SR Vol 26 No 2, April 2008 - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society

the
SOCIETY
RECORD
VOLUME 26 | NO. 2 | ApRIL 2008
NOVA SCOTIA
BARRISTERS’ SOCIETY
www.nsbs.org
Volunteer Issue
Terry Bartlett Visser of DVL Law gives kids
and literacy a boost at her local area school
(Photo by Catherine Neily/NSBS)
VISION, LEADERSHIP, EXCELLENCE – THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN NOVA
April 2008
SCOTIA
1

Forensic Engineering Services
for Civil Litigation Lawyers
Geotechnology Ltd. is a consulting engineering firm that provides forensic civil engineering, geotechnical, foundation
and environmental engineering services to civil litigation lawyers and insurance personnel.
Forensic Engineering Experience
Geotechnology has 36 years engineering investigative experience in Atlantic Canada, western and northern Canada,
offshore, and overseas in the UK, Australia and the Caribbean.
We have investigated and determined the cause, and assisted in establishing fault, for the six main types of problems and
damage experienced by buildings, civil engineering structures, and property: 1. Structural Collapse and Failure; 2.
Architectural Finish; 3. Functional and Serviceability; 4. Hidden Damage; 5. Monetary Losses, Construction Delays and Cost
Overruns; and, 6. Environmental Contamination.
Engineering and environmental investigations have been completed for most types of civil engineering structures: Buildings;
Bridges; Wharves and Harbour Works; Towers, Storage Tanks; Dams; Pipelines; Drainage Works; Embankments and
Earthworks; Tunnels; Highways; and Motor Vehicle and Industrial Accidents.
Professional Qualifications
Eric Jorden, M.Sc., P.Eng., president of Geotechnology Ltd., has a Master’s degree in geotechnical and foundation
engineering from the University of Birmingham, England. He has a first degree in civil engineering from the University of
New Brunswick, and a diploma in land surveying from the College of Geographic Sciences, NS.
Mr. Jorden writes impartial, unbiased reports and opinions based on the facts. His reports are clear, concise and easily
understood by non-technical readers. He has published a number of engineering papers and co-authored a book on soils,
groundwater and foundation investigation. Mr. Jorden has been qualified by the courts as an expert witness. He is credible
and composed when giving expert testimony, and under cross-examination.
Forensic Engineering Services
(Case management follows project management principles to ensure thorough, cost effective forensic engineering
investigations).
1. Preliminary Forensic Engineering Services
• Assess the technical strengths, weaknesses and merits of a claim for damages based on existing data and
information. Outline the scope of a thorough investigation of the problem, if justified by the initial assessment.
2. Main Forensic Engineering Services
• Carry out field work and laboratory testing to investigate the cause of the problem, the damage to a building or
civil engineering structure, or the reason for the contaminated soil and groundwater. Review engineering
drawings, and applicable engineering and environmental regulations, codes and standards of good practice.
• Analyze, interpret and evaluate the data and investigation findings. Develop conclusions and formulate opinion.
• Determine the cause of the damage, or the reason for the contamination.
• Recommend and design repair and remedial work. Evaluate repair and remedial costs.
3. Additional Forensic Engineering Services
• Assist counsel finalize evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the damage claim based on the findings of
the forensic engineering investigation.
• Help develop litigation strategy for discovery and trial; litigation support.
• Develop lines of questioning for testimony and cross-examination, including questions not to ask.
• Attend discovery and trial, assist counsel by listening to opposing witnesses and experts, identify flaws and errors,
and the strengths and weaknesses of opposing testimony, develop additional lines of questioning.
• Testify as an expert witness at discovery and trial
• Review and audit engineering investigations and environmental assessments and reports by others; dispute resolution.
More Information
Contact Eric Jorden, M.Sc., P.Eng. at Geotechnology Ltd. for more information: Curriculum vitae;
fees; publications and major reports; list of forensic engineering and major investigations; typical
engineering investigations for design and construction, and environmental assessments for site
remediation; professional activities; technical associations.
Geotechnology Ltd.
Forensic Engineers
Civil, Geotechnical, Foundation and Environmental Engineers
23 Roslyn Dr., Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada B2W 2M2
Tel: (902) 435-4939
Fax: (902) 435-5840
E-mail: ejorden@eastlink.ca
Eric Jorden, M.Sc., P.Eng.
Forensic Engineer
Consulting
Professional Engineer
2 The Society Record

Contents
VOLUME 26 | NO.2 | APRIL 2008
the
Society
Record
is published four times
annually by the
Nova Scotia
Barristers’ Society
Suite 1101-1645
Granville Street
Halifax, NS B3J 1X3
(902) 422-1491
Copyright ©2007
Mailed under
Canada Post
publications agreement
number 40069255
Return undeliverable
Canadian addresses to:
Publications
Administrator,
Nova Scotia
Barristers’ Society
Suite 1101,
1645 Granville Street
Halifax NS B3J 1X3
lneily@nsbs.org
5 President’s View
6 Briefs
10 Society News
12 From the desk of the Society’s Equity Officer
13 Comic Relief – Ann Marie MacInnes
14 A Natural Progression – Alanna Robinson
16 An Exceptional Place – Bianca Krueger
17 Paying it Forward in Antigonish – Carole Gillies, Q.C.
18 A Natural Fit – Gregg W. Knudsen
20 Spreading the Good Word – Jasmine Walsh
Pullout section — Vol. 33, No. 2 Nova Scotia Law News
21 Community-Based Giving – Hugh Robichaud
22 Mastering the Juggling Act – Jessica Lyle
23 Too Close to Home – Joel Sellers
25 LIANS
26 Answering a Wake-up Call – Karen Kinley
27 A Truly Rewarding Challenge – Leah (Tinkham) Rimmer
28 A Quest for Excellence – Level Chan
29 An Appalling Statistic – Martina Munden
30 Performing Hearts – Melanie Perry
31 A Matter of Integrity – Royden Trainor
32 In Pursuit of Love – Michael Messenger
34 A Rewarding Addiction – Tanya Jones
37 A Positive Approach – Terry Bartlett Visser
inside
Editor:
Pam Sullivan
psullivan@nsbs.org
Graphic Design:
Lisa Neily
lneily@nsbs.org
page 13 page 20 page 26 page 32
NOVA SCOTIA
BARRISTERS’
SOCIETY
www.nsbs.ns.ca
April 2008 3

Client Development
Attract new clients
SM
with lawyers.com
Promote your firm to potential new clients
with a listing on lawyers.com, the online legal
directory targeted to consumers and small
businesses.
• Market your services to thousands of visitors
each week looking for Canadian lawyers.
• Easily create a presence for your firm on the
Internet or simply drive more traffic to your
existing web site.
• Benefit from our national consumer
marketing campaign aimed at building
awareness and driving traffic to
lawyers.com.
Lawyers.com is also the only consumerdirected
Canadian legal directory on the
web backed by LexisNexis.
Grow your practice.
Gain new business.
To find out more, contact Justin Plesman,
Product Consultant, lawyers.com at
1-800-668-6481, ext. 451
or justin.plesman@lexisnexis.ca.
Your privacy is important to us. LexisNexis Canada uses your information only for the specific purposes for which you have provided it to us and does not provide this information to third parties.
The information you provide to us may be used to notify you of special offers, updated information, and new products and services from LexisNexis Canada. LexisNexis and the Knowledge Burst
logo are registered trademarks, and lawyers.com is a service mark, of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used under licence. © 2008 LexisNexis Canada Inc. All rights reserved.
4 The Society Record

Thank you
As i write this, i am mindful that i am entering my last
quarter-mile lap as President. While i don’t doubt that
my clients (and office staff) will be appreciative of a little
more of my time soon being available, i must admit that i will
be sorry to see the end of this chapter of my professional life. i
can’t think of a better issue for my last column than one devoted
to highlighting the wonderful volunteer work our members have
done, and continue to do, in communities throughout Nova
Scotia.
the
president’s
view
So, what are a few of the memorable moments to date that i
will take away from this year i would have to say i am proudest
of the commitment council members have shown this past
year in carrying out the work of the Society on your behalf. As
volunteers themselves, this is their way of giving back to our
profession – and their good work is to be commended. it was a
turnover year, so getting to know each other, and harnessing a
united sense of purpose was one of our initial challenges; and
without exception, they rose to the occasion. The Testimonial
dinner, held in January (a sold-out event), highlighted for me
the importance of the collegiality our bench and bar enjoys
and celebrates – and rightfully so. The many times i met with
members across the province, whether in large firms or small,
and with varied experience levels and practices, reinforced for
me the strength of our common convictions with respect to the
values of our profession.
in January, council approved a set of governance policies which
document the responsibility and accountability of council, the
role and expectations for volunteers and Management, and the
manner in which all of the above work together for the common
purpose of the Society – namely regulating the practice of law
in the public interest. We have been challenged this year on
what that really means – after all, this has been a year of Philip
Slayton’s “Lawyers are Rats,” and the publication (december
07) by the competition Bureau of a report reviewing how well
lawyers (and others) regulate themselves, and what we should
consider by way of improvements to the way we self-regulate.
Law societies across the country are listening, and responding
to the challenge advanced to them.
i have had many occasions to attend the county Bars which span
the province, and have always been impressed with the interest
shown by members in the issues of the Society. Although there
is no formal county Bar for Halifax, i attended four meetings
with members in HRM, which included government lawyers and
members of the private bar, to talk about the work that the Society
is called upon to do, and to invite both volunteer participation
in committee work, and input into the issues we debate around
the council table.
So, from a sole practitioner in Halifax, to all members across
Nova Scotia, whether in big firms or small - thank you for this
opportunity. i will always wear my council pin proudly, and
recommend you consider where or how you might also volunteer,
whether it be through a contribution of your time to the good
work of the Society, or to the larger community within which you
live and practice.
Catherine S. Walker, QC
This year has both challenged and expanded my comfort zones,
and reinforced for me how rich we are in Nova Scotia in our
justice system, and what a privilege it is to have the opportunity
to contribute to its constant state of change and improvement.
April 2008 5

