UNITY AND DIVERSITY: Collaborating to Further Justice | UNITÉ ET DIVERSITÉ : Collaborer afin de Pomouvoir la Justice

2014-2015 | 10 TH ISSUE
UNITY AND DIVERSITY:
COLLABORATING TO FURTHER JUSTICE
BLACK STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION OF CANADA 24TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
UNITÉ ET DIVERSITÉ:
COLLABORER AFIN DE PROMOUVOIR LA JUSTICE
24éme CONFÉRENCE ANNUELLE DE L’ASSOCIATION DES ÉTUDIANTS NOIRS EN DROIT DU CANADA
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FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 1

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BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE DES MATIÈRES
4 Letter from the Editor
Lettre de la rédactrice en chef
6 President’s Greeting
Mot de bienvenue du Président
7 I Want to Be A Lawyer Because...
8 Trail Blazers
9 Law School Through My Lens
10 « Comment étudier tout en trouvant sa
place à la Faculté de droit »
11 Let’s Do This: Some Tips for Getting Farther
by Working Together
13 Reflections from the Canadian North:
Law Students in the Territories
[Réflexions du Nord canadien :
des étudiants en droit vivant aux Territoires]
14 Breaking the Silence, Together in Solidarity
16 A Canadian (Law Student) Abroad:
An Internship Experience
19 Where Are the Leaders
20 A Case for Criminal Law
21 « L’intégration au Canada : Aller au-delà des
enjeux linguistiques dans l’intérêt commun »
22 A Black Canadian Female Hero
23 BLSA Canada 2014-2015 Tribute
Hommage de l’AÉND Canada 2014-2015
24 BLSA Canada 2014-2015 National Executive | Comité
exécutif national de l’AÉND Canada 2014-2015
25 Conference Program
Programme de la conférence
30 Thanks to Speakers and Judges
Remerciements aux conférenciers et aux juges
31 BLSA Canada 2014-2015 Sponsors
Commanditaires 2014-2015 de l’AÉND Canada
Cassels Brock is proud to sponsor
BLSAC’s
24 th Annual
National
Conference
To learn about Cassels Brock
please contact Leigh-Ann McGowan
at lamcgowan@casselsbrock.com
or 416 815 4249
© 2010-2015 Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP. All rights reserved.
Cassels Brock - Jan 16/2015
BLSAC Quarter Page
4.5” x 5.5” Portrait
Designer: Darlene Lowe
dlowe@casselsbrock.com
416 860 6611 - fax 416 642 7137
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE – 2013-2015
COMITÉ DES COMMUNICATIONS – 2013-2015
Natalia Peart, Chair
Stéphanie Jules
Melissa Jean-Baptiste Karen Kernisant
Jalana Lewis
Amanda Wurah
Jeanne Sumbu
COVER PHOTO BY | PAGE DE COUVERTURE EXÉCUTÉE PAR :
Jane Arnett
PORTRAIT BY | PORTRAIT EXÉCUTÉ PAR :
Bruce Woods
Please PRINT a hard copy of the
file and either FAX it or SCAN
and EMAIL it back to me, thanks!
MAGAZINE DESIGN BY | CONCEPTION DU MAGAZINE EXÉCUTÉE PAR :
Keisha Chamberlain
FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 3

