BC Legal Conference: Government Law & Practice 2025 (In-Person) 

Sep. 24, 2025
Vancouver BC

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 8:45am - 4:30pm (PT)
RSVP by: Fri, Sep 12
Location: Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Simon Fraser University
580 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3
 
Cost:
CBA Members Non-Members Join CBA & save!
$ 495.00 +GST $ 695.00 +GST
Virtual Option: Prefer to attend virtually? Register Here!
CPD: This conference has 5.25 CPD hours, incl. 1.50 hours of the ethics, professional responsibility and practice management. 
ABOUT THIS CONFERENCE

Join colleagues from across the public sector for a day designed to keep you informed in your practice. The Government Law & Practice Conference offers public and private sector lawyers a focused opportunity to gain practical insights into the issues shaping public law today. This hybrid conference allows you to attend in person for valuable networking or join online from wherever you are.

We are honoured to welcome The Hon. Chief Justice Ron Skolrood of the Supreme Court of British Columbia as our keynote speaker.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical strategies, case law updates, and new perspectives that will support your work in the public sector.

PROGRAM

8:45am | Welcome Remarks

8:55am | Remarks from the Department of Justice Canada, B.C. Regional Office

9:05am |Keynote Address

The Hon. Chief Justice Ron Skolrood, Supreme Court of British Columbia

9:45am | Current Trends in Aboriginal Law

Learn about recent developments in Aboriginal Law in this fireside chat. John W. Gailus, a member of Haida Nation, shares his insight into the evolving impact of UNDRIP on the duty to consult, and complexities of overlapping claims to shared territory. Drawing on practical experience, this discussion explores how these trends are shaping negotiations, litigation,  and government policy. 

Edward Burnet, DOJ Canada, BC Regional Office
John W. Gailus, Cascadia Legal LLP

10:45am | Health Break

11:00am | Class Actions as a Tool for Social Reform

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.

Andrea Gatti, DOJ Canada, BC Regional Office
Emma Irving, Dentons Canada LLP
Naomi Kovak, Camp Fiorante Matthews LLP

12:15pm | Lunch

1:05pm | Remarks from Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch

1:15pm | AI Advancement and Innovation

The continuous evolution of artificial intelligence brings new opportunities—and challenges—to the legal profession. Experts discuss how AI’s recent advancements are being integrated into legal research tools such as Westlaw, LexisNexis and the Department of Justice’s Otto Project, and the risks that may arise.

Ebrahim Adeeb, DOJ Canada, BC Regional Office
Sancho McCann, DOJ Canada, BC Regional Office

1:55pm | Rapid Fire: Top Ten Cases in Government Law

In this fast-paced round-up of 2025, counsel summarize the most significant cases that shaped public law this year. Hear recaps on key decisions and developments in administrative law, constitutional issues, Crown liability and more.

2:45pm | Health Break

3:00pm | In the Hot Seat: Ethics in Action

Government lawyers often face complex ethical dilemmas that require balancing competing duties — to their client, the public and the justice system. Presented with real-world scenarios, experienced counsel are put on the spot to share their strategies for navigating tensions between privilege, confidentiality and secrecy. 

Moderator: Lorne D. Lachance, Ministry of Attorney General of BC
Christa Akey, DOJ Canada, BC Regional Office
Craig Cameron, DOJ Canada, BC Regional Office
Bridget Gilbride, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

4:20pm | Closing Remarks

ACKNOWLEDGING FIRST NATIONS TERRITORIES
This conference is hosted 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.
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSIVENESS
  • The facilities for this conference are wheelchair accessible.
  • The facilities will also include gender-neutral bathrooms.
  • We are also offering a virtual viewing with closed captioning for this conference. Register Here!


For requests or inquiries on accommodations, please contact CBABC Professional DevelopmentWe welcome your suggestions for enhancing the inclusiveness of our activities.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Participant Disclaimer
All materials related to this conference are for the sole use of the registrant, which may not be copied, reproduced, uploaded, posted, publicly displayed, translated, distributed, shared, modified, made available on a network or other website, used to create derivative works, or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without the prior express written permission of the Canadian Bar Association.

Cancellation Policy
Please note there will be no refunds after payment has been processed. To cancel your attendance or to transfer your registration to a colleage, please contact CBABC Professional Development.

CBABC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses or change speakers, location or content.

 

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CONTACT INFO

CBABC Professional Development
1.888.687.3404 | 604.687.3404
pd@cbabc.org