BrieFs
M e M b e r s o n t h e e d g e
dALHouSie LeGAL Aid SeRvice
has been working with diverse
communities since we signed
our Trust indenture in 1970. We
are committed to supporting
marginalized communities, and
work tirelessly on law reform
projects that can meet the needs of
these communities.
We’re also a teaching clinic that
sees a group of 16 law students
come through the doors every four
months. These students are eager
to learn and do, and are themselves
a diverse group. How can dLAS
ensure that all our students develop
a good understanding of the
diversity of our clients, and of how
to be allies of these communities
enter Keli Bellair and Simon Moll
from the Anti-oppression youth
education Project. This winter, Keli
and Simon facilitated a two-day
workshop with the students on
approaches necessary for an antioppressive
practice of law. Simon
explains how he and Keli developed the Project: “Keli and i
were both involved with grassroots social justice organizations
that wanted to develop their own understanding of how to
engage in anti-oppression work. This sparked our interest in
educating ourselves on this issue, and from there it evolved
into opportunities for us to actually facilitate anti-oppression
workshops.”
The workshop Keli and Simon facilitated with our students
involved a detailed discussion and consideration of power and
privilege, a review of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society ethics
handbook, and development of strategies for becoming an ally.
Keli Bellair from the Anti-Oppression Youth Education Project
The students were pushed and prodded and stretched and
challenged during those two sessions. We think it was an
absolute success, and continue to see the students applying the
principles they learned to their practice of law. Thanks to Keli
and Simon for facilitating such an important, and inspiring,
workshop!
For more information on the Anti-oppression youth education
Project, please contact Keli Bellaire at keli@resist.ca.
6 The Society Record

BrieFs
2008 Testimonial Dinner
The five newly-appointed Justices honoured at the 2008 Testimonial Dinner
Gail Rudderham Chernin Q.C., the Honourable Chief Justice
Joseph P. Kennedy and Philip Star, Q.C.
oN JAN. 11, 2008, THe SocieTy HoNouRed Five NeWLyappointed
Justices: The Honourable Justice Wyman W. Webb;
The Honourable Justice N.M. (Nick) Scaravelli; The Honourable
Justice valerie A. Miller; The Honourable Justice Lawrence i.
o’Neil; and the Honourable Justice Patrick J. duncan. over
300 lawyers and judges attended this sold-out event where the
honourees were feted in a spirit of fun, humour, and collegiality.
IMLA 2007 Canadian Scholarship recipient
MARK RieKSTS, dePARTMeNT oF JuSTice, LeGAL SeRviceS
division, was named the 2007 canadian Scholarship recipient
by the international Municipal Lawyers’ Association (iMLA). As
the canadian Scholarship recipient for 2007, Mark presented
his paper “Payments in Lieu of Taxes – A Legal Perspective”
at iMLA’s annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, october
28-31, 2007.
April 2008 7

BrieFs
Call to the Bar
Naiomi (far left) taking her Declaration of Admission at the March 7th Call to the Bar
oN MARcH 7TH, 2008 NAioMi
Metallic was admitted as a lawyer
to the Nova Scotia bar. Ms. Metallic
is the first person admitted to the
Nova Scotia bar to take her declaration
on Admission in three languages:
english, French and Mi’gmaq.
Naiomi received her LL.B. from
dalhousie Law School and her LL.L
from the university of ottawa. Between
2006-2007 she worked as a
law clerk for the Honourable Justice
Michel Bastarache of the Supreme
court of canada, before returning to
Nova Scotia to complete her articles
with Burchell Hayman Parish, where
she continues to work – though now
as an associate lawyer.
IB&M Minister’s
Reception
THe 8TH ANNuAL iB&M Minister’s
Reception was held on
January 23rd at the Art Gallery of
Nova Scotia. This event, hosted
this year by the Honourable cecil
clarke, Minister of Justice
and Attorney General, is held for
dal iB&M and other Black and
Aboriginal students/alumni.
The iB&M initiative was established
at dalhousie Law School
in 1989 with the purpose of reducing
structural and systemic
discrimination by increasing the
representation of indigenous
Blacks and Mi’kmaq in the legal
profession.
Burtley Francis and Ted Tax
Chief Justice Michael MacDonald & M. Gerard Tompkins Q.C.
8 The Society Record

BrieFs
Thanks to all of the Skills Course Volunteers
The Society wishes to extend a huge thank you to all of the lawyers and judges who volunteer with the Bar Admission Skills Course.
Do their contributions make a difference Here’s what some of this year’s articled clerks had to say:
The practitioners who volunteered their time, experience, and
knowledge, contributed significantly by helping us to develop
many of the practice skills that are not included as part of the law
school curriculum. The increased level of confidence that many
bar course participants experience following the completion of
the program is very much attributable to the assistance provided
by these volunteers.
– Ian Joyce, Blois Nickerson & Bryson
The feedback and evaluations by all the volunteers was
invaluable in making the Skills course a successful educational
experience. your experience and advice are greatly appreciated.
– Bradley A. Bates, McInnes Cooper
i particularly enjoyed the Skills course sessions on introducing
exhibits. our speaker, James Martin, gave an excellent overview
of the procedural rules surrounding exhibits, as well as how
to avoid common problems. The volunteers who watched us
make what might be our first attempt at introducing an exhibit
demonstrated a great deal of patience. After just a few attempts
i felt more confident, and i hope they noticed as big a difference
as i did.
– Sarah Pottle, Cox & Palmer
i was charged with the task of discovering John Smithers [at
a mock discovery] and it was one of the best experiences i had
during the course. John made me work hard to get the answers i
was after. John constructively criticized my performance and he
did it in such a positive way, i walked out feeling energized and
confident. What i learned professionally though the experience, i
will put to use every time i do a discovery. Thank you to John and
all of the incredible volunteers.
– Don Grant, MacIntosh MacDonnell MacDonald
[deborah Gillis, Q.c.] volunteered to be the opposing party
[at my] mock discovery. She gave extremely useful comments
after the exercise. She gave all of the clerks her card and made
us all aware that we were welcome to call her for any reason
after the bar course was over. upon my return to my law firm, i
was assigned the task of doing research on conflicts for a lunch
and learn with both lawyers and staff. i called Ms. Gillis. She
remembered who i was and was more than happy to assist me
with useful resources and suggestions. She drove an hour out
of her way to come and speak to the firm on a day’s notice. Ms.
Gillis’s efforts certainly left an impression on me and made me
feel secure that the legal community in Nova Scotia offers young
lawyers the assistance they need at the start of their careers.
– Beth Newton, Patterson Law
i was fortunate enough to take the bar course when a highprofile
criminal trial was taking place at the Provincial court on
Spring Garden Road. our class was able to see david Bright, Q.c.
do a direct examination on his client. one week later, Mr. Bright
was standing at the front of our bar course classroom educating
roughly twenty-five articled clerks on just about anything we
wanted to know about trial advocacy. These volunteers must
know we truly appreciate them taking the time out of their busy
schedules to help us get a glimpse of what practising law is really
like. They don’t expose us to this stuff in law school!
– Alex Pink, Pink Star Murphy Barro
My moot court experience was fantastic. in addition to
building my litigation skills, my moot court group was fortunate
to receive detailed and insightful feedback from our moot court
judge, chief Justice Macdonald. From my perspective, moot
court was the highlight of the bar course.
– Maggie Stewart, Stewart McKelvey
April 2008 9

society
news
ADMISSIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
ouR LAWyeRS LeARNiNG iNiTiATive (LLi) WAS LAuNcHed
in February, and will involve over 100 lawyers, clients,
professionals and staff before the project is through. The LLi is
an exciting outreach initiative aimed at instilling and supporting
a culture of competence in the legal profession, ensuring that our
membership is best equipped to meet the needs of these rapidly
changing times. Through exploring six different streams: Lawyers,
Leadership and excellence, Prosperous Living/Prosperous
Practice, Trust and the Law, Technology and the Law, diversity and
the Law, and Recruitment and Retention/intergenerational change
we will gain new insight, data, and tools that will form the basis
of the Society’s continuing Professional development approach
and curriculum. Additionally, the process will yield important
insights about the profession, strategies for successful practice,
and significant networking opportunities for participants.
The online Land Registration Act course will launch this spring,
offering lawyers the opportunity to take the course when they
need it, and from the comfort of their own offices. dates will be
posted as they become available.
We are presently actively developing our education program
for the new civil Procedure Rules. All practising lawyers will be
required to complete an online review of the Rules and those
practising more than 20 per cent in the area of civil Litigation
will need to complete a 7-hour course. These will be offered in
the fall in all parts of the province by a wide variety of providers.
Members will receive regular updates through inForum.
our Lunch & Law seminars continue to be a popular and
convenient way to gain access to education and networking for
our members, with more than half a dozen lunch programs on
topics including immigration, law firm finance, ethics, criminal
law, drafting, foreclosures, judgments and changes to the Real
estate Brokerage industry since december. in addition to the
teleconference option we have recently introduced a Webinar
feature which enables remote participants to follow along with
the presentation on their computer. if you have a topic you would
like to see in a lunch and law seminar, please let us know.
oveR THe NeXT SeveRAL MoNTHS, THe TRuST AccouNTS
committee will be considering changes to the Society’s Trust
Account Monitoring process. The committee has received a
synopsis of the approach used by the other Law Societies across
canada and will be considering whether changes to the Nova
Scotia Barristers’ Society’s system are warranted.
The Trust Account committee is also working on modifications
to the existing regulations to ensure that the regulations provide
the level of protection expected of the Society while matching the
operational realities of Lawyers’ practices. Any regulation changes
will be approved by council and will appear in future council
Highlights.
The canadian Payments Association is planning to do away
with the return of cancelled cheques. in their stead, financial
institutions will provide customers with digital images of the
cheques. A task force of representatives of law societies from
across the country is working to ensure there will be sufficient
appropriate audit evidence to support transactions through
lawyers’ trust accounts. in any event, this change will require
another change in the Society’s Regulations.
By the time you read this, the Finance committee will have
recommended the 2008/2009 budget and membership fee
to council. council is slated to approve both the budget and
the membership fee at its April 25, 2008 meeting. invoices to
members will be on their way in early May with payment due by
the end of June.
in addition to our Annual Meeting in June, Professionalism in
Practice, the Society is also hosting the following conferences in
the first part of 2008: Class Proceedings Act, Companies Act, and
Professional Regulation. We hope to see you at one of them!
As always, for more information or to offer feedback, you can
contact claudia chender MacLellan at cchender@nsbs.org.
10 The Society Record

