Guaranteeing the right to housing on its own misses a key overlapping concern: whether the housing is actually accessible. Despite the federal government's goal of achieving a barrier-free Canada by 2040, many people continue to face barriers in securing housing that meets their accessibility needs and are twice as likely to live in core housing need.

In the third episode of this series, host Sarah Rowe is joined by Marie-Josée Houle, Canada's first Federal Housing Advocate, and Stephanie Chipeur, who holds the Azrieli Accelerator Professorship in Law & Disability Policy at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law and the School of Public Policy. Together, they discuss the right to adequate housing that is accessible, adaptable, and visitable for people with disabilities, seniors, and other equity-deserving groups.

Guests

• Stephanie Chipeur, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law & School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
• Marie-Josée Houle, Federal Housing Advocate

Host

• Sarah Rowe, Legal Counsel, Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice (CIAJ)

In 2019, the Canadian government recognized housing as a fundamental human right through the National Housing Strategy Act; however, in the years that have followed, housing affordability has only worsened for low- to moderate-income households. While this Act requires the federal government to address homelessness and core housing need, Canadian housing policies continue to benefit primarily those seeking profit and returns on investment.

In this second episode, host Sarah Rowe is joined by lawyer Michèle Biss, Executive Director of the National Right to Housing Network, and political economist Ricardo Tranjan, senior researcher with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Together, they discuss the impact of financialization and the importance of implementing both social housing and rent controls to ensure that our housing system protects the most vulnerable.

Guest

• Michèle Biss, Executive Director, National Right to Housing Network
• Ricardo Tranjan, Ph.D., Senior Researcher, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Host

• Sarah Rowe, Legal Counsel, Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice (CIAJ)

Over the past several years, housing has emerged as a hot-button issue in Canadian discourse. How is affordability defined? Why are Indigenous peoples more likely to lack adequate housing? Is housing policy adequately addressing accessibility needs?

Left Out in the Cold aims to answer these and other questions over the course of this series. Hosted by Sarah Rowe, Legal Counsel at CIAJ, this series features conversations with legal and policy experts and community advocates on issues facing the Canadian housing sector. Each episode balances conversations about high-level legislative frameworks with the on-the-ground realities of everyday Canadians. Join us in these conversations as we try to root out the causes of housing insecurity in this country.

• Episode 1 | Left Out in the Cold – Barriers to Adequate Housing and How Indigenous Housing Organizations are Filling the Gaps (Guests: Justin Marchand & Margaret Pfoh)
• Episode 2 | Left Out in the Cold – Advancing the Right to Housing while Financialization Pulls the Strings (Guests: Michèle Biss & Ricardo Tranjan)

Artificial intelligence is reshaping legal education — but is it a powerful learning tool or a shortcut that weakens critical thinking?

In this episode, Host David Lazzam speaks with Dean Trevor Farrow (Dean and Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School) about the growing use of AI in law schools. Together, they explore the tension between innovation and academic integrity, the fear of overreliance, and the responsibility of legal institutions to prepare students for a profession where AI is already part of daily practice.

In March 2026, CIAJ will hold a national conference on artificial intelligence and justice. This event will build on the reflections of the roundtables held in 2025, enriched by the perspectives of the various stakeholders consulted. It will aim to formulate concrete recommendations to guide the use of AI in the Canadian justice system.

This conference will be a unique opportunity to assess the current state of affairs, share best practices, highlight grey areas and explore future avenues compatible with the fundamental values of the justice system. It may also contribute to the development of a pan-Canadian framework on the ethical, legal and technical issues raised by AI.

Date: March 30-31, 2026 Location: Toronto, ON

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Les changements climatiques deviennent un enjeu central de droits humains. Dans ce 3ᵉ épisode, l'honorable juge Simon Ruel s'entretient avec Maud Sarlieve, responsable du Secrétariat du Forum de recherche sur le climat (Programme de droit durable d'Oxford), sur la montée du contentieux climatique et ses tensions avec la séparation des pouvoirs. Ensemble, ils explorent des affaires emblématiques : Urgenda aux Pays-Bas, les Aînées pour le climat en Suisse, les jeunes plaignants du Montana, ainsi que l'avis consultatif historique de la Cour internationale de justice en 2025. Quel rôle pour les tribunaux face à l'inaction climatique des États et des entreprises ? Une conversation essentielle au croisement du droit, de la justice et du climat.

