It’s been a pleasure working with the Executive and Section members on various initiatives throughout 2020-2021. Thank you to everyone for your hard work! Catch up on some of the highlights below.
Advocacy Highlights
Meetings with the Government of Canada
The Sanctions Policy and Operations Coordination Division of Global Affairs Canada met with us this week to discuss the role of the division, how it works with other government departments and new developments.
More meetings coming soon! The details of each meeting will be announced on our Section listservs and posted to the CBA International Law LinkedIn page once confirmed.
UK Free Trade Agreement
Our Section participated in a CBA multi-section working group responding to GAC’s consultation on an anticipated bilateral Canada-U.K. free trade agreement and a possible U.K. accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Read the submission.
Digital Economy Partnership Agreement
We also contributed to a CBA multi-Section working group responding to GAC’s consultation on Canada’s interest in joining the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement between Chile, New Zealand and Singapore. Read the submission. More recently, GAC sought views on the DEPA text and how it could be updated to advance international digital trade and address any trade barriers.
Business and Human Rights Toolkit
The Business and Human Rights Toolkit Working Group aims to publish the final toolkit this fall. The toolkit will cover business risk and corporate responsibility, as well as business and human rights for lawyers, as law and in Canada. Stay tuned!
Call for Volunteers
Our Section is planning a joint program with the CBA Environmental, Energy and Resources Law Section in spring 2022. The multi-day program – likely to be held online – will address issues relating to the intersection of our areas of practice. If you are interested in joining the planning committee, please contact us.
Publish in the Canadian International Law Journal
The Editorial Board has reviewed several excellent submissions for the next issue. This edition will address issues including international human rights, international commercial law and liability for crimes under international law. Stay tuned for publication details expected in fall! If you have a submission that you would like considered for the following publication in 2022, please send it to us.
New Lawyers Committee Highlights
Our New Lawyers Committee, comprised of both new lawyers and law students, participated in a virtual conference in partnership with the Queen’s Human Rights Law Club called Human Rights in Pandemic Times: A Canadian Law School Conference. Two other initiatives that we are working on:
- Establishing a resource to help students and young lawyers find international law opportunities including paid and volunteer opportunities.
- Developing podcasts including interviews with practitioners and students on the practice of international law as well as substantive legal issues.
Stay Informed and Get Involved
- Submit member articles and check out Bo Kruk’s recent article on how international humanitarian law reflects major world religions.
- Catch the recent interview in CBA National with Warren Ragoonanan (Vice-Chair) about the evolving legal landscape in environmental, social and corporate governance. And listen to the podcast!
- Read our monthly trade clipping updates. Check out the May issue!
- Stay tuned for Brown Bag sessions on restorative justice at the International Criminal Court and a series of industry-specific trade talks. We also held International Arbitration One-Year Post-COVID in March (recording available to CBA members upon request).
- Join and contribute to our many listservs, which have been a great resource for Section members to share information on international law initiatives!
- Join 1,000+ colleagues on our LinkedIn page!
Thank You,
CBA International Law Section Executive Committee