society
news
LIBRARY & INFORMATION SERVICES
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
iN THe LAST iSSue, THiS coLuMN ouTLiNed THe SocieTy’S
new continuing professional development offering called
Desktop: Enhancing Access to Free Online Resources. The project
provides one-on-one training, or in some cases group training,
in members’ offices throughout the province, with the goal of
instructing lawyers on how to use free, online legal resources.
This training initiative was developed through Library &
information Services (L&iS) and is generously funded through a
grant provided by the Law Foundation of Nova Scotia.
Suzan Hebditch, a librarian with over 25 years of law library
experience, has been travelling throughout the province to
provide the desktop training to members, and the response
to the program has been phenomenal. Since the start of the
training project in November 2007, over 200 solo practitioners
and members in small firms have benefitted from the training.
Suzan has not only trained practising lawyers in these offices,
but legal assistants and paralegals, as well. She has also
conducted presentations to students in the paralegal programs
at the Springhill and dartmouth campuses of the Nova Scotia
community college, and plans are in the works to make
presentations to public librarians in the province.
The delivery of this initiative has resulted in many positive
comments from members about the wealth of time-saving
resources available at their fingertips. Suzan, the trainer, says,
“i continue to be impressed by the enthusiasm of members
regarding this project. We have a long waiting list and a very
solidly booked schedule. Members are clearly impressed with
the quality and depth of the free research tools – Law News
online and Secondary Sources, in particular. coupled with the
growing value of canLii’s offerings, the playing field regarding
access to case and statutory law is equalizing for all Nova Scotia
lawyers. The Society, through L&iS, is delivering a quality offering
to lawyers at their desktop, and at their convenience, by training
members throughout the province.”
Training sessions are now wrapping up before a spring-summer
hiatus, but Suzan will resume training in mid-october 2008
and continue into 2009 as she once again makes her way
around the province. Attempts will be made to follow up with
solo practitioners and small firms who missed out the first
time around, and members and staff at some of the larger
firms in Nova Scotia will be targeted. To learn more about the
desktop project, please contact staff at L&iS by telephoning
1-866-219-1202 or 425-BooK (2665), or by sending an e-mail to
nsbslib@nsbs.org.
THe PRoFeSSioNAL ReSPoNSiBiLiTy dePARTMeNT ReMAiNS
a very busy place this New year – with a steady increase in the
number and complexity of complaints received. And when we’re
busy, our volunteers typically are as well.
This department relies heavily on the knowledge and experience
of the volunteer members of our many committees: the
complaints investigation committee, Hearing committee,
Professional Responsibility Policies and Procedures committee,
ethics and Professional Responsibility committee and Lawyers’
Fund for client compensation committee. There are 64
different members and public representatives working on these
committees alone. These volunteers help with investigations of
complaints and claims, assist with preparation of reports, chair
and/or participate in numerous unscheduled meetings, review
inches of documents and materials on a regular basis, and
come to meetings with open minds and a solid knowledge of the
Act, Regulations, Standards, and rules of ethics. Without these
dedicated individuals, the work of this department would come to
a screeching halt. Further, our public representatives help ensure
that our processes are open, transparent, and accountable.
As you may be aware, the mandate of the Society is the protection
of the public, however the provision of services to our membership
is in the forefront of everything we do. The committees which
assist in the work of this department represent the membership as
a whole: volunteers from large and small firms, sole practitioners,
government and legal aid, and those who practice in both urban
and rural settings. We have public representatives on most of our
committees, and they provide invaluable feedback on the public
opinion generally about lawyers and the work that we do. it is our
hope that the diversity of the volunteers on these committees
gives the Society’s membership some comfort that decisions are
being made which reflect the values of the whole.
in terms of volunteering, there is no doubt that our members
recognize the value of giving back to the community – which
they do in many unique and wonderful ways. Similarly, they give
back to the legal community itself by serving on one or more of
the Society’s committees.
The Professional Responsibility department would therefore like to
take this opportunity to thank our volunteers for giving so tirelessly
of themselves; dedicating so much time and effort to ensuring
that the public is being well-served by their legal professionals. The
work these volunteers do both helps to educate the membership,
while at the same time increasing public confidence in the
workings of our justice system.
April 2008 11

From the desk
of the Society’s
Equity
Officer
Volunteering:
Being the Change You Want
Sherry Hassanali
Equity Officer
I
am a great admirer of the late
Mohandas (Mahatma “Great
Soul”) Karamchand Gandhi.
The reasons are many: Gandhi
campaigned for the alleviation of poverty, for the liberation of
women, for brotherhood amongst different religious and ethnic
groups, for an end to untouchability and the caste discrimination,
for the economic self-sufficiency of his nation, for the independence
of India from foreign domination (Swaraj), and above
all, he inspired movements for civil rights and freedoms across
the world. Like many great visionaries, he is often quoted for his
pieces of life wisdom. His most famous and most often quoted
line “Be the change you want to see in the world” is very much
like Gandhi – simple and yet profound. While Gandhiji was being
the change he wanted to see for his nation and the larger world,
he was volunteering his time. He was unpaid for his labours of
love. He truly set the tone as a role-model for volunteerism.
The almost 12 million volunteers in Canada (who contributed
almost 2 billion volunteer hours last year alone) are people from
all walks of life, at all ages and stages. What they have in common
is their desire to make a difference in their communities
and in their own life by giving of their time and expertise. Simply
put, volunteers make a difference in the lives of others.
Research shows that volunteers are involved in virtually every
aspect of society including health, education, social services,
youth, sports and recreation, culture, the arts, and the environment.
Some volunteers give just one hour of time each week,
others devote many hours. Volunteers are involved in one-time
events as well as ongoing commitments. Some choose to volunteer
out in the community, whereas others are virtual volunteers
and do their volunteering from the comfort of home. Volunteers
can work on their own or with others, do hands-on work or volunteer
at an administrative or leadership level.
extend human resource development and the corporate social
responsibility profile of the company. The Nova Scotia Barristers’
Society can be seen as a leader in this realm as it actively
encourages its employees to volunteer their time and participate
in organizations.
As the Equity Officer, I am a huge proponent of volunteering as
I see its many benefits, not the least of which is the role it plays
in helping to push the issues of equity and diversity forward in a
very positive and inclusive manner. Volunteers give to both the
organization and the larger community – for the betterment of
all, which in turn helps to build peace and harmony amongst and
between all people.
Gandhi would be pleased.
Sherida Sherry Hassanali is the Society’s Equity Officer. She has
spent countless, joyful years volunteering with Unicef Nova Scotia,
the Multicultural Association of Nova Scotia, the Multicultural Education
Council of Nova Scotia, and Pier 21 to name just a few. She
can be reached at 422-1491 or shassanali@nsbs.org.
Volunteer Canada says that some volunteers have the support
of their employers and are permitted to modify their work hours
in order to take part in volunteer activity. A growing body of research
and business literature shows a multitude of benefits to
companies that have active employer-supported volunteer programs.
This new resource focuses on the mounting evidence of
the significant payoffs to employers who support and encourage
their employees to do volunteer work. Benefits include, but
are not limited to, increased employee motivation and loyalty,
increased investment, more media attention, lower absenteeism,
and higher productivity, all of which makes good business
sense. Employers see organized volunteer activities as a way to
12 The Society Record

Comic Relief
An insider account of Sydney lawyer Sheldon Nathanson’s inner “character”
Cartoon characters, screaming children, lawyers, police, social
workers, the press… is this the latest episode of the Trailer
Park Boys on trial No! In Cape Breton, this past Christmas,
it was the latest volunteer effort of Sheldon Nathanson and friends.
Sheldon’s family has a long history of community service in Cape
Breton (his father Herman is one of the founders of the annual
Santa Claus parade), and everyone knows that Sheldon loves cartoon
characters, so this year he decided to combine the two.
Purchasing over 40 costumes, including Bart Simpson, Elmo, Cookie
Monster, and of course, Mickey Mouse, Sheldon asked a few of his
friends to agree to wear the costumes and participate in the four local
Santa Claus Parades. Well, I can tell you, it’s the closest to feeling like
a rock star that most of us will ever get! The children screamed and
waved and hugged and laughed, and the parents loved it too. People
were obviously appreciative of his efforts, and commented on how
much it meant to the local communities.
Sheldon also arranged for some of us to dress up and visit the local
hospital. We were given the chance to see both kids and adults in the
pediatric ward, the palliative care ward, as well as the ER. Just to see
the smiling faces of the patients was incredibly gratifying. We were
accompanied by a youth choir from a local parish and they had a
fun time trying to lead us all
around the hospital (and had
a great laugh as we bumped
into walls and each other!!)
Ann Marie MacInnes
Nova Scotia Legal Aid – Sydney office
There was a wide-ranging group of participants in these efforts which
included police, members of the press, social workers, members of
the public, and a gang of lawyers. The lawyers who participated
were: Frank Elman (retired), Shane Russell, Dan MacRury, John K.
MacDonald, Andrea Rizzatto, Gerald MacDonald, Luke Wintermans,
Cheryl Morrison, John W. MacDonald, David Muise, Steve Drake,
Mark Zinck (Articled Clerk), Steve Melnick, Sheldon Nathanson,
and me. Some of us even dragged our spouses along.
Now, I’m not at liberty to disclose who played which character, but
let’s just say, some of us were extremely well-suited to our cartoon
alter-egos.
Plans are already in the works for next year and Sheldon has already
ordered more costumes. He thanked us for our help, but it was we
who were grateful. It was a tremendous amount of fun and I think
we got more out of it than anybody else – and perhaps that’s the way
volunteering should be!
April 2008 13

A Natural
Progression
“ People are gonna know my name.” Demetreous Beals often said this to his family and friends,
little knowing that his vision would someday become reality. However, he would not live to see
it because he drowned while swimming with friends in Lake Banook last June.
Alanna Robinson
Wickwire Holme
With the support of Demetreous’s family, the Lifesaving Society
– Nova Scotia Branch (the “Society”), established the Demetreous
Beals Memorial Fund. All proceeds of the fund support the
Society’s Swim to Survive program, a survival skills swimming
program aimed at helping underprivileged youth enjoy aquatic recreation.
Swim to Survive teaches children the minimum swim skills they need to survive an unexpected fall
into deep water, namely, rolling into deep water – and learning to re-orient themselves to be able to
get out, treading water for one minute, and swimming for 50 metres.
This past summer, the Society, the Dartmouth Sportsplex, and the Banook Canoe Club partnered to
provide the survival swim classes - with funding from the Society—to children at the Dartmouth Boys
and Girls Club. Swim to Survive prepares children for unexpected situations; an especially important
fact given that most drownings occur close to shore, often with the casualty having had no actual
intention of even going into the water.
Our newest partnership—with all of the Boys and Girls Clubs in Nova Scotia—will see Swim to
Survive offered province-wide this year.
The Lifesaving Society is a not-for-profit society with a long history of providing services to youth
throughout Nova Scotia. Our mission is to make Nova Scotia a water smart and water active province
through prevention, education, and leadership training. Nationwide, the Lifesaving Society is known
as Canada’s lifeguarding expert. Many people are familiar with us through our oldest award, the Bronze
Medallion, but may not know that we also administer the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service (“NSLS”), which
supervises many provincial beaches, such as Queensland and Rainbow Haven. Since NSLS was established
in 1973, there has not been a single drowning at any swimming area while supervised by personnel.
During that time, NSLS has supervised over 14.7 million people and performed over 2,700 rescues.
The Society is part of a commonwealth society that was established in England in 1891 under the
name The Swimmers’ Life Saving Society. In 1904, when the society came to Canada we were known
as the Royal Life Saving Society. Today, Canadians know us as the Lifesaving Society.
I’ve always loved the water so it was a natural progression for me to become a lifeguard. I spent eight
years on the pool deck and then became a volunteer on the board of directors, eventually being elected
president in 2004. I also serve on the board of directors of NSLS.
The first time I rescued someone the feeling was incredible. The only part I remember is seeing a boy
go down the slide and not come up. Then I remember chucking that kid on the side of the pool.
Whoops! That was the day I was introduced to adrenaline. I may not be able to swim as fast as I once
did, and I may not smell like chlorine any more, but I do get the same adrenaline rush when one of
our public education campaigns is a huge success, or when I present a rescue award to a six-year-old
girl for saving an elderly gentleman who was drowning in a pool.
I believe that every child must learn how to swim, and we finally have a way to reach that goal. About
2,000 children have participated in Swim to Survive since it was introduced last summer. And this is
only the beginning.