Invitée

• Maud Sarlieve, Responsable du Secrétariat du Climate Research Forum, Oxford Sustainable Law Programme

Animateur

• L'honorable Simon Ruel, juge à la Cour d'appel du Québec

Participez à la conférence annuelle 2025 de l'ICAJ intitulée « L'environnement et le droit: Protéger ou développer, faut-il choisir? » (du 28 au 30 octobre 2025 à Vancouver, C.-B., et en ligne).

Notre conférence annuelle mettra en lumière les dilemmes entre la nécessité de protéger l'environnement et celle de soutenir le développement économique. Comment concilier les exigences de la protection des ressources avec celles du développement ? Entre les perspectives des communautés autochtones et celles des Canadiens, les questions de justice et de durabilité sont pressantes.

CONSULTER LE PROGRAMME COMPLET

Participez aux discussions et donnez votre avis dans le cadre d'un programme dynamique d'ateliers interactifs, de tables rondes inspirantes et de débats stimulants.

S'INSCRIRE

Online harassment of political figures in Canada is on the rise. Nearly half of campaign-related tweets are uncivil or abusive, discouraging diverse candidates and eroding trust in democracy.

In this episode, Host Anthony Giroux (Law Student at the University of Montreal) speaks with Sabreena Delhon (CEO of the Samara Centre for Democracy) and Dr. Heidi Tworek (Canada Research Chair and Professor of History and Public Policy at the University of British Columbia). Together, they explore how disinformation, targeted and identity-based harassment, and algorithm-driven amplification are reshaping democratic participation in Canada. The discussion examines the specific challenges faced by women, racialized, and 2SLGBTQ+ candidates, the role of bots and foreign influence in spreading abuse, and the constitutional tension between free expression and curbing online hate. Delhon explains how SAMbot tracks toxic discourse during elections, while both guests reflect on solutions—from party protocols and platform moderation to policy reforms and community-driven responses—that could help safeguard trust, representation, and inclusion in Canadian democracy.

Guests

• Sabreena Delhon, Chief Executive Officer, Samara Centre for Democracy
• Dr. Heidi Tworek, Canada Research Chair and Professor of History and Public Policy, University of British Columbia

Host

• Anthony Giroux, Law Student, Faculty of Law, University of Montreal

From podcast to panel: Following their powerful conversation in this episode, both Dr. Heidi Tworek and Sabreena Delhon will also be joining us as speakers at the upcoming conference on Democracy, the Rule of Law, and Independence. Dr. Tworek will contribute to Panel 2, and Sabreena Delhon to Panel 4.

Join us for our conference on Democracy, the Rule of Law, and Independence:

• November 18–20, 2025
• Ottawa & Online

A must-attend event for collective reflection on the threats facing our democratic institutions, alongside leading figures from the legal and intellectual spheres, including The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada, and Jason Stanley.

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

This episode of In All Fairness looks at Canada's new anti-greenwashing provisions under the Competition Act, which came into effect in June 2024. Host Ariane Savard is joined by Chris Russill (Carleton University, Re.Climate) and Julien O. Beaulieu (Imperial College London, University of Sherbrooke), to discuss the evolving definition of greenwashing, the role of the Competition Bureau, and the burden of proof now placed on companies. Together, they explore recent cases, potential sanctions, and the broader implications for public trust, corporate accountability, and climate justice in Canada.

Guests

• Julien O. Beaulieu, Doctoral Researcher in environmental policy research, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London
• Chris Russill, Associate Professor (School of Journalism and Communication) and Academic Director (Re.Climate), Carleton University

Host

• Ariane Savard, Law Student, Faculty of Law, Université de Montréal

Join CIAJ's 2025 Annual Conference Environment and the Law: Protect or Develop—Is There a Choice? (October 28-30, 2025 in Vancouver, BC & Online).

Our annual conference will highlight the dilemmas between the need to protect the environment and the necessity to support economic development. How can we reconcile the demands of resource protection with those of development?Between the perspectives of Indigenous communities and those of Canadians, questions of justice and sustainability are pressing.

VIEW FULL PROGRAM

Join in the discussions and have your say in a dynamic program of interactive workshops, inspiring panels and stimulating debates.

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Protégé par la Constitution mais vulnérable aux pressions politiques, médiatiques et sociales, le pouvoir judiciaire ressemble parfois à un « géant aux pieds d'argile ». Dans ce deuxième épisode de la série Dans l'angle mort, l'honorable juge Simon Ruel discute avec Shana Chaffai-Parent, professeure adjointe à la Faculté de droit de l'Université de Montréal, et Jacques Chamberland, juge retraité de la Cour d'appel du Québec. Ensemble, ils explorent les fondements historiques et constitutionnels de l'indépendance judiciaire au Canada et ailleurs, sa raison d'être – protéger les droits fondamentaux, assurer la primauté du droit et maintenir la confiance du public – ainsi que les menaces contemporaines, allant du populisme politique aux campagnes de dénigrement. La conversation aborde aussi le rôle des médias et les critiques, légitimes ou abusives, visant les juges. Un regard éclairant sur les défis d'une justice indépendante dans nos démocraties modernes.

