In a heartfelt acceptance speech, distinguished lawyer Jim Casey expressed his deep gratitude to the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) for selecting him as the recipient of this year’s Honorary Membership Award. Casey attributed his career-long connection to public education and the teaching profession to his mother, a long-time, dedicated teacher.
“When I had the very first chance to work with the Association, I thought of my own mother, Alicia Casey,” said Casey. He recalled her volunteering as part of the local bargaining committee for the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.
“I remember specifically, in those days, her being steaming mad because the all-male bargaining committee of the school board would only take the male teacher representatives seriously,” he said. “That did not sit well with my mother.”
In his speech, Casey reflected on the many ways he has personally benefitted from a strong public education system. He expressed his appreciation for the teachers who not only excelled in the classroom but also dedicated countless hours to extracurricular activities, such as coaching sports, supervising the drama club or acting as liaisons for the student government.
Turning to his career, Casey recalled the day, while articling at Field Law, when he was approached by Steve Hillier, leader of the firm’s labour and employment group. Hillier asked Casey if he would be interested in working on one of their biggest files—the ATA.
“I knew that the Association was one of Field law’s most important and long-term clients,” said Casey. “But most importantly, I knew them to be a passionate and tireless advocate for public education and the teaching profession.”
For the next 36 years, working with the Association became a central part of Casey’s legal career, which included him taking over Field Law’s labour and employment group in 2003.
Casey said his work with the ATA throughout the years represents a relationship he truly cherishes.
“It’s why I so humbly accept this award and am so proud to receive [this award],” said Casey. “Given my own belief in the great societal value of public education and the teaching profession, receiving this award for advancing public education is extraordinarily meaningful to me.”
Casey received the award of honorary membership at the 2025 Annual Representative Assembly (ARA), at which he has been a fixture for the past three decades.
“I’m sure I missed a few ARAs over the years, but probably I attended 30, and they were all fascinating, frustrating and exhilarating. They were part of my life experience,” recalled Casey. “But when I retired at the end of December 2023, I thought to myself, well, at least I’ll have my long weekends free.”
That feeling was short lived. This year, ATA executive secretary Dennis Theobald gave Casey a call, asking him if we could take up his long weekend one last time.
“What a way to go out with what is truly my last ARA,” he said. “Teachers of Alberta, I dedicate this award to my first teacher, my mother, and to all classroom teachers striving every day to make our world a better place.”