Alanna Robinson volunteers with the
Lifesaving Society – Nova Scotia Branch
April 2008 15

An Exceptional Place
I
completed my legal studies with a final winter semester in 2003
completed my legal studies with a final winter semester in 2003
at the Dalhousie Legal Aid Clinic (aka the Clinic, DLAS) – what
a great way to end those three years of study! Thereafter, I began
working with youth through the Restorative Justice Program, when
Donna Franey (Executive Director at the clinic) contacted me to see
if I would be interested in a Community member position with the
board of directors, for which I eagerly applied. Any student who has
done a term at the clinic knows how wonderful an opportunity it is
to stay involved, once the term is over and the case files have been
transferred to another student.
As many of you may know, the clinic has been in operation since 1970.
It is a community-based legal service which represents individual
clients who qualify for legal aid assistance as well as provides education,
lobbying, and test case litigation to fight injustices affecting persons
in poverty in Nova Scotia.
I have remained on the board since February 2004, having completed
a two-year term as a Community member and a two-year term as
a Legal member (once I decided
to practice traditional law). I am
currently finishing my year term as
chair of the board, ending March of
this year.
Bianca Krueger
Harvey Manthorne Wilson
The staff, students, faculty, lawyers and board members involved
with the clinic make it the exceptional place it is. The dedication
and loyalty to this clinic is one of the main reasons I found it such an
attractive and rewarding volunteer experience. There are not many
organizations that can claim to have such long-term employees with
almost a zero turnover rate.
Since the volunteer experience began for me at the clinic, I have been
involved in lots of creative brainstorming sessions, interesting debates,
and much learning - not to mention the ‘obligatory’ mushroom garlic
pizza. To those who are considering a future volunteer term on the
DLAS board - always keep the pizza in mind, and, of course, the oneof-a-kind
experience you’ll receive from time spent at the clinic.
16 The Society Record

Paying it forward in
Antigonish
In Antigonish, they say that if you really listen you can hear
bagpipes; at least I usually can, but then again, I’ve just finished a
term as President of the Antigonish Highland Society. This group
was formed in 1861 and sponsors the oldest continuous Highland
Games outside Scotland. I joined in 1988, soon after graduating from
Dalhousie Law School, and moving to Antigonish. This year, they are
preparing for the 145th Games, to be held from July 18th to 20th,
featuring the Canadian Ancient Heavy Events Championships, the
New Scotland Highland Dancing Championship, and lots of piping
and terrific Celtic music in the Highland Heart of Nova Scotia.
Carole Gillies, Q.C.
chisholm & Gillies
The Antigonish Highland Games are one of Nova Scotia’s signature
events, with participants from all over Canada and the world. And
it isn’t just about the music; it’s also about the wonderful work of
our volunteers – who make the event a reality – complete with huge
economic spin-off for our region each summer.
This year, my volunteer work finds me serving on the board of
directors for Recovery House Society, a residential treatment center
for addictions. In 2007, after years in temporary premises, Recovery
House Society bought its own house in the Town of Antigonish. The
board is working on fundraising to reduce the mortgage debt, and
adding a women’s treatment program, since there are few programs
for women with addictions.
Recovery House has been under-funded. Many clients in legal
conflicts are impacted by their own or their partners’ addictions, and
exit surveys indicate 98 per cent satisfaction with the Recovery House
program, so this is a really good cause.
Over the years, while trying to keep up with my children’s school and
sports activities, I’ve volunteered as a fundraiser for the Canadian
Cancer Society, and served on the boards and committees of the
Antigonish Women’s Association, the Pictou-Antigonish Regional
Library, and Scotia Highland Dancers. I also do some pro bono work
for two Women’s Shelters in the region when I can.
I’ve also had the privilege to serve as President of the Antigonish-
Guysborough Barristers’ Society, and on Regional Council and on the
Executive Committee of CBA-Nova Scotia. The CBA provides great
advocacy for lawyers, and the Nova Scotia Branch is very strong.
This sounds like a lot, but I’ve been around for a while, and people in
our area are generous with their support. As lawyers, with the benefit
of such a great education, we should be prepared to give back to our
community, and I think most of us do.
It’s almost like the Pay It Forward movement which came out of
Catherine Ryan Howard’s book and movie of the same name; I think
we can all do something good and pass it on.
April 2008 17

A Natural Fit
The financial press has been full of articles over the past several
years discussing changes in the Federal Budgets positively
affecting charitable planned giving. The legal profession
is required to keep abreast of the ever-changing developments in
estate and tax law to meet our professional obligations and client
expectations. However, it also offers a unique way for practitioners in
the estate bar to contribute.
Many charitable institutions have planned giving personnel in their
development offices who assist prospective donors and provide
guidance on how donated funds can be used. Many are knowledgeable
and experienced, however, they require additional expertise to help
their donors understand strategies and, for themselves, to understand
what is being proposed by their donors’ professional and financial
advisors. Estate lawyers are a natural fit to provide this expertise due
to our experience and on-going training in this area.
However tax effective it may be,
it is the desire to “do good” that
motivates donors.
Lawyers may be asked to provide public education seminars or
newsletters on charitable giving. The subject can involve fundamental
estate planning, such as the importance of a will or procedure for
probate, or practical discussions such as ensuring the charity can
fulfill a donor’s expectations, a point brought home when a client
asked if it made sense to give $5000 to a university to build a law
school where one was not even contemplated. You might simply take
a call from a planned giving officer who is looking for a source of
general information.
A simple strategy, such as donating a position in a publicly traded
stock to charity, can create several tax benefits. However tax effective
it may be, it is the desire to “do good” that motivates donors. For
example, the financial press may be filled with facts and figures of how
the changes in the Income Tax Act have led to increased contributions.
However, the clients and charities prefer to discuss the way these
donations have benefited a foundation’s lunch program or a hospital’s
need for equipment.
Personally, I volunteer with
the Dalhousie Planned Giving
Advisory Board where we review
strategies being proposed for
Gregg W. Knudsen
RBC Dominion Securities
donations and provide guidance to the Development Office in their
efforts. I have written and spoken for others, including the Dalhousie
Medical Research Foundation, several Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, the
Nova Scotia Nature Trust, and the Saint Community Foundation in
New Brunswick. I have also lectured to the Canadian Association of
Gift Planners.
I am always excited to learn how these organizations have been able
to continue or develop many valuable programs from their planned
giving efforts. At Dalhousie, in one meeting we learned of new
scholarships and university projects funded in whole or in part by
alumni and supporters’ contributions through planned giving.
There are many esteemed colleagues who volunteer in this way:
Ed Harris, Q.C., is the Chair of the Dalhousie Planned Giving
Advisory Board; Richard Niedermayer’s efforts are spread throughout
the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia’s website – as a result of his
successful term as President; John Arnold, Q.C.; Tim Matthews,
Q.C.; Peter Sodero, Q.C.; and Catherine Watson all have contributed
in this area. There are others within HRM and across the province
as well.
This in no way limits our obligations to our clients. A lawyer preparing
a will, trust, or undertaking any estate planning strategy, must advise
his or her clients on their obligations, for example, pursuant to the
Testators Family Maintenance Act and ensure their planning reflects
their testamentary intentions. It is only those clients who want to
benefit charity, and are able to do so, that discuss planned giving.
Obviously, you never suggest a beneficiary. We are required to keep
up to date on the continuously changing developments in this area of
law to meet our professional obligations and clients’ expectations.
Planned giving, and the volunteer opportunities it creates, create
numerous benefits to all concerned. I encourage anyone with
an interest in this area to discuss it with their favourite charitable
organization.
18 The Society Record

Gregg W. Knudsen
April 2008 19

Spreading
the Good Word
Word on the Street is an annual not-for-profit national
book and magazine festival with one-day festivals in
Vancouver, Toronto, Kitchener and Halifax on a Sunday
in September. Members of the writing, publishing and literacy
communities are brought together to advance Word on the Street’s
stated goals: celebrating reading and advocating literacy.
As I’m sure is the case with most lawyers, I was a bookworm as a
young person and remain personally interested in reading (whenever
there’s time!) on my off hours. The importance of literacy and the
relevance of the printed word to our community have always been
clear to me.
Word on the Street aims to ensure that the printed word is accessible
to all by providing a fun and family-friendly event at no cost to
attendees. There is much to do and see at the festival for readers of
all ages.
The Halifax festival was traditionally held on Spring Garden Road,
but has moved off the street in response to the unpredictability of
maritime weather and is currently held at the Pier 23 Cunard Centre.
Always a fan of Word on the Street, I was quick to become involved
on a volunteer basis when the opportunity arose.
I have been a volunteer director
with Word on the
Street (Halifax) for one year.
The board is comprised of
Jasmine Walsh
Mcinnes cooper
members of the festival’s stakeholder communities, and includes
representatives of the publishing, bookselling, education and library
communities. Recently, I also agreed to sit on the National Board of
Directors for Word on the Street, an umbrella organization providing
oversight and continuity to the local festivals.
It has always been my personal commitment to maintain involvement
in the community despite the pressure that practice can exert on my
time. As lawyers, I believe we have much to offer to community
organizations and to the not-for-profit sector. Equally, the return on
that investment can be abundant; the key, for me, is aligning myself
with organizations that are consonant with my personal interests and
values. In that respect, Word on the Street is a great fit.
I encourage all members of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society to
bring their families to this year’s Word on the Street festival, which is
taking place on September 28, 2008.
20 The Society Record

