CALGARY, AB: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces that the Alberta Court of Appeal has ruled against lawyer Roger Song in his challenge to the Law Society of Alberta’s ideological politicization.
Mr. Song argued that the Law Society exceeded its authority under the Legal Profession Act by pressuring lawyers to adopt political objectives, contrary to their duties of loyalty to clients and to the Constitution. He also challenged ideological requirements, including the new Code of Conduct rules on discrimination and harassment, as violations of Charter rights.
“Today’s decision is a major setback for the rule of law,” said constitutional lawyer Glenn Blackett.
“By largely refusing to look at the evidence or consider the arguments, the Court effectively immunized the Law Society’s political adventure from any judicial oversight. If the Law Society wants to convert the profession into an ideological super-legislature, it seems the Court won’t interfere. Our only hope is firm legislation,” he added.
An appeal is under consideration.
