OBA Criminal Justice PROGRAM | On-Demand
Original Program Date: July 22, 2026

When you purchase this on-demand product, you will receive access to the recording approximately one week following the live program date. If you wish to view the program live, please purchase the live online product here.

This June saw the passing of two significant federal bills impacting criminal law practice, and the OBA is here to get you up to speed on what you need to know about these changes.

Bill C-16 received Royal Assent on June 18, fundamentally reshaping criminal practice, with the creation of the new coercive control offence, the codification of femicide-related provisions, guidance on court delays, reforms to criminal harassment, new child protection offences and expanded measures addressing online exploitation and predatory conduct. 

Bill C-14 received Royal Assent on June 15, leaving criminal law practitioners to grapple with a significant shift in Canada’s approach to pre-trial release and sentencing, including:  

• Expanding the scope of reverse-onus bail, 
• Broadening the circumstances in which detention may be justified, 
• Reintroducing new aggravating sentencing factors, and 
• Renewing the emphasis on denunciation, deterrence, and public safety in criminal proceedings. 

Bill C-14 reforms also raise challenging questions for practitioners regarding the continued application of established constitutional principles and other leading authorities governing bail, sentencing, proportionality and restraint. 

Register now to hear from our experienced faculty as they share the essential insights and strategies you need to effectively respond to these sweeping reforms in Canadian criminal law.

PROGRAM CHAIR

Kelsey Flanagan, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP

SPEAKERS

Neville Golwalla, Crown Counsel, Crown Law Office – Criminal, Ministry of the Attorney General 
Chris Rudnicki, Rudnicki & Company
Melanie Webb, Webb Barristers 
Camilla Zhang, Assistant Crown Attorney, Ministry of the Attorney General