Community-
Based Giving
In May of 2006 I had the privilege of relocating with my expanding
family (Angela, Eli and Mia) to a farmhouse in Meteghan River
along the French Acadian shore of Nova Scotia. It was a return to
a community that I had missed for quite some time.
As time went on I quickly became aware that the economy was not
as it had been when I left the region in 1993. When I left “the Bay”
to pursue my education, the lobster and ground fish sectors of the
economy were generating ample opportunity and employment in
the region. Along the road every second residence seemed to house
someone who was earning a generous income from the fishery. That
is not the case today.
Our largely resource-dependent economy has struggled with the
increasing Canadian dollar and struggling economy. Accordingly,
there has been a noticeable migration of skilled trades people
from the region to destinations in central and western Canada -
where employment and opportunity abound. Early in 2007 I was
approached by the manager of a local bank to sit as a Director on the
Board of Directors of the Chambre de Commerce de Clare (Clare
Chamber of Commerce). I accepted immediately and have taken part
in a number of meetings since then.
I am in the process of assisting them with a revision of their
constitution and have helped them promote the development of the
region’s various business interests. The Board of Directors, which
meets monthly for a breakfast meeting at a local bed and breakfast,
consists of enthusiastic individuals who all dedicate time and energy
to promoting economic development in the community.
One particularly successful project was the convincing of a cellular
phone service provider to install a tower to provide coverage in
Church Point and surrounding areas; a zone where cellular phone
coverage was minimal to non-existent. The cellular phone provider
worked diligently with the Chamber of Commerce and agreed to
erect a tower to service the area. The entire community benefitted
from this effort.
The Chamber of Commerce was also instrumental in promoting an
information session on identity theft and a regional retail initiative
entitled “Magasiner la Baie,” a program where several merchants
banded together in an advertising program designed to promote local
shopping.
Volunteering has played a part in my life for as long as I can remember.
I personally feel that the professional designation that I have acquired
comes with certain responsibilities, one of which includes devotion
and dedication to the surrounding community. Our education and
professional formation allows us to serve others who do not have that
same education and training.
We must do so without
financial reward as much as
possible. In closing, I’d have
Hugh Robichaud
Hugh Robichaud Law inc.
to say that the greatest satisfaction in my professional life comes from
my devotion to my community.
Expert Consulting
Forensic Engineers
Investigations - Litigation Support
MVAs
Fires
A. D. Tupper, P. Eng.,CFEI, CFII
Since 1975
Construction
Problems
Failure Analyses
A. D. Tupper &
Associates Limited
318-1657 Barrington St, Halifax, N.S. B3J 2A1
www.adtal.com atupper@adtal.com
902-422-8561
April 2008 21

Mastering the Juggling Act
I
am currently on maternity leave, and yet quite a few members
Iam currently on maternity leave, and yet quite a few members
of our legal community have seen me just as regularly over the
past year as when I’m at work, except now I’m always with my
daughter, Ella, in tow. This year has served to highlight to me just
how much time many of us lawyers devote to volunteering.
In my case, my volunteer responsibilities are largely attributable to
the Canadian Bar Association - Nova Scotia (“CBANS”) Branch. To
a lesser degree, they are attributable to the Canadian Bar Association
nationally, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, and No Fly Zone dog
club. Let me explain.
Regarding CBANS, I am in my third year as Chair of the Young
Lawyers’ Section. In that role, I am clearly responsible for organizing
section meetings and other activities that appeal to my members.
However, with that role also comes a seat on other CBANS
committees, specifically the Executive Committee, the Sections
Committee, and the Professional Development Committee. As chair,
I am also a member of the national Young Lawyers’ Directorate of
the CBA. Consequently, Ella and I are, at a minimum, at two CBA
meetings a month, not including other sections I am involved in, or
Council meetings!
Ella has also enjoyed attending Gender Equity Committee meetings
with me at the NSBS. I am in the second year of a two-year term
on that committee. I also mentioned No Fly Zone. This group is
essentially a flyball club (a dog sport with which some of you may
be familiar) from which my two dogs and myself get immense
enjoyment. I am currently acting as President of the club, though
honestly (and gratefully!), this role
is not remotely as onerous as being
team captain.
Jessica Lyle
Scotia Private client Group
In any event, as I mentioned, this past year has made me reflect,
on several occasions, upon the extent to which we lawyers are busy
with our volunteer efforts. Whether it is organizing meetings of
our peers, organizing conferences for our peers, sitting on boards
and executives of various volunteer entities, or sitting on regularly
meeting committees, we are all busy. On more than one occasion
I have remarked to people this year that I don’t know how I had
time for office work with all of my responsibilities outside of the
office, and honestly, I’m still not sure how I managed before going
on parental leave!
Many people have been surprised that I continue to do all of these
things, particularly while on leave. In retrospect, a part of me chides
myself for not putting all of those activities on hold for at least this
past year. However, that part of me is small. The reality is that I have
volunteered in some form or another, often for more than one thing at
a time, for as long as I can remember. I don’t think of my involvement
so much in terms of how it benefits others, but rather that it would
be pure laziness for me not to be involved somehow. Of course, I do
plan to cut back now that I’m back at work and juggling all of that
with two little kids, one teenager, two dogs, and a husband. But the
bottom line is that as long as I (and/or someone else) think I can add
something to some effort or group, and so long as it won’t result in
me neglecting my family, I will always consider volunteering.
22 The Society Record

Too Close to Home
In 1999, a group of breast cancer survivors in Pictou County formed
a dragon boat team called Women Alike Abreast a River. One of the
objectives of the team was to help women living with breast cancer
understand that they could lead full active lives despite the physical
limitations imposed by the disease. Over the next several years, the sight
of these courageous women paddling in perfect unison on the East
River in New Glasgow was an inspiration to our entire community.
The inspiration was such that, in 2002, a group of community
members formed the New Glasgow Dragon Boat Society with the
intent of raising funds through a Dragon Boat Festival in support
of Women Alike and other worthwhile community charities. The
event was immediately successful and quickly became an annual
event. Over the course of its first six years, the festival has attracted
thousands of dragon boat racers from across Nova Scotia and beyond,
and raised in excess of $600,000.
Since the inception of the festival, Mac Mac & Mac has been proud
to participate both as a sponsor and by placing a team in the event. I
personally became involved in the festival four years ago, first as legal
counsel to the board and later as Vice-President. In late 2006 I was
elected President. Little did I know at that time how breast cancer
was going to touch the lives of all the lawyers and staff at Mac Mac &
Mac repeatedly and painfully in 2007.
Over the course of the next few months two of our long-standing
and much valued paralegals received the terrible diagnosis. In July, a
third staff member succumbed to the disease after a long and valiant
battle. These blows were devastating to all of us. At the same time,
the dignity, humour, and grace with
which these three women faced their
challenges was truly inspirational.
Joel Sellers
Mac Mac & Mac
One person who chose to find a positive and tangible outlet for such
inspiration was Jennifer Bowen, a gifted legal assistant in Mac Mac
& Mac’s real estate department. Early in 2007 Jennifer made it her
mission to substantially increase the amount of money the Mac Mac
& Mac team would raise in support of the 2007 Dragon Boat Festival.
That we would do so was never in doubt once Jennifer announced
the goal and began her tireless fundraising campaign. Moreover, at
the festival’s closing ceremony, I was delighted to announce that,
of the thousand or so participants, Jennifer was the top individual
pledge earner. It was an emotional moment for us all.
I am pleased to note that both of the women in our office who were
diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 are doing well. The first has
been back to work for several months and has gleefully joined the
Women Alike team. The second expects to return to the office shortly
and will no doubt be recruited heavily as soon as the ice breaks in the
East River. We are very proud of them both and continue to cheer
on their recovery.
We are also proud that the efforts of our lawyers and staff, and
Jennifer in particular, will continue to support these women, and too
many others like them, who have been forced by the most difficult of
circumstances to find strength in themselves and in each other.
And by the way, Jennifer is once again on the prowl for donations.
April 2008 23

CAs do so much more.
Sometimes even great teams need more skill and more ability. That’s what you get with Chartered
Accountants. CAs bring superior financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight and leadership
to become an integral part of the team. Give your team an edge. The CA advantage.
To learn more about the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia visit www.CAadvantage.ca
ICANS
Society Record
October 2007
Hanlon Marketing Design Inc.
Te: (902) 422-6453 Fax: (902) 423-1808 Email: hanlon@eastlink.ca
Certified Court Reporters for:
Federal Court of Canada Trials
Tax Court of Canada Trials
Transportation Appeal Tribunal Hearings
Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board Hearings
Examinations For Discovery
We provide daily transcripts upon request
We have extensive overseas experience.
We do not charge expenses for Toronto area discoveries.
PROFESSIONAL Court
REPORTING AND
TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES
Serving the legal community since 1983
Drake Recording Services Limited
1592 Oxford Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z4
ph: 1-902-421-1913
fax: 1-902-422-6336
e-mail: mark@drakerecording.com
Call us Toll Free: 1-866-421-1913
24 The Society Record

LiAns
Tips from The risk & pracTice managemenT advisor
by Deborah e. Gillis, Q.C.
Risk and Practice Management Advisor
Taking That Much Needed Break
Time away from the office is vital to your well being. Going years without
a regular vacation is a recipe for disaster, both personally and
professionally. It almost always results in burnout and mistakes.
Start your vacation planning now. Read my article posted on the LIANS
website at www.lians.ca entitled “Taking That Much Needed Break.” Consider
the following when planning vacations:
• Commit to regular breaks from the office and schedule those breaks
into your calendar.
• Coordinate the vacations of your support staff so that you do not
have employees critical to your operation absent from the office at
the same time.
• When deciding to accept a new client or a new matter, consider your
vacation schedule, as well as your current caseload and your other
professional and personal commitments. If you do not have a competent
partner or associate who can handle a matter during your
planned absence, don’t accept the matter. Refer it to another lawyer.
• Make sure that your clients and the opposing lawyers are aware of
your vacation dates. Before leaving on vacation prepare a detailed
memo on the status of your active files. Review it with those persons
who will be responsible for your files during your absence.
• If you feel you must work while on vacation, and you bring along a
laptop, cell phone or Blackberry, limit the amount of time you spend
working. Rather than constantly checking for messages, consider
dealing with emails and phone messages at a particular time each
day.
• If you are working while on vacation, continue to document advice
given and instructions received, and make sure this documentation is
saved to the file.
• Continue to properly track and record your time. If not, you are working
for free.
• When your regular assistant is absent from the office be particularly
vigilant of work done by his or her replacement.
If reading these tips leaves you grumpy and saying that taking a vacation
is easier said than done, then you really do need a vacation. Start planning
now!!
Deborah E. Gillis, Q.C., is the Risk and Practice Management Advisor for LIANS.
She may be reached at 423-1300 ext. 345 or at dgillis@lians.ca
• If you are a sole practitioner, arrange with a competent colleague
to be the “go to person” on your files if emergencies arise. Initially,
try this for even a few days, to see how the arrangement works. If it
works, your next break can be for a longer period.
• Do not schedule court appearances or discoveries for the days immediately
following your scheduled return to work.
• When leaving for vacation set up your out of office assistant on your
email, directing anyone who requires a response during your absence
to the person who is handling your files. Leave a similar message on
your voicemail.
April 2008 25

