Delta-Richmond East MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay is the winner of the 2011 CBA Cecilia I. Johnstone Award in recognition of her outstanding work for the advancement of women in the legal profession.
"Kerry-Lynne Findlay's role in establishing the Women Lawyers Forum first in B.C. and then as a national CBA Forum with branches in almost every province and territory make her an outstanding choice for this year's award," said Patricia C. Lane, national chair of the CBA Women Lawyers Forum (WLF) in a news release.
"Kerry-Lynne realized the niche desire for greater support and camaraderie amongst women lawyers in a challenging profession. Without her extraordinary vision, courage, determination and energy, the Women Lawyers Forum might never have begun," added Lane.
Findlay, the successful Conservative candidate in Delta-Richmond East in last May's federal election, was appointed parliamentary secretary to the minister of justice. She has since been appointed chair of the Caucus Committee on Justice and Human Rights. From June 2002 to June 2003, Findlay chaired a steering committee which, in 2003, led to the successful creation of a B.C. Women Lawyers Forum, the first of its kind in B.C. or Canada.
The Cecilia I. Johnstone Award was established in 2007 to recognize women who have achieved professional excellence in their field and influenced other women to pursue legal careers, supported other women in career advancement, or opened doors for women lawyers. It is named to honour Cecilia Johnstone, an outstanding lawyer, judge, and CBA president who passed away in 2006.
The award was presented at the Women Lawyers Forum reception, on Monday, Aug.15 in Halifax.
