Stacey Soldier (Partner) recently represented Manitoba and Cochrane Sinclair at the Canadian Bar Association’s Governance Week in Ottawa, joining CBA leaders and representatives from across Canada for several days of national meetings, professional engagement and recognition.
Governance Week brings together the people involved in the leadership and governance of the Canadian Bar Association, including branch presidents, national officers, members of the Board and National Executive, and other representatives from across the country.
The gathering provides an opportunity for CBA leaders to connect across provincial and territorial branches, exchange perspectives and participate in discussions connected to the direction and priorities of the national organization. These conversations support the CBA’s broader work on behalf of the legal profession, including improving the law and the administration of justice, advancing access to justice and representing the profession nationally.
For Stacey, the experience was an opportunity to contribute a Manitoba perspective to that national gathering while representing both the province and Cochrane Sinclair.
Representing Manitoba in national conversations
As part of Governance Week, Stacey joined branch representatives and legal leaders from across Canada.
Bringing together representatives from different jurisdictions creates space for participants to share the priorities, experiences and perspectives of their respective legal communities. It also helps maintain connections between the CBA’s national leadership and its provincial and territorial branches.
Stacey was thrilled to represent Manitoba and Cochrane Sinclair within this broader national forum.
An evening at the Supreme Court of Canada
A highlight of Stacey’s experience was attending a dinner at the Supreme Court of Canada.
The evening brought together Supreme Court of Canada justices, CBA branch presidents from across the country, members of the National Executive and other distinguished guests.
Stacey also had the opportunity to visit the Supreme Court chamber and experience one of Canada’s most significant legal institutions firsthand.
The dinner provided a memorable setting in which members of the judiciary and leaders from across the Canadian legal profession could come together.
Recognizing the Honourable Sheilah L. Martin
Stacey also attended the annual CBA Awards Dinner, where the Honourable Sheilah L. Martin received the 2026 President’s Award.
The President’s Award is presented to a member of Canada’s legal profession selected by the CBA President for special recognition. Justice Martin was honoured for an accomplished career spanning academia, private practice, community engagement and the judiciary.
Justice Martin recently retired following 21 years on the bench, including eight years as a justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.
Stacey had the opportunity to meet Justice Martin during the event and join members of the legal community in recognizing her contributions to the profession and the administration of justice.
Leadership and connection across the legal community
Stacey’s involvement in Governance Week reflects the importance of Manitoba participating in national conversations about the legal profession and the work of the Canadian Bar Association.
“Stacey’s participation in CBA Governance Week reflects the importance of Manitoba having a strong voice in Canada’s legal community. We are proud to see her represent both the province and our firm at this important national gathering.”
— Sonny Cochrane, K.C. (Co-Managing Partner)
Her participation also reflects Cochrane Sinclair’s commitment to professional leadership, collaboration and meaningful engagement with the broader legal community.
We congratulate Stacey on the opportunity and are proud to have had her represent Manitoba and Cochrane Sinclair at CBA Governance Week.