Conference: Democracy, the Rule of Law, and Independence
OVERVIEW | GUEST SPEAKERS | REGISTRATION FEES | ACCOMMODATION | CONTACT | TERMS & CONDITIONS
OVERVIEW
The rule of law is a foundational principle of society, essential for the flourishing of democracy. It creates an environment where governance is just, transparent, and accountable, fostering public confidence. However, when this confidence erodes, the community’s willingness to engage with the legal system diminishes, threatening the very fabric of democratic institutions.
CIAJ Conference on Democracy, the Rule of Law, and Independence is a multidisciplinary event designed to bring together actors from civil society—including legal, political, and social stakeholders—to critically examine the principles that uphold social stability and the rule of law. Our goal is to deepen understanding of these essential tenets and identify actionable strategies to enhance public trust in legal institutions.
The conference will address the rising tide of global authoritarianism and its impact on democratic governance. By bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering open dialogue, we aspire to cultivate innovative solutions that promote transparency, accountability, and resilience in the face of emerging challenges. Join us in this critical conversation to strengthen our commitment to democracy and the rule of law on a global scale.
Bilingual program with simultaneous interpretation.
Participation in this program is accredited in provinces where CLE requirements for lawyers are mandatory.
Participation in this program is approved under Section 41 (1) of the Judges Act.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Honorary Chair
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The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada The Right Honourable Richard Wagner has been Canada’s chief justice since 2017. He also chairs the Canadian Judicial Council and the National Judicial Institute. Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court in 2012, he practised law for more than 20 years and then served on the Quebec courts. An advocate for access to justice and judicial transparency, he has initiated several reforms to bring the courts closer to the public. He is recognised for his commitment to the rule of law and has received numerous awards, including the Medal of the Bar of Montreal and the Legion of Honour. © Supreme Court of Canada Collection |
Keynote speaker
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© Robin Dembroff |
Jason Stanley, American Philosopher A renowned philosopher, Jason Stanley has dedicated over two decades to studying power, language, and their susceptibility to corruption. An expert on authoritarian regimes, he is the author of seven influential books, including How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them (2018) and Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future (2023), where he examines the mechanisms of extremism and political manipulation. A professor at Yale University since 2013, he recently decided to leave not only the institution but also the United States in response to political pressures on academic institutions. In the fall of 2025, he will join the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto as the Bissell Hyatt Chair in American Studies. |
REGISTRATION FEES
Registration fees includes breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks on conference days.
| Participant type |
Early Bird* Until June 30, 2025 |
Regular* From July 1st, 2025 |
| CIAJ Members | $995 | $1,095 |
| Non-Members | $1,095 | $1,295 |
| Young Lawyers – Members (5 years or less) | $795 | $895 |
| Young Lawyer – Non-Members (5 years or less) | $895 | $995 |
| Academics | $595 | $595 |
| Not-for-profit | $695 | $695 |
| Group rate | $795 | $795 |
*No tax is added to the registration fee.
CONFERENCE SITE AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Brookstreet Hotel
525 Legget Drive, Ottawa, ON K2K 2W2 (Canada)
The Brookstreet Hotel is located in Ottawa’s west end, about 30 km from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, with taxi and bus options available. It is a 10-minute drive from the Canadian Tire Centre and 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa. The hotel offers convenient access to major venues while providing a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle.
- Room Rate: $229 + applicable taxes
- Group Code: See on the registration form or in the confirmation email
- Room Reservation Deadline: October 27, 2025
- Online Room Reservation link: https://bookings.travelclick.com/13193?groupID=4609290#/datesofstay
- Phone Room Reservation: 1-888-826-2220
CONTACT
For further information, please contact the Project Manager of Judicial Programs, Vicki Gondek:
Tel.: 514-731-2855
Email: vicki.gondek@ciaj-icaj.ca
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Inability to attend may result in a registration being transferred to a colleague of the same organization up to 7 days before the Event. The request must be made in writing.
- Cancellation incurs processing fees as follows: $100 for cancellations 30 days or more before the event and 50% of the registration fee for cancellations 7 days or more before the event. No refund will be extended for cancellations made less than 7 days before the event.