WEDNESDAY JUNE 21 | 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
FAIRMONT CHÂTEAU LAURIER
1 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON
Ballroom
Registration Fees | Agenda
Judicial independence is for the benefit of all Canadians and ours to protect and maintain. Even though we are privileged to have a robust justice system that ensures Canadians receive fair and impartial treatment before the law, there are also concerning risks posed by polarization, misinformation, and a challenging media environment.
It is up to the legal profession, policymakers, and stakeholders in our democracy to mitigate these risks and remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring an independent justice system remains a cornerstone of our democratic society.
Join us for an exclusive forum on Courting Confidence, Preserving Trust in Judicial Independence, where the CBA will bring together distinguished judges, members of the legal community, and members of the media to explore strategies for strengthening the public's faith in our justice system.
In-person seating is limited, so book now to reserve your place. Virtual attendance is also available.
Agenda
| TIME |
DETAILS |
| 8:30 am |
Registration & Continental Breakfast
|
| 9:15 am |
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Steeves Bujold, President, Canadian Bar Association
|
| 9:20 am |
Keynote Address
Hear from the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada as he frames the discussion on two panels moderated by Jennifer Ditchburn, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute on Public Policy.
 |
The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C.
Chief Justice of Canada
|
|
| 9:35 am |
Remarks
 |
Shalene Curtis-Micallef
Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General of Canada
|
|
| 9:40 am |
Crisis of Confidence: The Role of Media & An Informed Public in Upholding Democratic Institutions
Judicial independence is a matter of trust. Appropriate media coverage of judicial rulings, as well as education and knowledge are at the core of this public trust – a trust that is essential to Canada’s justice system. At the same time, the right to comment on and even criticize the legal system and decisions of the courts is part of our democratic process. But when does the message turn from education to disinformation and begin to harm public confidence in the judicial system?
Our distinguished panel of judges and media experts will discuss the importance of free speech and the right to criticize legal decisions, while examining what can be done in a free and democratic society to counteract the negative effects of the spread of disinformation.
 |
Panelist
The Honourable Glenn D. Joyal
Chief Justice of Court of the King’s Bench Manitoba
|
 |
Panelist
Patrick Bourbeau
President, Canadian Media Lawyers Association
|
 |
Panelist
Althia Raj
Toronto Star
|
 |
Moderator
Jennifer Ditchburn
President & CEO of the Institute for Research on Public Policy
|
|
|
More panellists will be added as they are confirmed. This session will be followed by your chance to ask the panel questions.
|
| 10:40 am |
Questions and Answers
|
| 10:50 am |
Health Break
|
| 11:00 am |
Strengthening Judicial Independence
Judicial independence is for the benefit of citizens, not judges. But threats to it in an era of polarization and underfunded justice can sows seeds of doubt in the judiciary’s ability to deliver high standards of fair and impartial justice. To address these challenges, our panel will share their insights on how judicial independence can be preserved and strengthened. They will explore solutions that support a better functioning justice system and ways to promote greater public trust in the judiciary.
 |
Panelist
The Honourable Michael Tulloch
Chief Justice of Ontario
|
 |
Panelist
The Honourable Marie-Anne Paquette
Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Quebec
|
 |
Panelist
The Honourable Paul Favel
Federal Court of Canada Judge
|
 |
Panelist
The Honourable Michèle Monast
President, Canadian Superior Court Judges Association
|
|
Moderator
Jennifer Ditchburn
President & CEO of the Institute for Research on Public Policy
|
|
|
More panelists will be added as they are confirmed. This session will be followed by your chance to ask the panel questions.
|
| 12:00 pm |
Questions and Answers
|
| 12:15 pm |
Closing Remarks
|
| 12:20 pm |
Luncheon with Indigenous Celebrations
(to be served in the Laurier Room)
Following the panels, please join us to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with a performance by Indigenous Drum Group SpiritWolf Singers.
SpiritWolf Singers is comprised of local artists who’ve known each other for over 25 years and who all share the love of the drum and singing. They are brothers and cousins of survivors of the residential school system who show their resilience by keeping the tradition of song alive.
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FEES:
CBA Memeber: $199
Non-members: $399
Plus applicable taxes
Group Rates For Firms / Organizations
5 – 9 registrants = 10% discount
10 – 19 registrants = 15% discount
20+ = 20% discount
To take advantage of the discount, please contact: pd@cba.org
