Date
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Friday, October 19, 2018
Theme
The theme of Justice and Mental Health will be discussed by panellists who will attempt to bridge the gap between the Justice and Healthcare systems; what is the interrelation between vulnerable groups and mental illness as it plays out in the courts (civil and criminal) and administrative tribunals?
Speakers from various disciplines, including lawyers, judges, psychologists, psychiatrists, correctional professionals and social workers, will approach issues in an inclusive manner that incorporates the diverse perspectives of the various populations and advocates concerned. Among others, we will view the two systems through the lens of a medical context, a social context, a correctional view and a rehabilitation-centred view. We will also hear stories from individuals that have passed through the criminal and healthcare spheres, and have come out the other side with a unique perspective on the systems at play. The conference will conclude with a student panel entitled Law and Happiness, where we will explore how mental health issues affect law students and lawyers. What resources are available to manage the mental health of those who operate within the legal profession
It has been said that courts are the emergency rooms for unaddressed mental health issues. This conference will assess the tools available to the justice system to manage such issues when they arise with respect to litigants, witnesses and the accused.
Honorary Chair
- Senator Kim Pate, Senate of Canada
Co-Chairs
- Mr. Patrick A. Molinari, Ad. E., FRSC, Lavery Lawyers, President, CIAJ
- The Hon. James O’Reilly, Federal Court, First Vice-President, CIAJ
Planning Committee
- Mr. Mark Benton, Q.C. CEO, Legal Services Society of British Columbia
- Deputy Commissioner Brenda Butterworth-Carr, Commanding Officer, E Division, RCMP
- Professor Jennifer Chandler, Faculty of Law - Common Law Section, University of Ottawa
- The Honourable Judge Dominique Larochelle, Court of Quebec
- Ms. Sapna Mahajan, Director, Mental Health Prevention and Promotion – Workplace Initiatives Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Mr. André A. Morin, Ad. E., Chief Federal Prosecutor, Public Prosecution Service of Canada
- The Honourable Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin, Superior Court of Justice, Ontario
- The Honourable Justice P. Colleen Suche, Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench, CIAJ Second Vice-President
- Professor Martine Valois, Faculty of Law, Université de Montréal
- Mr. David A. Wright Chair, Law Society Tribunal