Establishing Guidelines Concerning Use of the Notwithstanding Clause October 15, 2024 The CBA recommends safeguards surrounding the use of s.33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the notwithstanding clause).
Improving Access to Justice by Increasing Transparency at IRCC June 12, 2024 The CBA urges IRCC to increase transparency by releasing Global Case Management System notes with decision letters and disclosing the use of AI in decision-making processes
International Women’s Day and Abortion Rights in Canada March 06, 2024 The CBA shares news of its recently adopted resolution on protecting and realizing abortion rights in Canada.
Preclearance in the United States Regulations February 14, 2024 The CBA comments on the proposed Preclearance in the United States Regulations.
Updates to the CBSA Removal Costs Recovery Framework January 15, 2024 The CBA comments on changes to the CBSA framework to recover removal costs from foreign nationals who seek to return to Canada after being removed at the government’s expense.
Discrimination against Ahmadi Muslim Lawyers in Pakistan September 06, 2023 The CBA expresses concern over the discrimination of lawyers belonging to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Pakistan.
Fraudulent Immigration Consultant Practices Targeting International Students August 17, 2023 The CBA recommends permanent solutions to fraudulent immigration consultant practices targeting international students.
Improving Canada's Anti Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime August 16, 2023 The CBA comments on how to improve Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime, emphasizing the protection of solicitor-client privilege.
Welcome Letter to Chairperson of Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada August 08, 2023 The CBA welcomes the new Chairperson of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
Welcome letter to Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship August 08, 2023 The CBA welcomes the new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
Welcome Letter to Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada: August 03, 2023 The CBA welcomes the new Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and sets out mutual priorities.
Improving dialogue between Civil Society and Ministers on Human Rights to better enforce children's rights June 16, 2023 The CBA suggests better consultations with civil society organizations before the Forum of Ministers on Human Rights meets to discuss the Concluding Observations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Appointment of an Associate Chief Judge for the Superior Court of Québec June 15, 2023 (Available in French only) The CBA underscores the urgency of filling the position of Associate Chief Judge of the Superior Court of Quebec.
Review of Chairperson Guideline 8 (Vulnerable Persons Appearing Before IRB) June 09, 2023 The CBA comments on proposed changes to IRB Chairperson’s Guideline 8 (Procedures With Respect to Vulnerable Persons Appearing Before the IRB).
Bill C-311 — Criminal Code amendments (violence against pregnant women) May 29, 2023 The CBA opposes private member’s Bill C-311, which would make attacks on a pregnant person an aggravating circumstance in sentencing, and urges the government to protect the right to abortion access.
PR Pathways for out-of-status foreign nationals May 25, 2023 The CBA recommends pathways to permanent residency for persons without valid immigration status.
Judicial Vacancies May 24, 2023 The CBA voices serious concerns about the current state of judicial vacancies in federally appointed courts.
IRB Guidelines 3 May 19, 2023 The CBA recommends amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada’s Chairperson Guideline 3 on procedural and evidentiary issues for Child Refugee Claimants.
Innovative Solutions to Operational Challenges at IRCC May 02, 2023 The CBA proposes solutions to operational challenges at IRCC, to reduce flagpoling, use a master portal, and update the “Use of a Representative” IMM 5476 form.
Applying for a permanent resident card from outside Canada May 01, 2023 The CBA comments on changes in IRCC’s interpretation of law and policy which preclude applicants outside of Canada from applying for a Permanent Resident card
Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations Amendments April 14, 2023 The CBA comments on CBSA-proposed regulatory amendments to automatically cancel work permits, study permits and Temporary Resident Permits
Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot April 14, 2023 The CBA shares recommendations to improve the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot programs
Reintroducing Bill C 36 to combat rise in hate crimes: April 11, 2023 The CBA urges the federal government to introduce legislation to combat the dramatic rise in hate crimes, particularly against Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+, religious minority, racialized and ethnic communities.
Non-consensual medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children March 31, 2023 The CBA urges the Government of Canada to launch a public consultation on non-consensual, deferrable and medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children
Improving Inclusivity in the Canadian Justice System March 20, 2023 The CBA suggests best practices to ensure that courts correctly pronounce the names of all people appearing before them.
Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Regulations – Release of Information March 16, 2023 The CBA recommends amendments to the proposed Release of Information for Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Regulations
Bill S-245 — Citizenship Act Amendments March 06, 2023 The CBA recommends improvements to Bill S-245, which would amend the Citizenship Act to permit certain persons who lost their Canadian citizenship to regain it.
Bill S 8 — IRPA, IRPR, Citizenship Act and Emergencies Act Amendments: March 01, 2023 The CBA comments on Bill S-8, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act amendments to strengthen the Canadian sanctions regime for inadmissible foreign nationals.
