Welcome to the new CBA year! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as Chair of the Section and to introduce the 2023-2024 Executive. I’d also like to express my deep gratitude to our outgoing Chair, Mohammad Ali Raza, whose wisdom, and leadership over the past year have provided tremendous benefit to the Section. We are looking forward to a productive and successful year.
Please consider joining one of our committees. It is a great opportunity to stay informed of legal developments across the country and meet fellow practitioners from every jurisdiction. In addition, as a Section member, you have access to the latest resources, submissions and professional development.
Contact us if you would like to get involved in our activities. We look forward to hearing from you.
I invite you to get involved in the many initiatives and programs we have planned in the coming months. More details below.
CBA NEERLS & Department of Justice Meeting – November 30, 2023
Join esteemed members of the CBA Environmental, Energy and Resources Law Section and their Department of Justice counterparts for a dynamic exchange about key environment and energy topics.
The program will include presentations on Indigenous involvement and other considerations for project development, as well as the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the federal level. The recent amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 will also be discussed. In addition, participants will hear about recent developments in the United States.
This program is free for CBA members. Register to gain valuable information to implement in your practice. This event will not be recorded. Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English and French.
REGISTER NOW →
Gowling WLG – David Estrin Prize – 2023 Winner
We are pleased to announce Rebecca Waxman as the winner of the 2023 Gowling WLG – David Estrin Prize, for the paper titled,“The Rights of Nature for the Public: How the Public Trust Doctrine and Rights of Nature Movement can Intersect for more Eco-Centric Environmental Protections in International Law”. Rebecca is a JD Candidate 2024 at the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University.
Advocacy Highlights
In November 2022, Selina Lee-Andersen (Honorary Member-at-Large) represented the CBA at the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP 27) in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. This marked the CBA’s first attendance since 2016.
COP is an annual meeting of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). At COP 27, the CBA participated in a panel session on the role of lawyers in combating climate change, which was co-hosted by the International Bar Association (IBA), the American Bar Association (ABA), the Orders of Attorneys of Brazil (OAB) and the Law Society of England and Wales (LSEW).
COP 28 will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12, 2023, and it is expected that UNFCCC Parties will make key decisions on the loss and damage fund, climate finance, and the Global Stocktake. Once again, the CBA will be sending a representative. The CBA’s continued engagement with the international coalition of bars and law societies working on climate change, will allow us to stay informed about climate initiatives and to shape policy statements and educational initiatives for lawyers.
PD Webinars
Skilled Lawyers Series 2023
Mastering Artificial Intelligence Skills for Canadian Corporate Lawyers: Navigating the Evolving Legal Landscape (October 11 – December 12, 2023)
Join this interactive webinar series to unlock a solid foundation in AI, its legal implications and the skills to manage growing legal opportunities and challenges.
More Upcoming PD
Mark your calendars and register for these upcoming PD events:
Relevant and Recent PD!
Did you miss the 2023 CBA Environmental, Energy and Resources Law Summit last spring? Purchase the on-demand recordings for an important discussion on the latest developments and emerging trends in energy and environmental law.
Other on-demand recordings are also available on our webpage:
Terri-Lee Oleniuk
Chair, CBA Environmental, Energy and Resources Law Section, 2023-2024