Decision Writing Seminar (2026 Edition)
OVERVIEW | KEYNOTE SPEAKER | REGISTRATION FEES | CONTACT | TERMS & CONDITIONS
***ENGLISH-LANGUAGE GROUPS FULL***
The English-language groups are now full.
A few spots are still available in the French-language groups.
To be added to the waiting list, please contact us.
OVERVIEW
Clear, accessible, and well-reasoned decisions are essential to the credibility and effectiveness of administrative tribunals. This hands-on training is a must for tribunal members who want to strengthen one of their most important skills: decision writing. Learn how to write decisions that are concise, precise, and easy to understand—focusing on yout audience.
This practical approach has gained momentum across Canada, with both administrative decision-makers and the judiciary adopting techniques that prioritize clarity and reader-focused communication. Whether you’re new to the role or looking to refine your style, this session will help you write with confidence, clarity, and impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your work and better serve the public.
The sessions include lectures, discussions, and workshops that stress the nature of good prose, gender neutral language and the special requirements and challenges of decision writing. Much of the instruction will center on practical written exercises. Each attendee will be assigned an instructor who will read a sample of the attendee’s writing prior to the seminar and coach the attendees during the seminar workshops.
Bilingual program with simultaneous interpretation.
IMPORTANT: Please note that to participate in this seminar, you must have written at least one decision since it will be worked on during the workshops.
CPD Accreditation:
Participation in this program is accredited in provinces where CLE requirements for lawyers are mandatory.
©Image: alphaspirit
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
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The Honourable Justice John Norris, Federal Court Justice John Norris was appointed to the Federal Court in 2018. Prior to his appointment, he maintained a trial and appellate practice in the areas of criminal, constitutional and national security law. He appeared as amicus curiae in several national security matters before the Federal Courts. He also acted regularly on interventions by public interest groups in appeals before the Supreme Court of Canada. Justice Norris is a frequent contributor to continuing legal education programs, the author of several scholarly articles, and was an Assistant Editor of the Canadian Rights Reporter for many years. He has been a Director of the Canadian Council of Criminal Defence Lawyers, a Senior Associate with the Global Counter-terrorism Law and Policy Group at the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, a member of the Advisory Group for the David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights and a member of the Board of Directors of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. © Balfour
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REGISTRATION FEES
Note: The special Early-Bird rate is available until March 31, 2026.
| Participants | Early-Bird* *Until March 31, 2026 |
Regular *From April 1, 2026 |
| CCAT or CIAJ Members | $1,400 | $1,500 |
| Non-members | $1,500 | $1,600 |
| Groups with 4 of more people (CIAJ/CCAT Members) | $1,100 | |
| Groups with 4 of more people (Non-members) | $1,200 |
CONTACT
For further information, please contact Vicki Gondek, Project Manager of Judicial Programs:
Tel.: 514-731-2855
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
To participate in this seminar
- You must have paid your registration fee before the seminar.
- Please display your full name when logging into the platform. The name must match the one on your registration form. Otherwise, you may not be able to attend.
If you’re unable to attend: you may transfer your registration
You may transfer your registration to a colleague at no charge. Please notify us at least 7 days before the event by emailing vicki.gondek@ciaj-icaj.ca.
If you choose to cancel your participation
You will still be required to pay registration fees.
- More than 7 days before the event: 50% of the registration fee
- Less than 7 days before the event: 100% of the registration fee