Course on September 6, 2024. Stay tuned for registration information sometime in the summer. Please register early as this event SOLD OUT last year.
We are very excited about the year ahead. Please continue to watch our website for updates and please ensure we have your current contact information when you register for your 2023/24 membership. Registration is open online to purchase your 2024 membership.
Cordially yours,
Aaron Bickman
President
Calgary Bar Association