The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch awarded Derek LaCroix, KC the Georges A. Goyer, QC Memorial Award for Distinguished Service, recognizing his lasting impact on lawyers’ mental health in British Columbia. LaCroix received the award on May 26, 2026 at the 40th Annual Vancouver Bench & Bar Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
For nearly three decades, LaCroix had served as Executive Director of the Lawyers Assistance Program of British Columbia (LAPBC), where he helped reshape how the legal profession responds to mental health, substance use and personal crisis.
“It's a significant award—the top one for lawyers in B.C. and from CBABC,” said LaCroix, expressing how grateful he is to have his work recognized and to see increasing awareness of law as a healing profession that supports overall health. “We’ve seen a real culture shift among lawyers, with a growing willingness to talk about mental health and to seek help at a much earlier stage.”
During his tenure, LaCroix helped grow LAPBC from a small initiative to a province-wide support network backed by hundreds of volunteers. His work also influenced lawyer assistance models and professional standards across North America over the past three decades.
"Derek LaCroix’s impact on the legal profession is immeasurable,” said CBABC President Patricia Blair. “His leadership has changed the way lawyers support one another, helping to build a healthier and more compassionate profession across British Columbia.”
As CBABC’s highest honour, the award acknowledges outstanding contributions to the legal profession, the law, jurisprudence or significant law-related advancements benefiting British Columbians. This prestigious award honours the legacy of Georges A. Goyer, QC, a highly respected lawyer known for his exemplary service to the Canadian Bar Association and the profession.
“I knew Georges Goyer. I was a young criminal defense lawyer around the same time, and he had a purpose. He was a good, decent person,” said LaCroix. “I believe that's what the Goyer Award represents. It's not just skill and ability, but being a good, decent, solid person, like Georges was. So I'm happy to be in that crowd, and I hope people think of me that way.”
About CBABC
The Canadian Bar Association is the professional organization representing 40,000 lawyers, judges and law students across Canada with over 8,000 members in British Columbia. CBABC members practice at the forefront of the justice system, providing services to British Columbians in every area of law. CBABC is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish and Musqueam First Nations.
