2:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Pre-Registration

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Opening Reception
Fortifications Ballroom - 9^th floor

6:00 pm – 6:45 pm

Fireside Chat with Special Guest Speaker: The Honourable Louise Arbour
Fortifications Ballroom - 9^th floor

Speaker: The Honourable Louise Arbour, C.C., G.O.Q, Senior Counsel, Borden Ladner Gervais (Montreal, QC)

Moderator: Gabriela Ramo, National Chair, CBA Immigration Law Section; EY Law LLP (Toronto, ON)

7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Early Career Reception
Pangea (104 Saint-Paul East, Montreal, QC H2Y 1G6)
**Reception is full.**

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Wellness Activity: PilaYo Workout (Pilates/Yoga mix)
St. Jacques - 3^rd floor

All levels of experience welcome. Limited number of spots available; first come, first served.

Attendees who will be attending this wellness activity are encouraged to provide their own yoga mats. However, if you wish, you can also use Le Montreal Westin Hotel bath towels that are supplied in your guestrooms.

Hosted by Veronique Malka, Canadian Law Group LLC (Hackensack & Montréal)

6:30 am – 7:30 am

Wellness Activity II: Run
Starting location: Westin Montreal - Main Lobby

Route is 5k or 30-minutes. All levels of experience welcome. No equipment required.

Hosted by:
Jacqueline Bonisteel, Corporate Immigration Law Firm [CILF] (Ottawa, ON)
Lisa Middlemiss, Gomberg Dalfen S.E.N.C. (Montréal, QC)

7:00 am – 6:30 pm

Registration

7:00 am – 7:50 am

Breakfast
Grande Place – 8^th floor

8:00 am – 8:10 am

Conference Co-Chairs Opening Remarks
Montréal Ballroom – 11^th (Plenary Space)

Speakers:
Gabriela Ramo, National Chair, CBA Immigration Law Section; EY Law LLP (Toronto, ON)
Kiren Saini, Conference Co-Chair, CBA Immigration Law Section; EY Law LLP (Calgary, AB)
Audrey Anne Chouinard, Conference Co-Chair, CBA Immigration Law Section; Galileo Partners (Montréal, QC)
Mario Blanchard, Conference Co-Chair, CBA Immigration Law Section; Counsel, Civil Litigation Directorate, National Litigation Sector, Justice Canada (Montréal, QC)

8:15 am – 9:25 am

SESSION 1: Opening Plenary
Montréal Ballroom – 11^th (Plenary Space)

IRCC’s Policy Playbook - A look at the policies and priorities for Canada's Immigration System in 2024
Join us as we look at the big shifts of the past decade in 2 step immigration policy adoption, the recent societal feedback and how the current challenges present an opportunity for rethinking Canada's immigration system in 2024.

Speakers:
Catherine Scott, Assistant Deputy Minister, Settlement, Integration and Francophone Affairs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (Ottawa, ON)
Michèle Kingsley, Assistant Deputy Minister, Economic, Family & Social Migration, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (Ottawa, ON)

Moderator: Gabriela Ramo, National Chair, CBA Immigration Law Section; EY Law LLP (Toronto, ON)

This session will offer simultaneous interpretation (French to English, English to French)*

9:25 am – 9:40 am

Break

9:40 am – 10:55 am

Concurrent Sessions

2A (Advanced) Compliance – TFW & IMP
Montréal Ballroom – 11^th floor

A finding of non-compliance can result in serious consequences for employers, so it is critical for practitioners to understand the various requirements in place under the TFWP and IMP. This session will provide in-depth review of the compliance regimes in place under both programs including the regulatory amendments that came into effect in September 2022. The session will review inspection powers, and provide tips and tricks to ensure the best outcome for your client.