HIV non-disclosure public consultation February 15, 2023 The CBA comments on proposed criminal law reforms on HIV non-disclosure.
Pilot Project on Work Hours for International Students February 14, 2023 The CBA suggests improvements to the pilot project lifting the 20-hour-per-week cap on off-campus work hours for international students.
Hague Conference on Private International Law Parentage and Surrogacy Project February 10, 2023 The CBA comments on the Report of the Hague Experts’ Group on Parentage and International Surrogacy Arrangements and encourages further work by the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
Temporary Resident Status for Visitors February 01, 2023 The CBA suggests how Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada can clarify the interpretation of Temporary Resident Status in Visitor Records.
Bill C-20, Public Complaints and Review Commission Act January 30, 2023 The CBA comments on legislation to establish a Public Complaints and Review Commission for the CBSA and RCMP
Unified Family Courts January 25, 2023 The CBA reaffirms its support for the expansion of Unified Family Courts across Canada and shares concerns over the number of unfilled judicial vacancies.
Processing Delays for Approved Permanent Resident Applicants January 24, 2023 The CBA suggests ways to reduce delays in issuing electronic Confirmations of Permanent Residence (eCOPR) and Permanent Residence cards.
Prohibition Purchase November 28, 2022 The CBA comments on the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, the regulations and policy directions.
Bill C-32 — Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act Proposed Income Tax Amendments Compromise Solicitor-Client Privilege November 28, 2022 The CBA says the Charter Statement for Bill C-32 fails to address solicitor-client privilege in Income Tax Act amendments on reporting requirements for trusts.
Bill C-32 — Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act – Proposed Income Tax Amendments Compromise Solicitor-Client Privilege November 22, 2022 The CBA calls on Parliament to protect solicitor-client privilege in Income Tax Act amendments on reporting requirements for trusts.
Written Consultation: Reviews of Chairperson’s Guidelines 3 and 8 November 22, 2022 The CBA comments on the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada’s Review of Chairperson’s Guidelines 3 (Child Refugee Claimants: Procedural and Evidentiary Issues) and 8 (Procedures with Respect to Vulnerable Persons Appearing Before the IRB).
Miscarriage of Justice Commission November 22, 2022 The CBA responds to Minister of Justice’s request for comments on recommendations from report on creation of Miscarriage of Justice Commission.
Proposed Income Tax Amendments Compromise Solicitor-Client Privilege November 22, 2022 The CBA calls on the Minister of Finance to protect solicitor-client privilege in Income Tax Act amendments on reporting requirements for trusts.
Bill C-32 — Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act – Proposed Income Tax Amendments Compromise Solicitor-Client Privilege November 22, 2022 The CBA calls on Parliament to protect solicitor-client privilege in Income Tax Act amendments on reporting requirements for trusts.
Immigration Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program October 28, 2022 The CBA recommends improvements to the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students afflicted by mental health disorders
Access to Justice concerns over the Exclusion of Counsel in Citizenship Matters October 27, 2022 The CBA urges the Minister of Justice to work with the Minister of Immigration to ensure clients can obtain effective legal advice and representation in citizenship matters.
Exclusion of Counsel in Citizenship Matters October 27, 2022 The CBA urges the Minister of Immigration to ensure clients can obtain effective legal advice and representation in citizenship matters.
Canada’s Reports on the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination September 23, 2022 The CBA comments on Canada's draft reports on the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Urgent Action on 2SLGBTQI+ Activists Sentenced to Death in Iran September 21, 2022 The CBA urges the federal government to take immediate action over reports that two 2SLGBTQI+ activists have been sentenced to death in Iran.
Supreme Court of Canada sittings in Quebec City September 01, 2022 The CBA appreciates the Supreme Court of Canada’s commitment to enhancing public appreciation of Canada’s law and democratic institutions in its upcoming sitting in Quebec City.
Bar Leaders’ Priorities for G7 Leaders Summit June 16, 2022 The CBA outlines issues of importance for the legal profession at the 2022 G7 Summit.
Processing Time and Work Permit Applications Procedures for Visa Office and GSS Processing May 26, 2022 The CBA recommends immediate steps for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to improve processing time and procedures at visa offices for Global Skills Strategy (GSS) and Outside Canada Work Permit Applications.
Employment Equity Act Review May 10, 2022 The CBA comments on the Employment Equity Act Review and recommends improvements to modernize the Act.
PGWP Eligibility April 28, 2022 The CBA recommends improvements to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program in response to Canadian labour-market needs.
National Security Review of Investments Regulations March 11, 2022 The CBA recommends the creation of a voluntary filing mechanism and extending the delay for initial review period of certain investments under the National Security Review of Investments Regulations.
