CBABC mourns the passing of barbara findlay, KC, a pioneering advocate for the rights of queer and trans people and a transformative force in the legal profession.
Throughout her career, barbara championed the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities through groundbreaking litigation, public advocacy, education and mentorship. Her work helped change laws, institutions and professional practices to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
A founding member of the December 9 Coalition and what is now the Canadian Bar Association's Sexual and Gender Diversity Alliance, barbara challenged heteronormative structures and stood up for the oppressed. In retirement, she founded Lawyers Against Transphobia and remained a steadfast mentor to generations of 2SLGBTQIA+ lawyers and law students.
CBABC recognized barbara's extraordinary contributions with the President's Medal and the Georges A. Goyer, QC Memorial Award. In 2022, she was awarded the CBA's Louis St-Laurent Award for Excellence for a lifetime of outstanding service and professional achievements.
“This is a profound loss for the legal community, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and me. barbara was a mentor and a friend to countless lawyers and law students struggling to find their way in our profession," said past CBABC President Lee Nevens, KC.
"Without her decades of bravery and determination to be out and visible as a queer lawyer and fighting for trans rights, many of us would not have had the opportunity to be out ourselves. Thank you, barbara.”
See below for media coverage and additional CBABC resources celebrating barbara's life and contributions.
President's Medal Award announcement
CBA National Magazine on the Louis St-Laurent Award
