Summer is here and with it updates on what the Executive and committee members have been working on over the past few months. Here are the highlights!
Coming this fall: CBA International Law Online Symposium
Join us this fall for a cutting-edge online symposium, looking at the intersection between international law and environmental law. We will be examining the work of the Taskforce on Climate Related Financial Disclosures.
Keep an eye out for the Online Symposium date to be announced and registration to open!
We are also looking for volunteers to make this event a success! Please contact Ewa Gosal, Chair, if you are interested in volunteering.
LinkedIn “Meet the Executive” Initiative
As part of the Section’s efforts to increase engagement, our Communications Committee has made a series of “Meet the Executive” posts on LinkedIn. These posts feature Executive members, including Susana Lee, Vice-Chair, Sean Stephenson, Secretary, Guillaume Laganière, Québec Branch Chair, and multiple Members-at-Large. These posts are a way to build connection between the Executive and our followers, and almost every post has included a fun fact about each member! If you’re curious about which member loves to run marathons or who loves drumming, or who is a citizen of three countries, check out our LinkedIn page to find out!
Advocacy Highlights
The Section expressed concern with proposed amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA), the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) (Magnitsky Act) in Bill C-47 (Budget Implementation Act 2023, No. 1). The Section also recommended that Global Affairs Canada give clear and comprehensive guidance on the application of the proposed changes and amend the country-specific regulations. Read the submission to the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Finance and the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
The Section also recently participated in a submission with other CBA Sections on the HCCH Parentage and Surrogacy Project, regarding the Hague Conference on Private International Law and the Hague Experts’ Group on Parentage and International Surrogacy Arrangements.
If you are interested in joining the Advocacy Committee, please contact Ewa Gosal, Chair.
In the News
Young Lawyers International Program (YLIP)
The CBA Young Lawyers International Program, or YLIP, places upcoming young lawyers and law graduates from Canada at internships with overseas organizations working in the areas of law reform, human rights, and access to justice. The program has been funded by Global Affairs Canada as part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy.
Read more about the experiences of the CBA YLIP interns:
Canada’s Potential to Shine in the Global Hydrogen Industry
In April, the Section hosted a Brown Bag event on Canada’s potential as a major player in the global hydrogen industry. The event featured a panel of experts who spoke about the opportunities, challenges, and initiatives surrounding Canada’s involvement in the hydrogen market. The event was moderated by Dr. Rupak Sarma, Member-at-Large. Read Dr. Sarma’s member article about the event!
Strategic Partnerships
The Executive has made concerted efforts to connect, collaborate, and work with the American Bar Association (ABA), particularly the ABA International Law Section. Our Section was represented at their recent conference. The Section will continue looking for opportunities to build strategic connections and partnerships with other International Law experts and interest groups.
Stay Informed and Get Involved
Thank you,
CBA International Law Section Executive Committee