Advocacy Matters - Summer 2020

TAS REPORT
TAS Members
Celebrate & Connect
at EOT@Home 2020
Lyla Simon, Senior Enforcement Counsel,
Mutual Fund Dealers Association
On June 11, 2020, The Advocates Society hosted an incredibly successful annual End of Term Dinner.
Due to the ongoing pandemic,“EOT@Home2020” was broadcast online. Leading up to the
“Dinner”, TAS members were encouraged to get creative with their party attire and menu options.
Many took this to heart, and there was everything on display – from jeans, loungewear, and athleisure,
to gowns, pearls, and tuxedos.
The evening began with an uplifting performance from TAS’s very own six member coast-tocoast
EOT band, the “Forces Majeures”, followed by “Oh Canada” performed by the National Arts
Centre Orchestra.
The Rt. Hon. Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada offered greetings wherein he applauded
TAS for keeping the EOT Dinner tradition alive during these challenging times, and observed
that these types of connections and celebrations are more important now than ever. The Hon.
David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney
General of Canada, applauded TAS’s strong resolve
and collaboration in protecting a fair and
accessible justice system, and he commended
the decision to donate the EOT Dinner proceeds
to Pro Bono Canada.
The highlight of the evening was TAS President
Guy J. Pratte’s conversation with the Hon. Justice
Rosalie S. Abella. In introducing Justice Abella,
President Pratte reminded us of the importance
of collegiality, encouraged members to tackle
and eliminate systemic racial inequality, and
emphasized the tradition of in-person advocacy.
Justice Abella inspired and motivated the guests
with her words and candidly discussed a variety
of topics. She shared that she first decided to become
a lawyer when her father was denied the
right to practise law in Canada when her family
immigrated here from Europe because he was
not a citizen. Justice Abella shared her passion
for the legal profession, the early years of her career,
and how saying “yes” to many varied and
unconventional opportunities allowed her to experience
the profession at its deepest and most
rewarding. Justice Abella offered her views on
the difficulties presented by the pandemic, her
love of reading and music, and her career-long
focus and interest in equity and equality as a
member of the judiciary. “Law changes behavior
and changed behavior changes attitudes”. As a
thank you, Jessica Linnebach and Yosuke Kawasaki
of the NAC Orchestra played Leclair: Sonata
for 2 violins Gavotte (Andante grazioso) dedicated
to Justice Abella, which the Supreme Court
Justice appeared to love.
After the ’chat’, guests were encouraged to
socialize casually in virtual networking rooms
or lounges. The rooms were seamlessly managed
by TAS staff, and there were some great
connections between friends and colleagues.
Among other things, I spotted an adorable dog
in a bowtie, many adventurous cats climbing
on their owners, a fanciful bubble machine,
impressive backyard chickens, a significant collection
of movies on VHS, and some beautifully
plated meals.
EOT@Home2020 was a great triumph. Thanks
again to sponsors MNP LLP, Omni Bridgeway
and RSM Canada for supporting EOT@
Home2020. Cheers to all who were able to attend,
and here’s hoping we can break bread in
person at End of Term Dinner 2021.
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