Speakers:
Elisabeth Bouffard, Associate, Fasken (Quebec City, QC)
Daniel Souliere, Senior Analyst, Compliance Inspections and Investigations Division, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (Ottawa, ON)
Véronique Demers, Director, Compliance Operations, Employment and Social Development Canada (Gatineau, QC)
Imad Kabbaj, Manager, Compliance Operations, Employment and Social Development Canada (Montréal, QC)

Moderator: Nadia Allibhai, Partner, EY Law LLP (Ottawa, ON)

2B (Beginner) Mental Health for Immigration Lawyers
Ville-Marie Ballroom – 9^th floor

This session will embark on a crucial conversation addressing mental health and well-being in the context of increasing sources of pressure and stress. This session will provide participants with valuable overview of the latest research as well as an overview of best practices to advance your own mental well-being. Discover practical strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and support the overall wellness of yourself and your staff in the demanding field of immigration law.

Speakers: 
Dr. Julie MacMillan-Devlin, Psychologist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Fredericton, NB)
The Honourable Michele H. Hollins, Court of King’s Bench of Alberta (Calgary, AB)

Moderator: Jae-Yeon Lim, Associate, Harris & Company LLP (Vancouver, BC)

2C (Advanced) "Mutually Viable Product" - Roundtable Discussion with IRCC on Development of Practical Tech Problems/Solutions?
Fortifications Ballroom – 9^th floor

Immigration issues are foundational to people’s lives, and people depend on having effective and efficient means to address those issues. While using technology to address challenges for Canada’s immigration system is understandable, the proliferation of tech tools and concerns about user experience has widened the gulf between the system and those whom the system is intended to serve. Instead of a “minimum viable product” approach to tech development, this session presents an opportunity for CBA Immigration and IRCC to work together to achieve a “Mutually Viable Product”.

Speakers:
Tamara Mosher-Kucuzer, Founder, Lighthouse Immigration Law (Ottawa, ON)
Oliver Mao, Senior Associate Lawyer, Bart Law LLP (Toronto, ON)
Connie Iatauro, Director General, Service Policy, Insights and Digital Channel (SPIDC), Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (Ottawa, ON)

Moderator: Stanley W.H. Leo, Founder, Kairos Law Corporation (Vancouver, BC)

10:55 am – 11:05 am

Break

11:05 am – 12:20 pm

Concurrent Sessions

3A (Advanced) EE Review - New Categories Selection; High Scores & How to effectively assist clients
Fortifications Ballroom – 9^th floor

The Express Entry system has undergone a number of changes over the last year, including the introduction of category-based rounds of invitations. Applicants require higher CRS scores than ever before to obtain an Invitation to Apply. So – how can we best help our clients to navigate the new Express Entry world? This session will review the current landscape and discuss strategies on how we can most effectively help our clients improve their chances for success in the Express Entry system.

Speakers: 
Sara Espinal Henao, Associate, Stewart McKelvey (Halifax, NS)
Rafael Fabragas, Senior Manager, Fragomen (Toronto, ON)
Jonathan Joshi-Koop, A/ Senior Director, Permanent Economic Immigration Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (Ottawa, ON)

Moderator: Alicia Backman-Beharry, Associate, Holthe Immigration Law (Calgary, AB)

3B (Advanced) Federal Court Update: Pilots and Practice Directions
Ville-Marie Ballroom – 9^th floor

In 2023 over 16,000 immigration applications were initiated at the Federal Court, an increase of more than 150% in 5 years (and up 22% from 2022). This session will explore the Federal Court’s innovative initiatives, from developing programs to manage the increasing caseload to development. The panel will be announcing and discussing a new pilot aimed at simplifying one particular category of frequent appeals. The panel will also discuss the adoption of the Interim Principles and Guidelines on the Court’s Use of Artificial Intelligence..

Speakers:
Warda Shazadi Meighen, Partner, Landings LLP (Toronto, ON)
Cedric Marin, Founder, Marin Immigration Law (Ottawa, ON)
The Honourable Alan S. Diner, Federal Court of Canada (Ottawa, ON)
Dupe Oluyomi-Obasi, Senior Counsel and Deputy Regional Director, Immigration Law Division, Ontario Regional Office, Justice Canada (Toronto, ON)

Moderator: Kamaljit Lehal, Founder, Lehal Law (Vancouver, BC)

3C (Advanced) Quebec Regulatory Update: The new Règlement sur l’immigration au Québec
Montréal Ballroom – 11^th floor

In 2023 the new Règlement sur l’immigration au Québec came into force, resulting in significant updates to Québec’s immigration programs. This session will cover the wide range of changes, including the creation of a new program (PSTQ), changes to existing programs and pilots, French language requirements, and online applications.

