Canada has always been a leader in pursuing equality for LGBT individuals within our borders and abroad; however, the application of Canadian immigration and refugee processes continues to pose numerous challenges for LGBT individuals and couples seeking to enter Canada. Learn about the hurdles that persist, and gain practical strategies for overcoming these barriers for your LGBT clients. Join the conversation on what can be done to work to eliminate these obstacles and achieve a fair immigration and refugee process. Our expert panel will analyze these issues, including:

• The implications of failing to qualify as spouses for immigration purposes
• How to address and overcome evidentiary issues where same-sex relationships are not recognized or are even prohibited in home countries
• The limited availability of claims of persecution
• Should civil unions be recognized as marriage for immigration purposes? An extension of Justice Mesbur’s reasoning in Hincks v. Gallardo

PROGRAM CHAIR

Robert Israel Blanshay, Robert Israel Blanshay, C.S., Barristers and Solicitors
Paul Lomic, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP

SPEAKERS

The Honourable Madam Justice Elizabeth Heneghan, Federal Court (Canada)
Samuel Laredo, formerly of the Immigration and Refugee Board
Michael Battista, Jordan Battista LLP