Moira Rose Vane, a member of the Law Society of Alberta’s governing board, has resigned, citing the organization’s perceived inaction against what she describes as “vicious” attacks on the rule of law. Vane, a federal prosecutor, announced her immediate resignation from her role as an elected bencher in a LinkedIn post on Friday.
Vane stated that the law society’s purpose is to uphold and protect the public interest in the administration of justice. She expressed disappointment, saying she has lost faith that the body is fulfilling this mandate. Vane believes the rule of law is under significant attack in Alberta, and the institution’s silence on these issues amounts to complicity.
“The purpose of the law society is to uphold and protect the public interest in the administration of justice,” Vane wrote. “It is with real disappointment that I say I have lost faith that this body is fulfilling that purpose.”
Vane specifically pointed to the UCP government’s actions to dismantle the law society’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This includes legislation that prohibits professional regulators from requiring mandatory training, such as the law society’s Indigenous education program, The Path. She also voiced concerns about the government’s efforts to reduce the autonomy of the Alberta Law Foundation. This organization uses interest from lawyers’ trust accounts to fund access to justice initiatives.
The Law Society of Alberta had appointed Vane to the Alberta Law Foundation’s board. However, the society removed her and another lawyer earlier this year. This occurred around the same time as a mass resignation of foundation staff.
Vane had previously objected to legislation introduced by Justice Minister Mickey Amery. This legislation would grant Alberta justice ministers general immunity from law society sanctions. Such legislation was introduced after law society complaints were filed against previous UCP justice ministers.
“I am not willing to lend my name or my presence to decisions I cannot support,” Vane stated in her post. She declined to comment further.
Bud Melnyk, president of the Law Society of Alberta, thanked Vane for her service in a written statement. He noted that the governance of the law society always has room for differing viewpoints. Vane’s departure comes after a period of public discussion regarding political interference. She was previously overlooked for a Queen’s counsel appointment in 2022, leading to allegations of political influence. Vane, who had previously run as an Alberta NDP candidate and served as chief of staff in Rachel Notley’s government, was eventually granted the designation in 2024.
This development highlights ongoing tensions regarding the independence of legal regulators and the government’s role in their operations. The situation may prompt further discussion on the balance between governmental oversight and the autonomy of professional bodies tasked with upholding legal standards.
The Law Society of Alberta oversees the province’s legal profession, ensuring ethical conduct and public protection. Discussions about the rule of law and government interference have been prominent in legal circles. For instance, the society has renewed calls for mediation in criminal legal aid disputes, indicating broader concerns within the legal community.
