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Branch Policy Manual

Public Statements Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this Public Statements Policy is to:

  1. establish a process for Public Statements pursuant to Bylaw 22;
  2. ensure proper coordination of Public Statements issued by CBA-SK;
  3. contribute to public discussion about issues within the mission, vision, principles, and goals of CBA-SK; and
  4. positively impact the public perception of CBA-SK.

What is a Public Statement

A “Public Statement “is an oral or written statement or submission on a matter within the mission, vision, principles, and goals of CBA-SK that is communicated in the public sphere. Public Statements include formal announcements, speeches, press releases, and media commentary and interviews. Public Statements do not include Submissions to which the CBA-SK Submissions Policy applies.

This policy does not apply to public statements on federal matters or issues of general application to the legal profession and lawyers across Canada which are led by CBA National and governed by the CBA Public Relations Policy, CBA Spokesperson Policy and CBA Conflict of Interest in CBA Public Statements.

Responsibilities

  1. The Executive Director and the President have responsibility for Public Statements on behalf of CBA-SK.
  2. The President shall act as the primary spokesperson for CBA-SK. In the event of a conflict of interest or in the absence of the President, a Public Statement may be made by the Vice President or other spokesperson designated by the President.
  3. Any Public Statements made by a spokesperson on behalf of CBA-SK must be fully informed and approved in accordance with this policy.
  4. Spokespersons must avoid expressing personal views. In the event personal views are expressed, a clear disclaimer must be issued.

Development and Consultation Process

A Public Statement may be initiated by the Board, Council, a Committee, or a Section, or requested by a Member or third party.

The following procedure will apply to the preparation of all Public Statements:

  1. The Executive Director, President and Vice President will discuss the issue, make a preliminary decision to proceed and identify the relevant Board Member, Committee or Section to lead preparation of the Public Statement.
  2. The identified Board Member, Committee or Section will assist to research the issues. This will include consulting with applicable stakeholders to determine any existing Public Statements, resolutions, submissions, or policy on the issues raised.
  3. A draft Public Statement will be prepared by the relevant Board Member, Committee Chair or Section Executive, with support from the Executive Director.

CBA must be consulted during the development of any Public Statement that has the potential to impact on federal matters or that may affect a CBA National Section or other constituent groups.

Required Approvals

The approval requirements for Public Statements are described in Bylaw 22.

Conflicts of Interest

  1. Any Member preparing, commenting on, approving, or presenting a Public Statement on behalf of CBA-SK must disclose on a confidential basis to the Executive Director or designate, any material interest in the subject matter of the Public Statement, whether personal or professional, as soon as the interest becomes apparent to the Member.
  2. Where the Member is of the view that disclosing the material interest is not appropriate, the Member shall withdraw from preparing, commenting on, approving, or presenting the Public Statement.
  3. Occasionally, input will be solicited from Members in a CBA-SK forum or survey arranged for the purpose of informing a Public Statement. When providing input, Members are encouraged to place their comments in context by revealing the interests of the Member when promoting a particular position or interpretation. This will assist to place the Member’s comments into perspective and will also serve to highlight the divergent interests and perspectives contributed by Members.