Potential amendments to the Competition Act March 10, 2022 The CBA recommends the creation of a voluntary filing mechanism and extending the delay for initial review period of certain investments under the National Security Review of Investments Regulations.
Expanded access to work permits for foreign nationals February 15, 2022 The CBA recommends that IRCC expand access to work permits for foreign nationals unable to return to their country of nationality.
Tax Issues for Separated Families November 15, 2021 The CBA recommends changes to the Income Tax Act and interpretation bulletin IT-99R5 to correct inequality in tax law for parents who have a shared time arrangement with their children.
Campagne électorale fédérale -Lettre addressé au parti du Bloc québécois August 23, 2021 (available in French only) Dans la foulée de l’élection fédérale de 2021, l’ABC cherche à obtenir l’engagement des chefs des partis à transformer les systèmes de justice afin d’assurer un accès égal à la justice au Canada.
Federal election campaign – Letter New Democratic Party Leader August 23, 2021 During the 2021 federal election, the CBA seeks a commitment from the Party Leaders to transform the justice systems to ensure equal access to justice in Canada.
Federal election campaign – Letter to Green Party Leader August 23, 2021 During the 2021 federal election, the CBA seeks a commitment from the Party Leaders to transform the justice systems to ensure equal access to justice in Canada.
Federal election campaign – Letter to Conservative Party Leader August 23, 2021 During the 2021 federal election, the CBA seeks a commitment from the Party Leaders to transform the justice systems to ensure equal access to justice in Canada.
Federal election campaign – Letter to Liberal Party Leader August 23, 2021 During the 2021 federal election, the CBA seeks a commitment from the Party Leaders to transform the justice systems to ensure equal access to justice in Canada.
Situation in Afghanistan August 23, 2021 The CBA joins with other G7 bar associations to urge G7 countries to ensure the safety of Afghan human rights defenders and in particular of Afghan women judges and lawyers.
Appointing BIPOC Candidates to the Federal Judiciary September 14, 2020 The CBA urges the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice to appoint Black, Indigenous and People of Colour candidates to the Supreme Court of Canada and other federal judicial positions.
Proposed Amendments to Model Code of Professional Conduct August 28, 2020 The CBA comments on proposed changes to the Model Code of Professional Conduct provisions on discrimination and harassment and ex parte proceedings and communications.
Welcome and Meeting Request December 20, 2019 The CBA to congratulates Minister of Justice and AG David Lametti on his re-appointment and looks forward to pursuing shared goals of advancing the rule of law, and improving legislation and the administration of justice.
Federal Court of Canada 2020-2025 Strategic Plan December 02, 2019 The CBA comments on the Federal Court's 2020-2025 Strategic Plan's proposed priorities of access to justice, modernization and strengthening the Court as a national institution.
Canada’s Remediation Agreement Regime November 19, 2019 The CBA asks the Public Prosecution Service of Canada to issue guidance on how prosecutors plan to apply Remediation Agreements in Canada.
Making Access to Justice an Election Priority June 11, 2019 The CBA is asking party leaders to show leadership on access to justice, by dedicating federal legal aid funding; and adopting guiding principles for a national, integrated system of public legal assistance.
Supreme Court Hearings Outside Ottawa February 04, 2019 The CBA supports a principled approach to occasional SCC sittings outside Ottawa and outlines several factors to consider.
Employment Insurance — Extended Parental Benefits June 19, 2018 The CBA highlights an inconsistency between federal EI benefits and some provincial and territorial parental leave entitlements, and recommends claimants be clearly informed.
Tax Proposals for Private Corporations — Protecting Past Passive Investments May 25, 2018 The Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness continues to recommend measures to alleviate the burden of new passive income rules on businesses.
Reviewing Canada's Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime May 11, 2018 The CBA responds to a Finance Canada consultation on Canada's anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime.
Revised Consent Guidelines (PIPEDA) April 26, 2018 The CBA comments on the Privacy Commissioner’s revised draft guidelines for obtaining meaningful consent and recommends some clarification.
Model Rules on Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing — Amendments April 03, 2018 The CBA comments on proposed amendments to the Federation of Law Societies of Canada model rules on anti-money laundering (cash transactions, client identification and verification) and on a proposed new rule (trust accounts).
Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness feedback on revised tax proposals February 22, 2018 The Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness remains concerned with changes to income splitting rules and upcoming changes to passive investments. The Coalition continues to recommend a comprehensive review of Canada's income tax system.
Bill C-58 — Solicitor-Client Privilege December 20, 2017 The CBA says Bill C-58 should not allow the Information and Privacy Commissioners to review records subject to solicitor-client privilege.