Speakers:
Karine Dumont, Sous-ministre adjointe, l’immigration et à la reconnaissance des compétences, Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) (Montréal, QC)
Laurence C. Trempe, Partner, Exeo Attorneys; Co-Chair of AQAADI (Montreal, QC)

Moderator: Lisa Middlemiss, Lawyer, Gomberg Dalfen S.E.N.C. (Montréal, QC)

This session will offer simultaneous interpretation (English/French)*

11:05 am- 4:30 pm

12:20 pm – 1:15 pm

Lunch Break
Grande Place – 8^th floor
Sponsor

1:20 pm – 1:50 pm

In Memoriam Tribute, Volunteer Recognition & Founders Awards
Montréal Ballroom – 11^th floor

Tribute: 
Jeffrey Lowe – Nominated by Stanley Leo
Peter Showler – Nominated by Jacqueline Bonistell

Volunteer Recognition Award recipients:
Tamara Mosher-Kuczer, Lighthouse Immigration Law (Ottawa, ON)
Oliver Mao, BARTLAW LLP (Toronto, ON)
Daman Saini, Tamber Law (Cambridge, ON)
Jae-Yeon Lim, Harris & Company LLP (Langley, BC)
Clinton J. Green, Canadian Practice Lead, Brown Immigration Law PC LLO (CA / US)

Founders’ Award recipient: Katie Lay, MKS Immigration Lawyers (Vancouver, BC)

Moderator: Gabriela Ramo, National Chair, CBA Immigration Law Section; EY Law LLP (Toronto, ON)

1:50 pm – 2:45 pm

Session 4: Fireside Chat
Montréal Ballroom – 11^th floor

Speakers: 
Manon Brassard, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (Ottawa, ON)

Moderator: Robert Israel Blanshay, Founding Senior Lawyer, Blanshay Law (Toronto, ON)

This session will offer simultaneous interpretation (English/French)*

2:45 pm – 3:10 pm

Break

3:10 pm – 4:45 pm

Concurrent Sessions - Hot Topics (choose any 2)

Back by popular demand there are 6 “HotTopics” sessions to choose from. These sessions will take the form of a discussion and will allow participants to ask questions to senior practitioners regarding popular subjects in a more intimate setting. The time will be split in two, so a participant can attend 2 hot topics of their choice during this time slot.

Six (6) subjects will be running at the same time. Speakers will run each of their sessions twice during this time slot.

5Ai - TR Files: STPs, WPs, Temporary Policies
Ramezay – 8^th floor

Speakers: 
Andrew Koltun, Founder, Koltun Law Professional Corporation (Hamilton, ON)

Moderator: Ronalee Carey, Lawyer, Ronalee Carey Law (Ottawa, ON)

5Bi - Litigating systemic issues in immigration law
Viger – 8^th floor

Speakers:
Marina Stefanovic, General Counsel, Immigration Law Division, National Litigation Sector, Justice Canada (Toronto, ON)

Moderator: Pantea Jafari, Founder and Lead Counsel, Jafari Law (Toronto, ON)

5Ci - Cybersecurity 101
Palais – 8^th floor

Speakers:
David Lawy, Managing Director, QuantumSmart (Toronto, ON)

Moderator: David H. Davis, Innovation & Technology Lawyer, Davis Cyber Law (Winnipeg, MB)

5Aii - Business Immigration Options: SUV, PNPs, WP-to-PR
Beaver Hall – 8^th floor
Sponsor

Speakers: 
Catherine A. Sas. K.C., Lawyer, Sas & Ing Immigration Law Center (Vancouver, BC)
Evelyn Ackah, Founder & Managing Partner, Ackah Business Immigration Law (Calgary, AB)

Moderator: Robin L. Seligman, Founder, Seligman Law (Toronto, ON)

