Blog 2025

In this episode, CIAJ’s Articling Student David Lazzam sits down with Jessyca Greenwood, Principal Lawyer at Greenwood Law, to discuss how the legal system responds to substance dependency in the workplace. Drawing from years of experience representing vulnerable clients, Jessyca explores common legal challenges, gaps in employer obligations, and the role of stigma in shaping outcomes. Together, they examine how specialized courts and diversion programs can help—or hinder—real change. From courtroom culture to systemic reform, this conversation highlights the need for compassion, accountability, and broader social supports to ensure that people struggling with addiction aren’t left behind.

Drug toxicity is a leading cause of death in Canada and around the world. Over the course of three episodes, we address three interrelated topics related to the toxic drug crisis. This final episode will review decriminalization policies in Portugal, British Columbia, and Oregon, and examine the mandatory treatment scheme in Alberta. Guests discuss how decriminalization is ineffective as a standalone policy and suggest additional resources that are needed to address the overdose crisis. Host Sarah Rowe discuss this issue and more with guests, internist and addiction specialist, Dr. Monty Ghosh, and criminal defence lawyer, Kyla Lee. 

Nicole Sherren, a neuroscience expert and Principal Consultant at R2P Solutions, joins The Honourable P. Colleen Suche, Justice of the Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba, for an engaging discussion on the profound impact of childhood adversity on brain development, mental health, and addiction. Drawing on cutting-edge research, Sherren illustrates how early adverse experiences can rewire the brain, heightening susceptibility to addiction and mental health challenges later in life.

In this insightful conversation, host David Lazzam speaks with Gavin Cazon-Wilkes, a Legal Counsel with the Wahkohtowin Law and Governance Lodge. This episode highlights the Lodge’s methodologies for uncovering Indigenous legal principles, its efforts to address addiction and mental health, and its aspirations for advancing Indigenous-led governance. Through concrete examples, Gavin demonstrates how narrative tools are reshaping the legal landscape, offering a unique perspective on integrating traditional laws with contemporary challenges.
To further explore the discussion, don’t miss the upcoming CIAJ conference on Addiction, Mental Health, and the Law, happening February 3-5, 2025, in Toronto.

In this engaging discussion, host David Lazzam welcomes Justice Richard Schneider and mental health advocate Noah Irvine to explore the intersection of addiction, mental health, and the law. Justice Schneider reflects on his extensive experience with mental health courts and the criminal justice system, while Noah shares a powerful perspective as a national advocate for systemic change. To delve deeper into these vital topics, don’t miss the upcoming CIAJ conference on Addiction, Mental Health, and the Law, happening February 3-5, 2025, in Toronto.

Stephen Bindman, visiting professor and executive in residence at the uOttawa Faculty of Law, welcomes Professor Kent Roach, one of the most prolific scholars and writers in the area of criminal law and wrongful convictions in Canada. In this episode, they discuss Professor Kent Roach’s book ‘Wrongfully Convicted’ and how he got into studying the area of wrongful convictions and why it’s important.

In this episode, uOttawa Associate Professor Vanessa MacDonnell welcomes The Honourable Sheilah L. Martin, Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Public Law Conference, which will be held from July 3rd to July 5, 2024, in Ottawa.

In this episode, CIAJ’s host Sarah Rowe is welcoming lawyer Dylan Gibbs, Founder & Author of Hearsay, a plain language email newsletter aiming to keep Canadian lawyers informed of key decisions and topical legal news.

How can we contribute to strengthening judicial systems in developing countries? In this episode, CIAJ is welcoming FJA’s Deputy Commissioner Errolyn Humphreys to learn more on the Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) Project.

In this episode, Adjunct Research Professor Dr. Samantha McAleese from Carleton University and Lawyer Russell Bennett, founder of Cannabis Law, Barristers & Solicitors, tackle the topic of expunging cannabis convictions.