About Us

The CCCDL/CCAD was formed in November of 1992 to represent Defence Counsel and to offer a national voice and perspective on criminal justice issues.

Our Council represents the views of Defence Lawyers from coast to coast.

Since our inception, we have intervened in important cases before the Courts of this country; and have been invited by the federal government to consult on major pieces of criminal legislation. We have a chair at the annual Uniformity Conference and on the Steering Committee on Justice Efficiencies and Access to the Justice System. We are often asked by the media to comment on current issues.

Our representatives frequently appear before the Senate of Canada Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. We are active on National, Provincial and local criminal justice issues and we have been leaders in supporting the International Criminal Bar on the national and international stage.

The Board has representatives from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon Territory. We compliment and promote regional associations of Criminal Defence Lawyers and offer a voice in regions where there is no organization.