5Bii - Cessation/Vacate Applications
Ste-Hélène – 8^th floor

Speakers: 
Justin Jian-Yi Toh, Founder and Lawyer, Toh Law (Toronto, ON)
Brandon Carey, Manager, Hearings Unit, Intelligence and Enforcement Branch, Canadian Border Services Agency (Ottawa, ON)
Gary Dukeshire, Senior Counsel, Legal Services, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (Montréal, QC)

Moderator: Adrienne Smith, Founder and Lawyer, Smith Immigration Law (Toronto, ON)

5Cii - Quebec Work Permits
McGill – 8^th floor

Speakers: 
Joël Beaudoin, Partner, Cain Lamarre (Montreal, QC)

Moderator: Marc-Alexis Laroche, Associate, Galileo Partners (Montreal, QC)

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Bench and Bar Meeting
Fortifications Ballroom – 9^th floor

6:30 pm – 11:59 pm

Masquerade Gala Dinner
Salon Richmond 1861 (550 Richmond Ave., Montreal, QC H3J 1V3)

**Gala Dinner Tickets are sold out.**

7:30 – 8:00 pm
Fireside Chat with the Honourable Marc Miller, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

8:00 – 8:25 pm
Award of Excellence Presentation
Recipient: Baerbel Langner, HyLife Ltd. (Steinbach, MB)

Dress Code: Cocktail / semi-formal attire

Masquerade masks are encouraged and the one voted to have the best mask will win a prize at the Gala Dinner.

7:00 am – 5:30 pm

Registration

7:00 am – 8:00 am

Breakfast
Grande Place – 8^th floor

8:00 am – 9:15 am

Session 6: The Automated Administrative State: Update on Automated Decision-Making in Canada’s Immigration System
Montréal Ballroom (Plenary Room) – 11^th floor

The use of automated decision making is rapidly expanding across IRCC's lines of business. This session explores the current uses of advanced analytics and automated decision-making processes currently in use, the role of AI algorithms in shaping immigration outcomes and the administrative law consequences of increasing reliance on automated decision making for fairness, accountability, administrative justice.

Speakers: 
Mario D. Bellisimo, LL.B. C.S., Founder and Lawyer, Bellisimo Law Group PC; former National Chair, CBA Immigration Section (Toronto, ON)
Will Tao, Co-founder and Lawyer, Heron Law Offices (Vancouver, BC)
Anna Lillicrap, Senior Counsel, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Departmental Legal Services Unit, Justice Canada (Ottawa, ON)
Emmanuelle Deault-Bonin, Director General, Strategic and Horizontal Policy, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (Ottawa, ON)

Moderator: Zeynab Ziaie Moayyed, Founder, Visa Law Group (Toronto, ON)

This session will offer simultaneous interpretation (English/French)*

9:30 am – 10:45 am

Concurrent Sessions

7A (Advanced) Complex Issues in POE Work Permit Applications
Montréal Ballroom – 11^th floor

This session will take a deep dive into port-of-entry work permit applications and the many issues that can arise during a port-of-entry examination. Topics will include:

• How to best prepare your clients
• What to include in a POE application
• Flagpoling – should you do it?
• Admissibility issues
• Is there a right to counsel?

Speakers: 
Daniel Lee, Associate, Fasken (Vancouver, BC)
Bill MacGregor, Partner, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP (Waterloo, ON)
Claire Girard, A/Director, Operational Guidance, Travellers Branch, Canada Border Services Agency (Ottawa, ON)

Moderator: Laura Hanusiak, Associate, Cox & Palmer (Halifax, NS)

7B (Advanced) Discretionary Decision Making - H&Cs and Beyond
Fortifications Ballroom – 9^th floor

This session will explore the current state of discretionary decision making in the current immigration landscape. From requesting consideration of humanitarian and compassionate factors to dealing with the volume of H&C application for PR, the session will cover the current state of discretionary decision making, preparing effective submissions and advising clients.

