Report • CIAJ’s 2025 Annual Conference • Environment and the Law: Protect or Develop—Is There a Choice?
Every year, CIAJ Annual Conference is much more than just a professional event—it is a much-anticipated gathering, a space for human and intellectual exchange. This 49th edition, titled “Environment and the Law: Protect or Develop—Is There a Choice?”, held October 28–30 in Vancouver, was no exception, bringing together passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds—lawyers, judges, academics, and representatives of NGOs and community organizations—united by a shared commitment to advancing justice.
The environment is now one of the most pressing issues of our time. Faced with the intensifying climate crises and their repercussions on our societies, it has become essential for legal professionals to engage with these issues and reflect on them seriously. It is precisely this challenge that the 2025 edition addressed, delving into the heart of issues that concern us all: climate change, the rights of Indigenous peoples, ecosystem protection, economic development… These rich and stimulating discussions demonstrated, once again, the strength of these conferences: bringing together curious and committed minds to think about the future together.
This report, produced by Sarah Rowe, Legal Counsel at CIAJ, invites you to relive the highlights of this wonderful edition and discover the inspiring insights that emerged from it.
About the author
Sarah Rowe
Legal Counsel
Sarah is a graduate of University of Ottawa’s Common Law program, having previously obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. She articled at Legal Aid NL and is a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Throughout law school, Sarah worked as a student intern at CIAJ. In her new position as legal counsel, Sarah is responsible for assisting with the development and management of CIAJ projects, including the research and analysis of legislation, court decisions, and government policies. In this role, she also engages with law students and law faculties to ensure relevancy and legal accuracy of CIAJ’s educational programs. In her free time, Sarah enjoys volunteering, playing guitar, and supporting local theatre.