Re-Elect Peter Wardle for Bencher

April 10, 2015

I am running for re-election as Bencher in the upcoming election. In my first term as a Bencher, I supported an agenda of change at the Law Society. I co-wrote the Articling Task Force’s Minority Report and voted against the accreditation of Trinity Western University. I implemented change as Chair of the Compensation Fund Committee.

With your support I hope to contribute to the challenging issues facing our profession today.

Please visit my website, peterwardle.ca, for my full platform. In brief, here is where I stand:

• Our Licensing Process – I am committed to the view that Law Practice Program graduates, including many from racialized backgrounds, must not be treated differently than those who have articled.
•  Diversity – We have not yet done enough to ensure that Convocation represents diversity in the profession. I support the Task Force on Racialized Licensees and the need to address the retention of women in the profession.
•  Alternate Business Structures – The profession needs to do more to increase access to justice. At the same time, the experience from the jurisdictions which have the most experience with ABS is mixed. I favour continued study of ABS.
•  Support for Young Lawyers – As co-chair of the Mentoring Task Force, I believe that the Law Society can and must help. I am aware that many young lawyers are struggling, and need support and assistance on everything from substantive law to ethical problems to practice management.

I hope I can count on your vote.