Speakers:
Jyothi Haeusler, Partner, McDougall Gauley (Regina, SK)
Daniel Latulippe, Counsel, Civil Litigation Directorate, Justice Canada (Montréal, QC)

Moderator: Naseem Mithoowani, Lawyer, Mithoowani Waldman Immigration Law Group (Toronto, ON)

This session will offer simultaneous interpretation (French/English)*

7C (Beginner) Tech Competency in Age of AI & Portals
Ville-Marie – 9^th floor

This session will explore the evolving landscape of immigration practice with the explosion of technological tools and artificial intelligence, both by the government as well as in private practice. The session will provide an overview of the ethical requirements for technological competence to adopting innovative tools, best practices for staying current with evolving technology and staying ahead in an increasingly digital immigration environment.

Speakers:
Samuel Plett, Head of Litigation, Desloges Carvajal Law Group Professional Corporation (Toronto, ON)
Yves Faguy, Executive Director of Advocacy, Canadian Bar Association (Ottawa, ON)
Nicolas Vermeys, Director, Centre de recherche en droit public; Associate Director, Cyberjustice Laboratory; Professor, Université de Montréal, Faculty of Law (Montréal, QC)

Moderator: Nathan Po, Partner, McCuaig Desrochers LLP (Edmonton, AB)

10:45 am – 11:15 am

Break

11:15 am – 12:30 pm

Concurrent Sessions

8A (Advanced) Climate Change Refugees – The evolving landscape of refugee law and practice
Montréal Ballroom – 11^th floor

As climate-induced displacement continues to grow rapidly around the world, this is a timely discussion of Canada's considerations when determining protection for climate migrants. The session will address Canada’s obligations, key international developments and the policy options to address this growing phenomenon, as well as recent responses to natural disaster displacement.

Speakers:
Aviva Basman, Staff Lawyer, Legal Aid Ontario (Toronto, ON)
Azadeh Tamjeedi, Senior Legal Officer, Head of Protection Unit, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Canada (Ottawa, ON)

Moderator: Warda Shazadi Meighen, Partner, Landings LLP (Toronto, ON)

8B (Beginner) Litigation Toolkit
Fortifications Ballroom – 9^th floor

This panel is a deep dive into the essential litigation toolkit designed to empower immigration practitioners with effective strategies and resources for navigating legal challenges, ensuring comprehensive representation in the pursuit of justice for their immigrant clientele and will cover best practices for appeals, judicial review and mandamus applications.

Speakers:
Daniel Kingwell, Founder and Principal Lawyer, Kingwell Immigration Law (Toronto, ON)
Faraz Bawa, Senior Associate, Stewart Sharma Harsanyi (Calgary, AB)
Meenu Ahluwalia, Counsel, Calgary Office, National Litigation Sector, Justice Canada (Calgary, AB)

Moderator: Wennie Lee, Principal Lawyer, Lee and Company (Toronto, ON)

8C (Beginner) Imm 101: Resources for your Immigration Practice
Ville-Marie – 9^th floor

New to immigration practice? Looking for a refresher on the best tools for navigating the system? Wondering how to contact IRCC amidst limited options? This session will review useful tools to navigate the immigration system, provide tips on how best to advocate for clients, and discuss resources for effective management of Canadian immigration practice.

Speakers:
Janet Thompson-Price, Partner, Atlantic Fusion Law Group (St.John, NB)
Elizabeth Long, Partner, Long Mangalji LLP, (Toronto, ON)

Moderator: Kyle Hyndman, Partner, MKS Immigration Lawyers (Victoria, BC)

12:30 pm – 1:45 pm

Lunch Break
Sponsor

1:45 pm – 3:20 pm

Concurrent Sessions - Hot Topics (Choose any 2)

Back by popular demand there are 6 “HotTopics” sessions to choose from. These sessions will take the form of a discussion and will allow participants to ask questions to senior practitioners regarding popular subjects in a more intimate setting. The time will be split in two, so a participant can attend 2 hot topics of their choice during this time slot.

Six (6) subjects will be running at the same time. Speakers will run each of their sessions twice during this time slot.

