| Speakers: |
Andrea Gatti, DOJ Canada, BC Regional Office
Emma Irving, Dentons Canada LLP
Naomi Kovak, Camp Fiorante Matthews LLP |
| Air Date: |
This is an archived recording of a webinar hosted on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:15pm (PT) |
| Registration: |
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| CPD: |
1.5 Hours (Ethics) |
SYNOPSIS
A powerful legal mechanism, class actions have the potential to drive institutional change and hold public bodies accountable. However, it can also open the door to judicial overreach and policymaking from the bench. Panelists examine the balance between legal advocacy and democratic governance.
ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKERS
Andrea Gatti, DOJ Canada, BC Regional Office
Andrea articled and began her practice with Osler LLP (2007-2009). She then joined the law constitutional rights group at the Canadian Foundation for Children, Youth and the Law (2009-2011), where her civil litigation practice was focused on legal reform through test case and appellate work. Andrea joined Justice Canada in 2011.
Andrea has extensive experience in defending class proceedings in several areas, including product liability and regulatory matters, environmental pollution claims, residential schools, corrections and policing. Andrea has appeared at all levels of the court, including before the Supreme Court of Canada. She is a leader in Justice’s litigation group and a champion of project management systems in litigation management. Outside of the office Andrea is a passionate cyclist and a typical mom.
Emma Irving, Dentons Canada LLP
Emma Irving is a partner in Dentons’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution group in Vancouver and co-leader of its national Class Actions group. She regularly acts for national and multinational clients in high-stakes commercial and regulatory disputes. Emma’s experience spans most areas of commercial litigation, with a particular focus on defending class actions. Her recent mandates include advising on privacy, product liability and consumer claims, coordinating multi-jurisdictional defence strategies, and helping clients navigate reputational and regulatory risks in parallel class and regulatory proceedings.
Naomi Kovak, Camp Fiorante Matthews LLP
Naomi Kovak is a partner with CFM Lawyers. She primarily represents plaintiffs in class proceedings and her experience includes litigating class proceedings related to competition law, consumer protection, fraud, systemic negligence, privacy, and securities matters.
ACKNOWLEDGING FIRST NATIONS TERRITORIES
This recording is hosted by CBABC, which is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam First Nations. We encourage our members to explore the rich history and knowledge of Indigenous people, and to continue learning about their experience in Canada, past and present.
TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS
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Closed captioning is available in the video player.
Participant Disclaimer
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Cancellation Policy
Once payment has been processed there will be no refunds issued.
