Democracy at a Crossroads: Can We Still Save It?
OVERVIEW
The rule of law is a foundational principle of any civilized society. It creates an environment where democracy can thrive, ensuring that governance is just, transparent, and accountable without fear or favor, fostering public confidence. When this confidence erodes, so does the community’s willingness to engage with the legal system. The media serves as a crucial watchdog of democracy, holding power accountable and ensuring transparency in the justice system.
As public trust in democratic institutions wanes, our webinar aims to bring together justice system participants to critically examine the principles that support social stability and the rule of law. Our goal is to deepen understanding of these essential principles and identify practical steps to enhance public trust in legal institutions, reinforcing this vital pillar of democracy. The webinar will also deal with the rise of global authoritarianism.
This program serves as a preview for our upcoming conference on Democracy, the Rule of Law, and Independence, taking place on November 18-19, 2025. Don’t miss it!
PANELIST AND MODERATOR
Panelists:
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The Honourable Irwin Cotler, former Minister of Justice of Canada Irwin Cotler is the president of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, an emeritus professor of law at McGill University, and a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. He has defended numerous prisoners of conscience, including Nelson Mandela and Raif Badawi. He initiated significant reforms, including efforts against racism and hate, as well as Canada’s first law on marriage equality. Cotler is recognized for his commitment to human rights and international justice and has received several honors, including the Israeli Presidential Medal for his fight against antisemitism and racism. To view his full biography, click here. |
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David Shribman, journalist Globe and Mail, member of the Max Bell Institute at McGill David M. Shribman is an award-winning journalist and former editor of the Post-Gazette in Pittsburgh (2003-2019), as well as a Pulitzer Prize winner for his writing on American politics. He writes columns on American affairs for the Globe and Mail and teaches at McGill University. Throughout his career, he has worked for prestigious media outlets such as the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. Shribman is also a regular analyst for the BBC and CBC. He holds several honorary degrees and has taught at renowned universities across the United States. To view his full biography, click here. |
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Yuliya Kovaliv, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada Yuliya Kovaliv is Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada, appointed in March 2022. With nearly a decade of experience in public administration and investment promotion, she previously served as Deputy Head of the President’s Office, overseeing economic policy and IFI coordination. Kovaliv has also led Ukraine’s National Investment Council and held key positions in the privatization and governance of state-owned enterprises. She chaired Naftogaz’s Supervisory Board, focusing on aligning governance with OECD standards and improving energy security. Kovaliv holds a Master’s in Economics and Public Administration and has worked both in the public and private sectors. To view her full biography, click here. |
Moderator:
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Miray Granovsky, Deputy Judge, Small Claims Court; General Counsel, Atlantic Coated Papers Miray Cheskes Granovsky graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School and holds an LL.M. in Alternative Dispute Resolution. She serves as a deputy judge at the Toronto Small Claims Court and as General Counsel for Atlantic Coated Papers and Flexible Packaging Corporation. She was on the board of the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions. Miray also served on the Ontario Special Education Tribunal and volunteered with Pro Bono Law Ontario. She chairs the annual charity event Grand Slam Pro Am to support communities in need locally and abroad. To discover her profile, click here. |
CONTACT
For further information, please contact the Project Manager of Multidisciplinary Programs, Mary Plagakis:
Tel.: 514-731-2855, extension 4
Email: mary.plagakis@ciaj-icaj.ca
BROADCAST SCHEDULE AND LANGUAGE
In English with simultaneous interpretation
Broadcast time across Canada (Wednesday, November 13, 2024):
PT 08:00 – 09:30 am
MT 09:00 – 10:30 am
CT 10:00 – 11:30 am
ET 11:00 – 12:30 pm
AT Noon – 1:30 pm
NT 12:30 – 2:00 pm
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Payment in full of the registration fee is due before the Event.
- 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: 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.