9Ai LMIA Applications - Advanced
Ramezay – 8^th floor

Speakers:
Andrea Baldwin, Immigration Law Practice Leader, Barteaux Labour and Employment Lawyers (Halifax, NS)
Julien Hakim, Manager, Business expertise and strategic integration, Program Operations, Employment and Social Development Canada (Montréal, QC)

Moderator: Clinton J. Green, Canadian Practice Lead, Brown Immigration Law PC LLO (CA / US)

9Bi Arrest & Detention Review Hearings
Viger – 8^th floor

Speakers:
Ruth Williams, Immigration Team Lead, Legal Aid Alberta (Edmonton, AB)
Brandon Carey, Manager, Hearings Unit, Intelligence and Enforcement Branch, Canadian Border Services Agency
Greg Kipling, Deputy Chairperson, Immigration Division, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (Ottawa, ON)
Marco Gaetani, Legal Advisor, Legal Services, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (Montréal, QC)

Moderator: Prabhpreet Kaur Sangha, Associate, Lehal Law (Vancouver, BC)

9Ci Social Media: Effective Strategies and Risk Mitigation
Palais – 8^th floor

Speakers:
Daman Saini, Social media coordinator, Immigration Law Section; Lawyer, Tamber Law (Cambridge, ON)
Rakhmad Sobirov, Co-founder and Managing Lawyer, Sobirovs Law Firm (Toronto, ON)

Moderator: Jatin Shory, Partner, Shory Law LLP (Calgary, AB)

9Aii PNPs - Economic Immigration
Beaver Hall – 8^th floor

Topics to be addressed in this PNP session include:

• The Use of PNP nominations to increase points for Express Entry
• Challenges for PNPs given recent changes to study permit requirements
• Affect of study / work outside province or territory
• PNPs Position on Remote Work
• Processing Times / 2024 Allocations

Speakers:
Benton Mischuk, Lawyer, MKS Immigration Lawyers (Victoria, BC)
Lana Roberts, Lawyer, Barteaux Labour and Employment Lawyers Inc. (Halifax, NS)

Moderator: Sofia Mirza, K.C., Partner, Fillmore Riley LLP (Winnipeg, MB)

9Bii Inadmissibility Submissions (Medical & Criminal)
Ste-Hélène – 8^th floor

Speakers: 
Aris Daghighian, Counsel, Legal Services, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (Toronto, ON)
Chaobo Jiang, Associate Lawyer, Zaifman Immigration Lawyers (Winnipeg, MB)

Moderator: Deanna Okun-Nachoff, Partner, McCrea Immigration Law (Vancouver, BC)

9Cii Quebec: 2024 PR Programs
McGill – 8^th floor

This session will be in French. No SI will be available.

Speakers:
Geneviève Hénault, Partner, Gomberg Dalfen (Montreal, QC)
Louis Bélanger, Opérations d'immigration, Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI) (Montréal, QC)

Moderator: Stephanie Lipstein, Partner, EY Law LLP (Montreal, QC)

3:20 pm – 3:45 pm

Break

3:45 pm – 4:45 pm

SESSION 10: Navigating 2SLGBTQI+ Clients Through Canada’s Immigration & Refugee Determination System
Montréal Ballroom (Plenary Room) – 11^th floor

Join us as we hear from a Panel of 2SLGBTQI+ experts on the various issues faced by this community in both the immigration and refugee stream. Learn of the unique issues, obstacles and nuances to immigration applications by 2SLGBTQI+ members, and how they can effectively deal with potential admissibility issues and refusals.

Speakers:
A. Connie Campbell, Lawyer, Edelmann & Co. Law Offices (Vancouver, BC)
The Honourable John Norris, Federal Court of Canada (Ottawa, ON)
Swathi Sekhar, lawyer, Rainbow Railroad (Toronto, ON)

Moderator: Robert Israel Blanshay, Founding Senior Lawyer, Blanshay Law (Toronto, ON)

This session will offer simultaneous interpretation (English/French)*

4:45 pm  – 5:00 pm

Closing Remarks
Montreal Ballroom (Plenary Room) – 11^th floor

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Closing Reception
Grande Place – 8^th floor

*Attendees who wish to use the Simultaneous Translation services, must provide their own headsets to attach to their personal devices.  For health and safety concerns, CBA will not be providing headsets to attendees.