Addressing Corporate Wrongdoing in Canada December 08, 2017 The CBA recommends Deferred Prosecution Agreements and enhancements to the Integrity Regime to expand Canada's toolkit to address corporate wrongdoing.
Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness Feedback on Revised Tax Proposals for Private Corporations November 22, 2017 While the Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness welcomes some movement to proposed tax rules for Canadian-controlled private corporations, more consultation is needed to understand and address the consequences of the complex proposals.
GST/HST Amendments - Investment Limited Partnerships November 09, 2017 The CBA makes recommendations to clarify proposed GST/HST changes on services provided by general partners to partnerships engaged in investment activities.
Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness — Proposed Tax Proposals for Private Corporations October 12, 2017 The Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness, of which the CBA is a member, asks again that the government set aside tax proposals for Canadian Controlled Private Corporations in favour of a comprehensive review of Canadian tax policy.
Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness letter on proposed tax proposals August 31, 2017 The CBA joins the Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness —a unified voice to oppose federal government’s tax proposals for incorporated small businesses.
Independence of the Judiciary in Poland July 25, 2017 The CBA urges the Government of Canada to encourage judicial independence in Poland.
Bill C-16 — Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code Amendments (gender identity or expression) May 11, 2017 The CBA urges the Senate to pass Bill C-16, which adds "gender identity or expression" to the prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act and to the identifiable groups in the hate crime provisions of the Criminal Code.
Shortage of Judges December 19, 2016 The CBA reiterates the urgency of filling vacancies and increasing judicial complements across Canada, noting the critical shortage of judges in Quebec and Alberta.
Delays in Canada's Criminal Justice System October 18, 2016 The CBA adds to its previous submissions on ways to reduce delays in the criminal justice system, including changes to disclosure, promoting early resolution, modernizing routine appearance and investing in legal aid.
Federal Judicial Discipline Process September 21, 2016 The CBA make recommendations to Justice Canada on reforms to the federal judicial discipline process. The CBA urges inclusion of lay persons and puisne judges, the development of a code of procedure and reintroduction of Inquiry Independent Counsel.
Post-Judicial Return to Practice September 21, 2016 The CBA advises the Federation of Law Societies of Canada that post-judicial return to practice should be regulated, with corresponding recommendations.
Government of Canada Relocation Support Services - Integrated Relocation Program August 19, 2016 The CBA writes to Public Works and Government Services Canada to express its concerns with the Government of Canada's Relocation Support Services Integrated Relocation Program.
Canadian Bar Association Governance and Organization August 12, 2016 A Canadian Bar Association resolution passed at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Council.
CBA Speaker Diversity August 12, 2016 A Canadian Bar Association resolution passed at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Council.
Model Code of Professional Conduct July 12, 2016 CBA supports proposed changes to FLSC Model Code of Professional Conduct on competence, dishonesty, leaving a law firm, and incriminating physical evidence.
Governance Framework for IP Agents - Code of Conduct June 13, 2016 The Canadian Bar Association welcomes a code of conduct for patent and trademark agents and recommends changes to provide greater clarity about the scope of agent work and to deal with the unauthorized practice of law by non-lawyer agents.
Entity Regulation March 07, 2016 The CBA comments on entity regulation to the Federation of Law Societies and encourages the law societies to harmonize any new regulations between jurisdictions
Canadian Bar Association Intervention Policy February 24, 2016 A Canadian Bar Association resolution passed at the 2016 Mid-Winter Meeting of Council.
Closure of Courts in New Brunswick February 24, 2016 A Canadian Bar Association resolution passed at the 2016 Mid-Winter Meeting of Council.
Accommodating Maternity in Court Gowning Directives February 24, 2016 A Canadian Bar Association resolution passed at the 2016 Mid-Winter Meeting of Council.
Joint Policy Statement on Audit Inquiries February 24, 2016 A Canadian Bar Association resolution passed at the 2016 Mid-Winter Meeting of Council.
Delays in Canada's Criminal Justice System February 18, 2016 The Canadian Bar Association suggests ways to reduce delays in the criminal justice system, including changes to disclosure, promoting early resolution, modernizing routine appearance and investing in legal aid.
Small Business Tax Rate February 09, 2016 The Canadian Bar Association writes to the Ministers of Finance and Small Business about the impact of any changes to the small business corporate income tax rate on the legal profession.
Welcome to Justice Portfolio November 04, 2015 The CBA extends congratulations to the Justice Minister and looks forward to working with her to convey the perspective of the legal profession on issues of mutual interest.
Welcome to Prime Minister November 04, 2015 The CBA extends congratulations to the Prime Minister and looks forward to working with the new government to convey the perspective of the legal profession on issues of mutual interest.