Answering a Wake-Up Call
A
year and a half ago a friend told us that he had been diagnosed
with Primary Progressive MS. He was 47 years old at the time of
his diagnosis. His health and mobility had been deteriorating,
but we thought it was just due to getting older and developing back
problems after years of sailing and fishing. What a wake-up call. We
realized two things: that this could happen to any of us, and that there
was no cure. This strong and athletic sailor, fisherman, and hockey
player was reduced to walking with a cane to watch from the sidelines
as his young sons participated in sports – while at the same time
knowing his own level of health would keep declining.
I didn’t know much about MS at the time, but after spending time
on the Internet, learned all I could about both the disease and about
ways to help fund research. The 84 km MS Bike Tour Fundraiser was
a challenge I wanted to take on. A group of us got ourselves organized
as the “Creaser’s Crew Riders,” or “CC Riders” for short, and held
a series of fundraisers, solicited donations from friends, family, and
acquaintances, and rode the two-day bike tour from Windsor to
Wolfville and back last July. Most of us hadn’t been on bicycles for
years, but we were strongly motivated by what we saw a close friend
going through.
We started with a group of 6 or 7 and grew to become the largest
group in Atlantic Canada - with 45 riders, and raised the most money
of all teams across Canada – over $110,000. I rode a bicycle 132
kilometres in one weekend and learned just how much a determined
group of people can accomplish
– a truly inspiring experience.
Karen Kinley
Wickstrom Kinley
I have always been involved
in volunteer activities and firmly believe in “acting locally,” so
while listening to CBC radio’s food bank fundraiser at Christmas, I
wondered what I could do for my community. The CC Riders team
was composed largely of professionals and well-connected individuals
with invaluable contacts in terms of raising money. As a lawyer I
thought immediately of my fellow lawyers and getting another group
commitment. I sent out an email to the president of our county bar
association looking for recruits. We formed a committee of five and
after a couple of brainstorming sessions, decided to hold our own food
bank drive at each of our respective offices in Lunenburg County. We
contacted the local food banks and were told they needed $3,000 to
buy Christmas turkeys for families in the area. We set that as a goal
and designed posters, arranged publicity, and provided law firms with
sample donation request letters. We left it up to each individual office
to collect cash and food donations and to then provide us with their
tallies. We raised $3,812.70 and delivered many boxes of food to our
three local food banks.
Our food bank initiative was a success and we are already making
plans for next Christmas. But until then you can find me on my bike
getting ready for the next MS Bike Tour!
26 The Society Record

A Truly
Rewarding Challenge
I
was introduced to Metro Community Housing Association
(MCHA) as part of my summer student placement with Boyne
Clarke - between my second and third year of law school. The
Boyne Clarke summer student program is structured so as to give
students the opportunity to work outside of the firm for non-profit
organizations during the summer months. The organization I chose
was MCHA.
MCHA is a non-profit organization that provides housing and support
services for persons who have experienced mental health difficulties.
I had always had an interest in mental health and hoped that by
working with MCHA I would gain further insight into the services
available to mental health consumers. My work with them primarily
involved researching various methods and proven techniques for
effective advocacy for persons with disabilities. The former Executive
Director, Carol Evans (now retired), suggested that I spend some
time in each of MCHA’s homes (with the clients the organization
serves) prior to beginning this work. This turned out to be one of the
best experiences of my life, as I was given the opportunity to interact
with some wonderful people facing amazing challenges in their home
environments. MCHA is an incredible organization working under
the constraints that face many non-profit organizations, including
overcrowding and lack of resources. However, the management, staff,
and clients make the best of the situation and do so with energy,
enthusiasm, and courage.
Following an extraordinary
summer with MCHA, I
returned to complete my third
year of law school. That year,
Leah (Tinkham) Rimmer
Boyne clarke
I requested that as my pro bono project I continue working with
MCHA and as such was able to continue on with them through the
school year. I began articling with Boyne Clarke in June 2004 and at
that time was asked to become a member of the Board of Directors
of MCHA. I agreed, and am now, four years later, Vice-Chair. I find
this volunteer work extremely rewarding, especially as I know that
the organization that I am a part of is genuinely assisting a group
of people in our society who have traditionally been marginalized
and stigmatized. It is hard to believe that in 2008 mental health
consumers continue to face challenges beyond their own illnesses –
challenges unfortunately imposed by our own society.
There are certainly days when I wonder if I can fit participation on the
board into my life. However, when I have these moments, I simply go
back to that first summer working with MCHA and remind myself
that as lawyers we are fortunate to have skills and abilities that boards
and other organizations can benefit from. I sincerely believe it is our
duty to find a cause that we believe in and use our time in support of
whatever that cause may be.
April 2008 27

A Quest for Excellence
Level Chan
Stewart McKelvey
Being a lawyer can make
volunteering challenging.
For those of us who have
been actively involved, an additional
challenge is choosing which of the many worthy causes to support.
My choice has been to volunteer for two organizations that have
inspired me: The Dalhousie Alumni Association and FUSION Halifax.
My current involvement with these organizations includes serving as the
President of the Dalhousie Alumni Association (DAA), a member of the
Dalhousie Board of Governors, and a member of the inaugural Board of
FUSION Halifax. While my roles differ in each of these organizations, I
find that both involve sharing a vision and contributing time and thought
towards realizing, communicating, and implementing that vision.
Dalhousie’s vision is to continue its quest for excellence towards the
goal of becoming Canada’s best university. I take great pride, as I hope
all of my fellow alumni do, in the success of our “little college by
the sea.” Part of the DAA Board’s job is to attend events and spread
the message to alumni and prospective students that Dal students
and faculty continue to earn top honours and international acclaim.
My involvement in the boards and committees has also allowed me
to contribute to improving the student experience; contributions
which include telling prospective students and their parents about
Dal, recognizing outstanding student leadership and excellence in
teaching, and connecting students with mentors.
Since becoming President of the DAA, I’ve also faced the new
challenge of revamping Dal’s alumni program. The DAA provides
an opportunity to help the Alumni Relations office understand the
perceptions, attitudes and expectations of our alumni, and align
strategy and resources to meet those expectations.
The challenge has been different with FUSION Halifax. The purpose
of the organization is to connect, engage, and inspire young
Haligonians from all backgrounds and occupations to make Halifax a
better place. In creating the organization, the roles of board members
have involved developing and communicating this vision as well as
structuring and launching the organization. It has been inspiring to
see this vision capture the energy of young Haligonians. Although the
group is less than a year old, FUSION Halifax has quickly grown to
over 800 members and is becoming a forum for young Halifax residents
to work together to help our city reach its full potential.
FUSION Halifax first connected young Haligonians by hosting
monthly networking events, which bring a cross-section of our
demographic together—people who would not otherwise have the
opportunity to meet and share ideas. Young entrepreneurs, students,
construction workers, artists, lawyers, and people from all walks of
life come together at these events.
FUSION Halifax is now engaging and inspiring its members into
action through its action teams. Each team addresses a different facet
of life in Halifax: urban development, sustainability, arts and culture,
health and wellness, and much more. It’s been inspiring to watch the
volunteers come together and you’ll soon see real and tangible results
from the contributions of these teams to Halifax’s growth. The teams are
already planning meetings to first educate FUSION members and then
to let all key stakeholders and decision-makers know that FUSION
members are ready, willing and able to help Halifax step up to the next
level and grow as a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative city.
28 The Society Record

An Appalling Statistic
I
have a wonderful book on my coffee table that a friend gave me.
It’s called “Lawyers and Other Reptiles.” I say a wonderful book,
because it is very popular with guests. It contains stories and
jokes with, of course, lawyers, being portrayed as well…reptiles.
Despite our sometimes negative image, we all know of numerous
colleagues that give time to a variety of charities, organizations, and
community groups. Why do we do it The cynic in me says that
it’s to counter the reptile image. However, we all know that it is
much more than that. I would say that we volunteer, in part, because
we have a responsibility to do so. As a self-governing profession, we
have a responsibility to give back to our communities. However,
and perhaps more importantly, we do it because we care about our
communities.
I currently volunteer with various organizations and serve on a number
of boards. One of the boards I have the pleasure of sitting on is the
Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association (NSHPCA). This
organization is essentially what I would describe as grass roots. It has
an amazing group of individuals who are passionate about ensuring
that Nova Scotians have appropriate palliative care.
The statistics on palliative care are appalling. Only 15 per cent of
Canadians have access to integrated, palliative and end-of-life care.
One of the key goals of the NSHPCA is to see government create a
province-wide palliative care program in the province and to this end
it has embarked on a rigorous advocacy campaign for change entitled
Campaign for Care. The Campaign for Care calls for a comprehensive
program, with palliative care available across the province, in
institutional settings, hospices,
and at home, with trained, Martina Munden
specialized multidisciplinary Patterson Law
teams of staff working together
to provide the care people need, when they need it, and with the
proper equipment, resources and programs to support their work. It
is a program that would see palliative care available 24 hours a day, 7
days a week, regardless of where the person lives.
Today, while I cannot point to a provincial program, I can point to
indications that demonstrate that positive steps are being made. For
example, there has been support from some political parties for a
provincial palliative care program, with 2007 seeing two Bills being
introduced in the legislature.
The week of May 5th to 11th is Hospice Palliative Care Week. I
am urging everyone to take a few minutes to look at the NSHPCA
website at www.nshpca.ca to see the work of this organization and
to add your voice by signing the online petition to support the
implementation of a provincial palliative care program.
It is through such organizations that we are reminded of the impact
community organizations can have, both on the services that are
available to Nova Scotians and to the implementation of new
legislation. In the spirit of contributing to our communities and
working together for a better Nova Scotia, I am delighted and grateful
that we are a profession that values contribution to community and
encourages and supports its members in their volunteer activities.
April 2008 29

