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CCCA_V3No1_MCPD-FIN.qxd:CCCA_V1No1_DriversSeat-FIN.qxd 1/21/09 3:01 PM Page 28 Feature “The goal is to move Saskatchewan from a loss-prevention model to one that focuses on professional competence.” Byron Werry City Solicitor Regina CPD development process.“We want to ensure that the programs, “In the United States 46 states have mandatory CLE,” she as they’re developed, recognize the needs and interests of in-house points out.“In France, it’s everybody, every bar. Here in Quebec, counsel as well as those in private practice,” she says. we looked at the other professional [associations] — there are 44 Armour says that so far, lawyers of all stripes seem to be lean- of them — and more than 12 already have mandatory CLE.We ing positively towards the change. “One of the reasons, frankly, believe that is the trend, and that it is very important for the pro- that I think we’re positive, is because we see that mandatory pro- tection of the public that all members follow course.” fessional development is in place in other professions,” she adds Saskatchewan is in the midst of finalizing the details of its plan noting that the lack of a mandatory regime was something she for a January 2010 launch.The program is still a work in progress, found embarrassing in the past. but Regina city solicitor and local CCCA Branch President Byron “I think it’s entirely reasonable to expect people who are active- Werry says the goal is to move Saskatchewan from a loss-preven- ly engaged in the practice of law to have requirements like this. tion model to one that focuses on professional competence. That’s certainly the case in a number of different professions. I Werry expects Saskatchewan’s approach to require 36 hours of think that people in in-house positions are perhaps more tuned to “approved educational activities, related to the practice of law, in that because our internal clients, whoever those might be, often a three-year period.”No fewer than 6 of those 36 hours will have have similar professional requirements.” to pertain to “professional responsibility, ethics, client care, and Quebec lawyers can expect similar hours-based criteria to take practice management.” These hours will have to be reported effect in April. Quebec looked not only to other provinces, but annually — failure to either report or complete the required also to the United States and France, before deciding to go ahead numbers could result in administrative suspension. with its project. “Almost everywhere, CLE is mandatory,” says Other provinces are making changes as well. Following a task Lise Tremblay, interim director of education for the Barreau du force report that called for a re-examination of the new lawyer PAUL AUSTRING Quebec in Montreal. licensing process,Ontario will require all new calls to perform 24 28 CCCA Canadian Corporate Counsel Association SPRING 2009