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
The CBA Observes International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia May 16, 2024 The CBA observes International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia by offering recommendations surrounding the use of the Notwithstanding Clause of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Bill C-316 — An Act to Amend the Department of Canadian Heritage Act (Court Challenges Program) May 15, 2024 The CBA supports the enhancement of the Court Challenges Program's stability and independence to increased access to justice for marginalized groups and advancing constitutional rights.
Processing delays for the dependents of Protected Persons April 29, 2024 The CBA and CCR recommends the issuance of Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) to dependents of protected persons to avoid lengthy and harmful separation of families.
Home Childcare Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot Programs March 27, 2024 The CBA comments on the Home Childcare Provider Pilot (HCCP) and Home Support Worker Pilot (HSWP) Programs, both due to expire in June 2024.
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.
Designated Representative Quality Assurance Framework February 02, 2024 The CBA comments on the Immigration and Refugee Board’s Designated Representative Quality Assurance framework.
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.
Category-based draws for Express Entry December 19, 2023 The CBA recommends improvements to the selection of Express Entry candidates on the basis of categories.
CBSA Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Guiding Principles and Commitments December 08, 2023 The CBA responds to the Canada Border Services Agency’s consultation on Gender-Based Violence Guiding Principles and Commitments.
Council of Europe Treaty Negotiations on Artificial Intelligence October 20, 2023 The CBA supports Canada’s participation in international negotiations in the Council of Europe for a treaty on artificial intelligence.
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.
H 1B Visa Holder Work Permit Program August 17, 2023 The CBA recommends improvements to IRCC’s new H-1B Visa Holder Work Permit Program.
Welcome letter to Minister of Public Safety August 11, 2023 The CBA welcomes the new Minister of Public Safety and sets out mutual priorities.
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
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child March 30, 2023 The CBA enjoins the Government of Canada to make a detailed action plan to effectively implement the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child.
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.
Federation of Law Societies review of the National Requirement December 13, 2022 The CBA comments on the competencies and skills needed to enter law society admission programs, as the Federation of Law Societies reviews the National Requirement.
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).
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.
IRB Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation November 18, 2022 The CBA recommends process improvements for future stakeholder consultations and proposes agenda items for the December 2022 IRB consultative committee meeting.
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
Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Temporary Foreign Workers): October 28, 2022 The CBA proposes program delivery improvements regarding Temporary Foreign Workers in the context of the International Mobility Program
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.
Proposed Amendments to the Stay of Removal/Public Policy Considerations September 23, 2022 The CBA comments on proposed amendment to stays of removal under section 233 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
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.
Privacy in Personal Electronic Devices at the Canadian Border June 03, 2022 The CBA comments on amendments to Customs Act and Preclearance Act, 2016 dealing with privacy in personal electronic devices at the border.
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.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) April 19, 2022 The CBA updates its February 2020 Alternative Report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child with a discussion of recent cases and events involving child and youth law in Canada.
Call for Urgent Action on Ongoing Crisis in Afghanistan March 11, 2022 The CBA reiterates its call to the Canadian government to fulfill its promise to resettle 40,000 Afghan nationals, particularly lawyers, judges and others who share Canada's commitment to justice, democracy and the Rule of Law.
Temporary Public Policy and Temporary Pilot Process during COVID-19 February 22, 2022 The CBA recommends that IRCC reduce the need for flagpoling at Canadian ports of entries for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Facilitating transition of international students to Permanent Residence status February 16, 2022 The CBA recommends changes to IRCC to ensure international students can continue to fulfill Canadian labour needs
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.
L'inclusion des personnes transgenres, non binaires et d'identités de genre diverses à la Cour d'appel fédérale January 28, 2022 (only available in French) L'ABC recommande des mesures visant à améliorer l'inclusion des personnes transgenres, non binaires et d'identités de genre diverses à la Cour d'appel fédérale.
Transgender, non-binary and gender diverse inclusivity at the Federal Court January 28, 2022 The CBA recommends measures to improve transgender, non-binary and gender diverse inclusivity at the Federal Court.
Measures to improve transgender, non-binary and gender diverse inclusivity at the Supreme Court of Canada. January 24, 2022 The CBA recommends measures to improve transgender, non-binary and gender diverse inclusivity at the Supreme Court of Canada.
Section 91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act December 17, 2021 The CBA proposes an amendment to remove paralegals from the categories of persons authorized to practice immigration law under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Facilitative Measures for Afghan Nationals December 13, 2021 The CBA recommends changes to immigration processing to expedite eligible Afghan nationals coming to Canada.
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.
Consultation on Gender and Sexual Diversity Statistical Metadata Standards March 12, 2021 The CBA comments on Statistics Canada’s proposed standards for gender and sexual diversity statistical metadata
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 to Minister of International Development January 06, 2020 The CBA welcomes the new Minister of International Development, and looks forward to continued work with the government on global access to justice and rule of law programming.
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.
Gowning Requirements for Counsel (Supreme Court of Canada) November 15, 2019 The CBA asks the Supreme Court of Canada to introduce a gowning policy to accommodate counsel who cannot meet traditional gowning requirements due to personal circumstances such as pregnancy, medical condition or disability
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.
Student Loan Forgiveness for Lawyers and Articling Students Working in Underserved Communities March 14, 2019 The CBA urges the federal government to expand a student debt forgiveness program to include lawyers and articling students working in rural and remote communities.
CBA Proposal for Articling Student Survey February 12, 2019 The CBA urges the Federation of Law Societies to collect demographic and information about the articling experience from Canadian articling students.
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.
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.
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.
Pay Equity and the Gender Wage Gap September 26, 2016 The CBA calls for urgent progress on pay equity and the gender wage gap.
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.
Pay Equity in the Legal Profession August 12, 2016 A Canadian Bar Association resolution passed at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Council.
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.
Governance Framework for IP Agents - Governance Model, Discipline Process and Conflicts August 05, 2016 TheCBA comments on proposals to modernize the IP agent community, including governance models, a disciplinary process, and overlapping regimes for lawyer agents.
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.
Governor in Council Appointments May 04, 2016 The Canadian Bar Association welcomes the federal government's announcement of a new approach to Governor in Council (GiC) appointments and encourages attention to underlying issues that affect the perceived integrity of GiC appointees, particularly for adjudicative tribunals.
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
Young Lawyers Forum – Regulation Amendment February 24, 2016 A Canadian Bar Association resolution passed at the 2016 Mid-Winter Meeting of Council.
Canadian Bar Association Intervention Policy February 24, 2016 A Canadian Bar Association resolution passed at the 2016 Mid-Winter Meeting of Council.
Training Lawyers to Resolve Everyday Legal Disputes 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.
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.
Employment Insurance for Parents July 03, 2013 Letter to Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
Young Lawyers-CBA Regulation Amendment February 16, 2013 WHEREAS the Young Lawyers-CBA regulation mandates a two-stage nomination process for elections to its Executive Committee, resulting in an election period of at least 60 days
Improving EI Benefits by Enhancing Flexibility in the System November 25, 2011 The CBA suggests that flexibility be introduced into the EI maternity and parental benefits system.
Repayment of Student Loans August 08, 2007 Letter to Minister of Human Resources and Social Development