Summary of Meetings: Labour Law
Number of Activities Held: 9
September 21, 2023
October 26, 2023
November 23, 2023
December 14, 2023
January 18, 2024
February 22, 2024
March 21, 2024
April 25, 2024
May 23, 2024
June 27, 2024
Online Registration Count: 33 on average
Guest Speakers: N/A
Meeting Title/Topic: Overseas Lawyers Group Meetings
Synopsis: Members connected with peers virtually at this monthly, informal meeting. The group discussed developments in immigration and citizenship law and policy, shares practice tips, and discusses challenging case scenarios.
October 30, 2023
Online Registration Count: 31
Guest Speakers: Martin Levine, Retired ATIP Officer
Meeting Title/Topic: Access to Information & Privacy Issues with IRCC
Synopsis: The Section hosted Martin Levine, a retired ATIP officer, for a discussion on ATIPs and related topics.
November 16, 2023
In-Person Registration Count: 45
Guest Speakers: N/A
Meeting Title/Topic: Annual Immigration Fall Launch
Synopsis: Annual gathering where members have the opportunity to meet the people they work with face to face, discuss practice wins and challenges, and foster relationships with colleagues. Appetizers were served alongside a cash bar.
December 12, 2023
Online Registration Count: 42
In-Person Registration Count: 16
Guest Speakers: Representative of the BC PNP: Aireen Luney, Dave Whibley, Troy Machan, Kimberly Branch, Ian Ross
Meeting Title/Topic: BC PNP Update
Synopsis: The annual BC Provincial Nominee Program update. The session reviews general program updates, procedural updates, and best practices for lawyers assisting clients with applications in the current environment.
February 8, 2024
Online Registration Count: 25
In-Person Registration Count: 7
Guest Speakers: Katya Richardson, Family & Estate Lawyer, Westside Family Law
Chong Ke, Family & Litigation Lawyer, Westside Family Law
Yun (Audrey) Chen, Family Lawyer, Westside Family Law
Meeting Title/Topic: Family Law for Immigration Practitioners
Synopsis: This intersectional presentation tackled key areas where family law issues arise for immigration practitioners. Topics included pre-nuptual agreements for sponsors, guardianship, and parenting time in immigrant families.
March 5, 2024
In-Person Registration Count: 19
Guest Speakers: CBSA Staff Members
Meeting Title/Topic: Canadian Border Services Agency Tour
Synopsis: An exclusive chance to enhance knowledge, deepen expertise, and build connections for every day practice. Members had the chance to bring their questions to CBSA representatives.
March 19, 2024
In-Person Registration Count: 57
Guest Speakers: Josh Schmidt, Schmidt & Gilmour Tax
Meeting Title/Topic: Tax Law for Immigration Lawyers
Synopsis: An informative discussion to highlight what every immigration lawyer needs to know about tax law. Members learned new skills, heard tips and tricks, and got questions answered to inform their practice.
May 31, 2024
Online Registration Count: 37
In-Person Registration Count: 16
Guest Speakers: Rob Dhanu, KC, Dhanu Dhaliwal Law Group
Meeting Title/Topic: Criminal Issues in Immigration Law
Synopsis: Rob Dhanu, KC, delved into the intricate nexus of criminal issues for immigration lawyers. Rob spoke about the basics, from understanding the implications of criminal convictions on immigration status to strategies for mitigating such impacts.
June 12, 2024
Online Registration Count: 46
Guest Speakers: Sarah Reid, Valletta Pedersen Christie
Sarah N. Goodman, Crease Harman LLP
Meeting Title/Topic: Refugee Law 101
Synopsis: Sarah Reid, Velletta Pedersen Christie, and Sarah N. Goodman, Crease Harman LLP, explored the nuanced legal frameworks governing refugee protection, deciphering the definition of a Convention refugee, and navigating the complexities of the refugee claim process.