Justice Simon Ruel speaks with lawyer Philippe Larochelle, President of the Bar Association before the International Criminal Court (ABCPI), to take a look at the International Criminal Court (ICC) more than 20 years after its establishment. Arrest warrants against heads of state, accusations of politicization, sovereignty issues, the role of victims, defence challenges, ecocide, and digital evidence: this episode explores the strengths, limitations, and tensions of a unique system of justice, confronted with a rapidly changing world. This episode is available in French only.

Due to the cumulative effects of settler colonialism and the ongoing dispossession of Indigenous lands, Indigenous peoples in Canada experience significantly higher rates of housing insecurity than the general population. Existing mental health and substance use issues further exacerbate this issue, creating a cycle of insecurity. Host Sarah Rowe is joined by Margaret Pfoh, CEO of Aboriginal Housing Management Association, and Justin Marchand, CEO of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, to discuss how intergenerational trauma, historical injustice, and systemic discrimination contribute to the unique barriers that Indigenous peoples face when seeking adequate housing and explain the need for culture-based housing policy.

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. 

In this episode, CIAJ's Executive Director Christine O’Doherty welcomes The Honourable Chief Justice J.C. Marc Richard (of New Brunswick) to talk about his involvement in the Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) Project. Drawing from his experience in Mongolia and Moldova, he discusses the importance of judicial independence and ethics. He addresses questions about Canada’s role in strengthening global justice, the challenges of eradicating corruption, and the value of international judicial cooperation. He reflects on what motivates his involvement and how these experiences shape his perspective on global judicial cooperation.

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.

Discover the impact of the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) through the experience of the Ecuadorian delegation at CIAJ's 2024 Symposium on Indigenous Justice System. Hosted by Christine O'Doherty, the Honourable Milton Enrique Velasquez Diaz, Justice of the National Court of Justice of Ecuador, explores how TAP facilitates exchanges between judicial experts and justice system actors, while supporting global reform efforts. This dialogue highlights lessons learned from the Canadian system on indigenous justice issues, and their relevance in an international context.

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.

In this episode, David Lazzam hosts a compelling discussion with Vincent Ramsay, a retired family law attorney, and Nicholas Bala, a professor specializing in family and children’s law. Together, they delve into the history of Canada’s adversarial family law system and its profound impacts on families and children. Their engaging dialogue highlights the contrasting roles of “peacemaker” and “hired gun” lawyers, while offering educational and policy reform suggestions to promote a more collaborative, child-focused approach to family law. The episode also provides concrete advice for practitioners and policymakers aiming to reshape the family justice landscape.

Dans cet épisode, Qurat-ul Ain, étudiante en droit à l'université de Montréal, invite le professeur Alexandre Lillo, enseignant en droit à l'UQAM, à explorer un sujet novateur : le lien entre la pédagogie alternative et l'accès à la justice. Ensemble, ils plongent au cœur des méthodes d'apprentissage non traditionnelles, comme l'apprentissage par le jeu, et leur impact sur la formation des futurs juristes. Le professeur Lillo partage ses techniques pédagogiques audacieuses et innovantes. Une discussion inspirante sur la façon dont l'enseignement peut transformer le droit et ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives.

In this episode, host Christine O'Doherty is joined by special guests Tina Parbhakar, Amy Schwab, and Jane Morley, K.C., to explore the Transform the Family Justice System Collaborative, an innovative initiative in British Columbia, launched in 2022.

David Lazzam, CIAJ's articling student, welcomes back to the podcast Diana Lowe and Justice Rod Jerke to discuss the role of storytelling in effecting systemic change within family law systems, while also catching up on the new story being told at the Reforming the Family Justice System (RFJS) initiative.

Dans cet épisode, Me Caroline Bourbonnais reçoit Carolle Tremblay, avocate accréditée en droit collaboratif familial, et l'honorable J. Sébastien Vaillancourt, juge coordonnateur de la gestion familiale au district de Montréal à la Cour supérieure du Québec. Ensemble, ils discutent du droit collaboratif, une approche innovante dans le domaine du droit familial. Carolle Tremblay partage son point de vue en tant qu'avocate sur cette méthode qui favorise la résolution amiable, tandis que le juge Vaillancourt offre une perspective judiciaire, expliquant pourquoi cette approche est une option très intéressante pour les personnes en situation de conflit familial.

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.

Shayla Praud (Eagle Clan from the Nisga’a Nation), Dominga Robinson (Nakota Jamaican l Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation) and Justin Thompson (Member of Nipissing First Nation), students at the time of recording earlier this year, share their views on Indigenous self-governance.

In this episode, Nathan Afilalo, CIAJ's former Legal Affairs Manager at the time, welcomes two guests to discuss engaging with Indigenous legal orders in Canada from two perspectives: the academic side with Associate Professor Hadley Friedland and the institutional side with Crown Counsel Sarah Arngna'naaq. These two guests present their work and active projects.

Qu'est-ce que la rédaction législative? À l'approche de la Conférence sur la rédaction législative, organisée par l'ICAJ à Ottawa du 16 au 18 septembre 2024, des experts en la matière parlent de leur travail et des aspects passionnants de cette profession qui est souvent méconnue. Les sujets abordés incluent le rôle des rédacteurs dans les différents bureaux, tant au niveau fédéral qu'au niveau provincial, et l'évolution de la profession dans une perspective d'avenir.

In this episode, Nathan Afilalo, Argyri Panezi and Daniel J. Escott reflect on the writing of their co-authored report “Access to Justice Summit: The New Brunswick Report - Digital Transformation: Putting People at the Heart of the System.”

Lors de cet entretien, le professeur Vladyslav Lanovoy traitera du recours à la force par les États en droit international (jus ad bellum), qui est encadré par la Charte des Nations Unies.