Melanie performing (top right) with WoW
Melanie looking on as a fellow
performer prepares for the show
Performing Hearts
Melanie Perry
Public Prosecution Service
After being called to
the bar in 2005, I
immediately relocated
and began practising in the
town of Wolfville. Not being from the area, I didn’t know anyone,
so the managing partner at my law firm suggested I become involved
with a local volunteer group; not only would it be a good opportunity
to meet people in the close-knit town, but it would also be an
opportunity to give back to the community. That was how I became
involved with the Women of Wolfville.
The Woman of Wolfville (WoW for short) began in 2001 when two
moms challenged one other to mount a production of The Vagina
Monologues. Every year since then, WoW has put on a play to raise
money for women’s and children’s charities worldwide. In 2003, the
group protested the impending war in Iraq with its production of
Lysistrata. 2004 brought the focus to the relationships between mothers
and children with Because I’m Your Mother, That’s Why!. Bodies Without
Borders was the 2005 piece, which centered around the theme of body
image. As a companion piece, the group also produced a very successful
calendar that raised an additional $10,000. In 2006 the production
was Matriarchives: Women in Our Past, and in 2007, the group explored
the theme of loss with the show Lost and Found.
WoW is made up of women and children of all ages: our youngest
member is 9 months and our oldest, 91 years. The group is a diverse
one, with women of various races, professions and abilities. Every
year we solicit writing pieces centered around a central theme and
then incorporate them into a play. The women in the group then
proceed to edit and produce the play. Among other things we make
the sets, sell the tickets, direct the play, choose, and sometimes write
the music as well as sing, dance, and act in the various pieces.
Over the years, the group has raised more than $80,000 for the charities
it supports. This year the receiving charities were the maternity
ward of the hospital in Carlos Paz, Argentina, Kaleigh French Reaching
Out Globally bursary, the children’s programs of Chrysalis House,
Stephen Lewis Foundation – Grandmothers to Grandmothers (Wolfville
and Africa), Safe Spaces Program in Nairobi, Malawi Project,
and Mercy Ships – Fistula Repair Project – Liberia.
After the 2007 production, I accepted a new job with the Public
Prosecution Service in Dartmouth, which necessitated a move to
Halifax. Yet, I could not seem to give up my role in WoW. That
meant that from November to January, once a week on Wednesday
evenings, with the exception of times of inclement weather, I traveled
to Wolfville for rehearsal. In February it grew to twice a week, and
finally, during production week, I was there every evening. As usual,
a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into the final production.
This year’s show focused on the theme of secrets. It ran February
21-February 23, 2008 and was entitled: Psst! Wanna Know a Secret I
sang and danced in the show. For those of you who have heard my
singing or seen my dancing, do not worry–I have not given up my
day job. In addition to singing and dancing, my major role in the
show was to play the part of a lawyer (no typecasting there). At least
I had the outfit for it!
Throughout these past three years it has been really great to be
part of WoW and to give back to the global community. I think
it very important to do so, as raising awareness of women’s issues
and inequality throughout the world is essential if change is ever to
be affected. I must say, however, that being part of the group has
been important to me for other reasons as well. I have formed fast
friendships with the amazing women in the group and their support
has helped me through difficult times in my own life. These reasons
are why, even though I have relocated to Halifax, I am proud to
continue to remain a Woman of Wolfville.
30 The Society Record

Volunteer Community Research Ethics Counsel, Capital Health Research Ethics Board:
(l-r) Barbara Darby; Royden Trainor; Roberta Clarke, Q.C.; Jeanne Desveaux; Ron Meagher; and Susan Young
A Matter of Integrity
Research is the lifeblood of innovation, progress, the discovery
of new solutions, new ways of looking at old solutions, and
providing insights to the human condition. Every day, Nova
Scotia’s universities and hospitals are engaged in some of the most
innovative, demanding, and respected research in the world. As with
all areas of human endeavour, research must strike a balance between
what we “can do” and what we “ought to do.” No matter how noble
the cause, fundamental questions about the “should” must be asked
and demand a wider social, ethical assessment. The “should” cannot be
left to the researcher or the sponsor alone lest we be tempted by Ovid
Heroides’s erroneous but seductive credo, “exitus acta probat” (the ends
justifies the means).
While it seems self-evident, it has not always been the case that research
involving human beings be required to be assessed under ethical
principles like autonomy: the obligation on the part of the investigator
to respect each participant as an individual capable of making an
informed decision about participation in the research study. The
principles of informed consent require that participants receive a full
disclosure of the nature of the study, the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Likewise, research should seek to minimize the risk of harm to the
individual and maximize benefits to the participant and/or society.
Research ethics also requires an honest and thorough risk/benefit
assessment be undertaken and that these risks are then clearly
articulated. Careful attention must also be paid to ensure appropriate
selection of participants, and procedures should be in place to protect
participating individuals and groups. In Canada’s research hospitals and
universities, the authority to do research on human beings rests with the
Research Ethics Review Boards (REBs) - made up of volunteer lawyers,
members of the public, representatives of research institutions, and
other professionals. Without a functioning REB following approved
research ethics review standards, there can be no research involving
human beings in Canada.
Nowhere are research and the ethics
reviewing processes more important
than at the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII)
in Halifax. The QEII has an exemplary
Royden Trainor
edMc canada Ltd.
record of accomplishment in the support of advances in therapy,
multi-disciplinary approaches to patient care, teaching, and research.
In any given year, there are over 800 research projects underway,
including 400 clinical trials, every one of which is required to be
reviewed by an REB in accordance with strict ethics review policies
and practices. The REB operating at the QEII is one of the largest
and most respected in Canada and is increasingly used as the model
and the gold standard for REBs across the country.
Volunteer lawyers are essential to the working of the REBs and carry
out the work of the independent legal review. Perhaps even more
important than the assessment of legal issues is the collaborative participation
of lawyers and institutional and community representatives
in the assessment process. Expertise, responsibility, authority, and
judgment on the ethics and approval of research projects are shared
with public representatives and others. The lawyer, though essential,
is not the expert providing the answer but has a more humble and
ultimately more demanding and appropriate role. REB legal representatives
are part of a wider collaborative and broader ethics review,
and are not simply involved in the provision of an antiseptic assessment
of legalities. This process is a collaborative, standards, ethics
and integrity-based decision-making model from which much can
be learned.
The more than two dozen volunteer lawyers who are members of
REBs across the province play an essential part in supporting both
internationally respected research and internationally respected
research ethics practices in Nova Scotia, asking the important
questions of “should” not just the “can”; and about the “ethical” not
just the “legal.”
April 2008 31

In Pursuit
of Love
Michael Messenger
World Vision Canada
Lawyers don’t often talk about love, at least not professionally.
Justice, of course, but not love. So I chuckled when I found
myself proofing the 2007 annual report for World Vision,
where I now work as vice president for public affairs. The theme of
the report is “What does love look like,” referring to St. Augustine’s quote that poses that question and
then answers: “It has hands to help others. It has feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery
and want. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of humankind. That is what love looks like.” A chance
to use my legal skills in pursuit of this idea of “love” is the reason I left the daily practice of law and
took the leap from being a volunteer to joining the staff of an international relief, development and
advocacy organization.
When I attended law school, I had worked for five years in Toronto and Geneva for World Vision,
focusing on government relations and public policy related to international development. I had a
passion for social justice, but I realized that without a deeper understanding of the workings of the
policy-making that I would be less effective in influencing laws and practices that could affect the
children, families, and communities we partnered with in the developing world. My decision to study
law did let me look at policy from the inside, but it also unexpectedly unearthed a love for legal
argument and the excitement of trial advocacy.
So, instead of returning to the non-profit sector, my family and I moved to Halifax, where I spent
nearly nine years as a litigator as part of the firm of Cox & Palmer. I was fortunate to work with
talented colleagues and enjoyed varied work from a range of clients. I also found satisfaction from
volunteering. I tried to contribute to the profession as president of the Nova Scotia Medical Legal
Society, by volunteering at the bar skills course, and by mentoring younger students and clerks. My
community outside the law was also important, and I sang with the Symphony Nova Scotia Chorus
and was a lay leader in various roles at St. Paul’s Church. What was common among all of these areas
of involvement was that I always learned and received so much more than I ever contributed. Volunteer
work was not a distraction; I felt it made me a better lawyer and a better person.
My passion for working for international issues was reignited when I was invited to join the board
of directors of World Vision in 2003. I soon found that my heart had never really left this work with
children overcoming the grip of poverty. Soon after I joined the board, my wife and I had a chance
to see World Vision’s work firsthand in a trip to Rwanda and Uganda. While I’d visited many of the
organization’s international programs as a former staff person, this was the first time I’d visited since I
had become a lawyer, a husband and a father. What I saw moved me. While seeing the terrible ravages
of HIV and AIDS on African families and talking to orphans and other vulnerable children, I was struck
by the injustice of poverty and oppression, and began to wonder how best I could stay involved.
In 2005, I was honoured to act as lead counsel to the Nunn Commission of Inquiry. While working
with Justice D. Merlin Nunn, I had the chance to step outside the day-to-day work of civil litigation
and re-engage directly with issues of public policy. It was a powerful and eye-opening experience in its
own way. I soon began to consider whether there was another path for me that might bring my legal
background and passion for social justice closer together.
And so, when I was invited to consider applying for a management role at World Vision, I knew I
needed to explore the option seriously. Today, I am trying to use my legal skills not to focus on resolving
disputes, but in the pursuit of justice of another kind. And not just justice, but love, as St. Augustine
thought it looked like. Love that has hands and feet to bring relief and hope to those in need; eyes and
ears to see and speak out against the symptoms and causes of child poverty around the world.
32 The Society Record

Michael Messenger outside
the Parkdale Branch of
the Toronto Public Library
Photo by Ted Power/NSBS
April 2008 33