Invités

• Shana Chaffai-Parent, professeure adjointe, Faculté de droit, Université de Montréal
• Jacques Chamberland, juge retraité de la Cour d'appel du Québec

Animateur

• L'honorable Simon Ruel, juge à la Cour d'appel du Québec

Participez à notre conférence sur la Démocratie, la primauté du droit et l'indépendance :

• Du 18 au 20 novembre 2025
• À Ottawa et en ligne

Un rendez-vous incontournable pour réfléchir collectivement aux menaces qui pèsent sur nos institutions démocratiques, en compagnie de figures de premier plan du monde juridique et intellectuel, dont le très honorable Richard Wagner, C.P., juge en chef du Canada, et Jason Stanley.

DÉTAILS ET INSCRIPTION

À l'heure où les grands enjeux juridiques dépassent les salles d'audience, Dans l'angle mort propose une plongée au cœur des tensions, transitions et transformations qui façonnent le droit contemporain et le système de justice. Animée par le juge Simon Ruel, cette série donne la parole à des avocats, juges, universitaires et experts pour explorer des enjeux systémiques, comme l'indépendance judiciaire, l'intelligence artificielle et le système de justice, le litige stratégique et le contentieux climatique, ou encore les médias sociaux.

Chaque épisode de 45 à 50 minutes croise expériences de terrain, perspectives théoriques et préoccupations sociales, dans un format accessible et rigoureux. Ensemble, nous scrutons les angles morts du droit – ces zones d'ombre où se jouent les grands équilibres de notre système juridique et démocratique.

• Épisode 1 | Dans l'angle mort de la justice pénale internationale – Aux confins des enjeux géopolitiques (invité: Me Philippe Larochelle)
• Épisode 2 | Dans l'angle mort – Le pouvoir judiciaire, un géant aux pieds d'argile? (invités: Shana Chaffai-Parent et Jacques Chamberland)

Le juge Simon Ruel s'entretient avec Me Philippe Larochelle, président de l'Association du Barreau près de la Cour pénale internationale (ABCPI), pour faire le point sur la Cour pénale internationale (CPI), plus de 20 ans après sa création. Mandats d'arrêt contre des chefs d'État, accusations de politisation, enjeux de souveraineté, place des victimes, défis de la défense, écocide et preuve numérique : cet épisode explore les forces, limites et tensions d'un système de justice unique, confronté à un monde en mutation.

Invité

• Me Philippe Larochelle, avocat et président de l'Association du Barreau près de la Cour pénale internationale (ABCPI), Larochelle Avocats

Animateur

• L'honorable Simon Ruel, juge à la Cour d'appel du Québec

À l'heure où les grands enjeux juridiques dépassent les salles d'audience, Dans l'angle mort propose une plongée au cœur des tensions, transitions et transformations qui façonnent le droit contemporain et le système de justice. Animée par le juge Simon Ruel, cette série donne la parole à des avocats, juges, universitaires et experts pour explorer des enjeux systémiques, comme l'indépendance judiciaire, l'intelligence artificielle et le système de justice, le litige stratégique et le contentieux climatique, ou encore les médias sociaux.

Chaque épisode de 45 à 50 minutes croise expériences de terrain, perspectives théoriques et préoccupations sociales, dans un format accessible et rigoureux. Ensemble, nous scrutons les angles morts du droit – ces zones d'ombre où se jouent les grands équilibres de notre système juridique et démocratique.

• Épisode 1 | Dans l'angle mort de la justice pénale internationale – Aux confins des enjeux géopolitiques (invité: Me Philippe Larochelle)

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.

• Justin Marchand, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS)
• Margaret Pfoh, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA)

• Sarah Rowe, Articling Clerk, Legal Aid Newfoundland and Labrador

RELATED DOCUMENTATION

• Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS): https://www.ontarioaboriginalhousing.ca/
• Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA): https://ahma-bc.org/

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.

• Jessyca Greenwood, Principal Lawyer at Greenwood Law (Toronto, ON)

• David Lazzam, Articling Student at the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice (Ottawa, ON)