Me Marie Madelin Joins the Executive Committee of the CBA Elder Law Section (Québec Branch)
The appointment of a Quebec lawyer to the Executive Committee of the Québec Section of the Canadian Bar Association’s Elder Law Section marks a significant advancement in the province’s engagement with issues affecting older adults. The Québec Section plays a crucial role in adapting national priorities to the realities of Québec’s civil-law system, ensuring that the legal framework governing seniors’ rights and protections reflects both the letter and spirit of the Code civil du Québec. The Section’s mission is to promote the fair treatment of older persons, strengthen the integrity of protective legal mechanisms, and advance education and awareness among legal professionals and the public alike.
Within the Québec context, the Executive Committee focuses on the province’s distinctive legislative framework, including measures of assistance (mesures d’assistance), tutorship and curatorship (tutelle et curatelle), and mandates for protection (mandats de protection). It seeks to encourage dialogue between practitioners, the judiciary, and policymakers to ensure that the law evolves in step with the lived realities of aging in Québec. Through continuing professional development (CPD) programs and collaborative initiatives with the Barreau du Québec, the Committee works to cultivate expertise among lawyers and other professionals who serve the elderly population, while also promoting bilingual access to legal information and support services.
Elderly persons in Québec continue to face profound challenges that extend far beyond the legal sphere. Many experience isolation, loss of autonomy, or vulnerability to financial and psychological abuse. Navigating complex administrative systems and understanding one’s rights in times of declining capacity can be daunting, especially for those without family or community support. The Committee recognizes that these hardships demand a coordinated response — one that combines legal protection with empathy, education, and proactive prevention.
By incorporating Québec’s unique civil-law principles and social values into its work, the Executive Committee of the Québec Section ensures that advocacy for seniors is grounded in the province’s own legal and cultural identity. Québec’s legal traditions emphasize dignity (dignité), solidarity (solidarité), and respect for individual autonomy (autonomie), all of which are central to the Committee’s mission. Through its initiatives, the Committee contributes to law reform, policy development, and public outreach that respect these foundational principles while fostering alignment with national CBA objectives.
Ultimately, the participation of a Québec lawyer on the Executive Committee reflects a strong commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of seniors within the province. As Québec’s population continues to age, the need for clear, compassionate, and accessible legal protections becomes increasingly urgent. The Québec Section of the CBA’s Elder Law Committee stands at the forefront of this effort — advocating for a society in which every older person is protected, valued, and empowered to live with dignity and respect.
This text is provided for legal information purposes only. If you have a specific question regarding your personal situation, please contact a lawyer.
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