A Rewarding
Addiction
Having been born in Halifax, attended university in Halifax,
and worked in Halifax, like most Nova Scotians, I was always
interested in contributing to the community around me.
While we all contribute to the community every day: in our interactions
with each other, our jobs, and through our parenting and playing,
great meaning for the individual and great good for the community
can be generated by contributing to the community in a volunteer
capacity.
I, for one, have found it addictive, because as every volunteer knows,
the volunteer investment pays back huge dividends. When a volunteer
gives, it sets off a ripple effect through the community.
As a lawyer, I have been very fortunate to be able to use my legal skills
in a volunteer capacity. I started off back in law school in third year by
working with the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia. I worked
the phone lines, referring people to lawyers and providing them with
basic legal information and resources. This was a fantastic experience
for me, as it was the first time I was able to apply my legal learning to
real life situations, which is not always an easy fit!
As the years went on, and I obtained my license to practice law in
Nova Scotia, I joined the lawyer referral line, the same organization
which, as a student, I used to refer people to. This was a great business
generator for me while also providing inexpensive accessible legal
information to the public.
As more time passed I went from the lawyer referral line to also joining
the volunteer board of directors. The same year I joined the volunteer
board of the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (2006-2007)
I also joined the volunteer board of the Community Justice Society. I
am now the President of the board of directors of CJS and the Secretary
sitting on the executive of the LISNS.
To backtrack a bit, I have volunteered as a victim-offender mediator
with the Community Justice Society since 2000 when I took restorative
justice training at the old Bell Road Community College - the current
site of Citadel High School.
Tanya Jones
The great thing about volunteering
with CJS is that training op-
Jones on Queen Law Firm inc.
portunities for volunteers occur on a regular basis. I get to meet, hang
out with and volunteer with a whole group of people who I otherwise
may not have met. We are all from different segments of the community,
different income levels, education, geographical areas, and of
course we all have one thing in common: we all want to give, and we
all do give, our time to the community around us. And we have a lot
of fun doing it at the same time!
The last volunteer activity I want to tell you about is my volunteer
work as a parent facilitator at The Family Law Information Centre at
the Nova Scotia Supreme Court (Family Division).
As a lawyer practising in the area of family law, I and many others
continue to be concerned about the impact of conflict on children.
To educate myself, those in parental roles, and my clients, I have volunteered
as a facilitator providing the mandatory Parent Information
Program since 2005. The goals of the Parent Information Program
are to increase parents’ awareness of the impact of parental conflict
on children, to improve communication between parents about their
children’s needs, and to provide new ways to avoid placing children in
the middle of issues between their parents.
As I continue to work and volunteer in Nova Scotia I am thankful for
the opportunities to meet, greet, play with, work with, and learn with
other members of our community through volunteering. I believe the
Community Justice Society, the Legal Information Society of Nova
Scotia and the Family Law Information Centre all provide accessibility
to the legal system and heal conflict within the community.
As a lawyer, volunteering with these organizations and serving on the
board of directors has allowed me to really give to our community in
a meaningful way, and I can tell you, I always get back more than I
give!!
34 The Society Record

focus on
recovery
Do you have clients facing business or
personal financial stress
BDO Dunwoody Goodman Rosen can help your clients
get on the road to financial stability.
Our comprehensive range of services includes:
• Reorganization and debt restructuring
• Business viability, operational and loan security reviews
• Liquidity investigations and cash crisis management
• Expert testimony on insolvency issues
• Full forensic investigations for commercial fraud and asset tracing, as well as
hidden assets location
• Formal insolvency and restructuring appointments
• Corporate Wind Ups
• Formal proposals under BIA and CCAA
• A fresh start through bankruptcy
We offer:
• Discreet, professional advice delivered in a friendly and clear manner
• Tailored advice to address your clients’ specific situations
• Free initial consultation and off-hour appointments by request
• Competitive pricing and manageable payment terms
From left to right:
Paul G. Goodman, FCA, FCIRP, FIIC - Trustee
President, BDO Dunwoody Goodman Rosen Inc.
Partner, BDO Dunwoody LLP
Michael J. Connor, CIRP - Trustee
Location Manager - Sydney
Mark S. Rosen, LLB, FCIRP - Trustee
Senior Vice-President, BDO Dunwoody Goodman Rosen Inc.
Partner, BDO & Partners LLP
Halifax
902-425-3100
Toll Free: 1-800-337-5764
Fax: 902-425-3777
Suite 620 – 1718 Argyle Street
Email: insol-halifax@bdo.ca
Sydney
902-539-9850
Toll Free: 1-888-666-5764
Fax: 902-539-5373
Suite 301 – 295 George Street
Email: insol-sydney@bdo.ca
Appointments also held in various locations throughout mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton
www.bdodebthelp.ca www.bdo.ca
April 2008 35

Special thanks to
Duc D’Anville Elementary School
Photo by Catherine Neily/NSBS
36 The Society Record

A Positive Approach
In 2007, I took a leave of absence from private practice and, among
other things, began volunteering in my daughter’s classroom at
Atlantic View Elementary School. Initially, this was simply a way
for me to be a part of her day, and to assist the classroom teacher,
however, to my great surprise, this experience eventually turned into
much, much more.
Within three weeks of the
program’s start, children who
had fought reading support and
exhibited difficulties, began to
look forward to the class and
engage in discussions.
I began to work with students who had difficulties reading, and then
started to ask questions and talk to the teaching staff about literacy and
the programs and resources offered within the public school system. I
discovered a professional teaching staff with an intense caring for the
well-being of their charges (educationally, physically, and mentally)
and the creativity to “think outside the box” when required. I also
discovered that although the Department of Education and School
Board provide resources for literacy training, there is a need for additional
resources and support, especially for special projects.
Further research brought me to the shocking realization that 42 per
cent of Canadians, age 16 to 42, do not have the minimum skills
in literacy for coping with everyday life and work. This statistic was
taken from a Stats Canada release dated November 9, 2005 which
reported on the 2003 International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey.
In addition to this, Constable John Kennedy (RCMP in Dalhousie,
N.B.), the founder of The Adopt a Library Literacy Program, noted
in an interview published in the Cape Breton Post (pg. A8) on October
11, 2007, that he had noticed that young people he was arresting
were not able to write their own statements. He began the program
in response to this finding. He states in the interview that: “Illiteracy
is a root cause of crime. Illiteracy is
not an educational problem, it’s a
community problem.”
Terry Bartlett Visser
DCL Law
I began working with resource teacher, Diane Lachowiez, on a reading
project she developed based on values, globalization, and differentiated
classrooms. In an elementary classroom, any difference a
child may have, if viewed as a negative, may translate into low selfesteem,
behavioural difficulties and disengagement from the learning
process. A differentiated theoretical approach means differences are
looked at as positives. In the classroom this means children are given
choice, encouraged to work together, encouraged to ask questions
and explore at their own level, using their own skills. This approach
means, when working in a group more ideas and perspectives will
be shared and all students can feel good about themselves and their
contributions.
The project name is Reading is the Ribbon that Ties Us Together. This
project framework places books in the hands of children as they explore
their world. “Passports” are given to each student and are stamped as
the child “travels” to different countries, experiencing different cultures
and people as they journey through books. The project was piloted
in the grade 3 classroom in September of 2007. Every class, 35 to
40 theme-based fiction and non-fiction books encompassing various
reading levels are made available to the children. Each child is then
responsible to pick out a “just right book” for themselves, promoting
responsibility, self-esteem and a feeling of control over their own
learning environment. They are encouraged to share books with each
other and share their new found information and make connections
from personal experiences.
I am involved in many aspects of the program: from volunteering in
the classroom, guest speaking on various issues, writing grant proposals
and arranging guest speakers, to sourcing appropriate books
and resources, and educating the public on the importance of literacy
development. Within the classroom, what I have observed is
nothing short of amazing. Within three weeks of the program’s start,
children who had fought reading support and exhibited difficulties,
began to look forward to the class and engage in discussions. Students
have become more open to asking for assistance from their
peers and sharing new found knowledge during discussion time. In
addition, the success of the Reading is the Ribbon program began to
filter into other areas such as behaviour, participation, and of course
reading acceptance.
April 2008 37

NOVA SCOTIA
BARRISTERS’ SOCIETY
2008 NSBS ANNUAL MEETiNG
Professionalism in Practice: Being Civil in Times of Change
June 19 – 21, 2008 | Inverary Inn, Baddeck, Nova Scotia
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
The Honourable Chief Justice A.H. Wachowich, Court of Queen’s Bench, Alberta
Register now
and save!
Early bird rate available
until April 25, 2008
www.nsbs.org/
annualMeeting.php
THE EVENT
Professionalism in Practice: Being Civil in Times of Change is a substantive education
program designed for lawyers from all practice areas. New and seasoned lawyers will gain
valuable information on the new Civil Procedure Rules as well as practice tips for dealing
with the new Rules and strategies for tackling the learning curve for the new Rules.
Join us for the Civil Procedure Plenary – Words from the Bench
Justices Murphy and Fichaud and others will present the new rules with comments on
how they were formulated to change the culture of legal practice in Nova Scotia, highlighting
key changes.
Plus, networking lunches hosted by senior members of the Bar including the Gender
Equity Committee, American College of Trial Lawyers, Canadian Bar Association – Nova
Scotia, Nova Scotia Legal Aid, Public Prosecution Service (NS) and an encore of the
popular “Living and Loving a Lawyer” spousal luncheon (stay tuned for details!).
Why Attend
• Build your competencies
• Experience innovative professional
development
• Network with members of the Bar and
Judiciary
• Socialize in a relaxing family
environment
What do you get
• Seven dynamic education events
• Six networking opportunities
• Six meals over two days
• Dinner with wine and live entertainment
both nights
• Trade Show plus more!
CONTINUING Professional Development
38 Nova The Scotia Society Barristers’ Record Society, 1645 Granville Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 1X3 | 902-422-1491 | www.nsbs.org

Great fund managers.
Great low fees.
...for your retirement savings plan.
Contact your local CBIA Authorized Representative: John Bardsley
902-468-4676, (toll free) 1-800-272-1445 or visit us online at
www.barfinancial.com
April 2008 39
December 2005 43

Financial Strength Ratings: Demotech, Inc. A” | Fitch Ratings A+ | LACE Financial A | Moody’s A2
Over the past 100 years, Stewart Title has become one of the largest, most reliable title insurance
companies in the world. However, global presence and financial strength tell only half the story. It’s how
we work with legal professionals that sets us apart. A solid history of initiatives to support the legal
community is a hallmark of our company.
We are continually investing in both technology and people to streamline the real estate process, and
give you the resources you need to handle transactions faster and more efficiently. Unparalleled
information technologies and the Examining Counsel Program are only two of the ways we make it
easier for legal professionals. Experienced underwriters and claims counsel who are there when you
need them is another.
At Stewart Title, we know it’s our relationship with our clients that determines our success. That’s why
service is the foundation of our business and integrity, the keystone in all our dealings.
Call us today or visit www.stewart.ca.
Canadian Head Office (Toronto): (888) 667-5151 Atlantic Canada: (888) 757-0078
Western Canada: (866) 515-8401 Québec: (866) 235-9152
40 The Society Record