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR | LETTRE DE LA RÉDACTRICE EN CHEF
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BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015
The Black Law Students’
Association of Canada
(BLSA Canada) 2014-2015
executive is pleased to
present the 10th edition
of the national magazine!
This special edition reflects
two themes that have driven
BLSA Canada’s work—
and that of its chapters
nationwide—over the past
two executive terms.
In 2013-2014, the emphasis
in events and initiatives
was on youth empowerment. In keeping with this theme,
this year’s cover features a portrait of the late human
rights lawyer and advocate, Burnley “Rocky” Jones. The
BLSA chapter at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie
University was determined to see an appropriate tribute
paid for his contribution to social justice. Unveiled at
BLSA Canada’s 23rd national conference, it is now among
few portraits of a racialized person on display at the faculty.
This theme is also prevalent within the magazine. Among
the many subjects contributors addressed are their journeys
to law school and staying true to themselves during
their studies. They highlight the power of tenacity and
optimism, and these insights can be a source of inspiration—especially
for students who hope to enter law
school in the future like our youngest contributor, Chantelle
Morris, a high school student and winner of BLSA
Canada’s 2013-2014 essay contest.
This year’s focus is on unity and diversity and the ways
in which collaborating with allies can strengthen our
efforts to improve diversity within law schools and the
profession. As such, some allies external to BLSA contributed
work. As well, in our special centre feature, two students
reflect—in words and photographs—on summer
placements in the northern territories. The importance
of working together and acknowledging shared interests
in achieving racial equality resonates.
I would like to thank the communications and translations
committee members from both executive terms for
their excellent work on this publication.
I sincerely hope you enjoy this year’s special edition!
Natalia Peart
VP Communications, BLSA Canada National Executive
2013-2015
Le comité exécutif de l’Association des étudiants noirs en
droit (AÉND Canada) 2014-2015 est fier de vous présenter
la 10 e édition du magazine national. Cette édition spéciale
expose deux thèmes qui ont été le fondement des
initiatives de l’AÉND Canada et ses branches au cours des
deux dernières années.
Au cours des années 2013-2014, nos évènements et initiatives
ont été axés sur l’autonomisation des jeunes.
À cet effet, la page de couverture illustre le portrait de
Burnley « Rocky » Jones, un avocat et activiste des droits
de la personne. Le branche de l’École de droit Schulich
de l’Université Dalhousie tenait à rendre hommage à cet
avocat pour sa contribution à la justice sociale. Ce portrait
a été dévoilé lors de la 23 e conférence nationale de
l’AÉND Canada, et se trouve maintenant au milieu des
quelques portraits de personnes racialisées sur les murs
de la faculté.
Notre thème est omniprésent dans les articles du magazine.
Parmi les sujets abordés, les écrivains ont traité
de leurs parcours à l’École de droit et de l’importance de
rester soi-même pendant ses études. Ils ont aussi souligné
l’importance du pouvoir de la persévérance et de
l’optimisme, qui peuvent être une source d’inspiration,
notamment pour les étudiants qui espèrent commencer
des études en droit. Par exemple, Chantelle Morris, une
étudiante du secondaire et la rédactrice la plus jeune de
ce magazine, a remporté le concours de rédaction de l’AÉ-
ND Canada 2013-2014.
Cette année, nous avons concentré nos efforts sur l’unité
et la diversité, ainsi que sur les façons que la collaboration
peut nous aider à renforcer les liens avec nos alliés
pour augmenter la diversité au sein des facultés de droit
et de la profession juridique. C’est la raison pour laquelle
des organisations externes ont contribué à cette initiative.
De plus, dans l’article de fond central et le photoreportage
deux étudiants partagent leurs expériences de
travail estival dans les Territoires dans le Nord canadien.
Ils expliquent tous les deux à quel point le travail d’équipe
et le partage d’intérêts communs sont essentiels.
J’aimerais remercier les membres des comités de communication
et de traduction des deux derniers comités
exécutifs pour leur excellent travail relativement à cette
publication.
J’espère sincèrement que vous éprouverez du plaisir à
lire l’édition de cette année!
Natalia Peart,
VP Communications, Association des étudiants noirs du
Canada, 2013-2015

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FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 5

PRESIDENT’S GREETING | MOT DE BIENVENUE DU PRÉSIDENT
Fellow BLSA Canada members,
friends and allies,
Welcome to the 24th annual
Black Law Students’
Association of Canada national
conference in this
beautiful City of Montréal!
As the late human rights
leader, Nelson Mandela,
once stated, “Our deepest
fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is
that we are powerful beyond measure.” As law students,
our power knows no bounds. We have the potential to
strengthen further when we unite with like-minded partners
outside of this organization in our pursuit of social
justice and racial equality.
This year’s theme, ‘‘Unity and Diversity: Collaborating
to Further Justice,’’ explores the value of combining our
efforts with those of groups concerned with social justice
issues. To this end, BLSA Canada formed closer connections
with other student groups, including the Latin
American Law Students Association, Indigenous Law
Students Association, and the South Asian Law Students
Association. We have also strengthened ties with a variety
of community members and external organizations.
We believe they all add to the richness of the events
and initiatives that BLSA Canada and its chapters run
throughout the year.
This year, BLSA Canada is delighted to pay tribute to the
late Hon. Leonard Braithwaite, Canada’s first black parliamentarian.
His legacy of public service and activism is
truly inspirational.
I would like to thank the national executive team. They
worked tirelessly to organize this conference and produce
this magazine. I also wish to extend the executive’s
sincerest thanks to our sponsors, mentors, judges and
speakers for their contributions. We recognize all those
who have collaborated with us to make this event a success.
Join us in the spirit of unity, diversity and collaboration.
Enjoy the conference!
Moses Gashirabake
President, Black Law Students’ Association of
Canada – 2014-2015
Chers membres de l’AÉND Canada, amis et alliés,
Je vous souhaite la bienvenue à la 24 e conférence nationale
annuelle de l’Association des étudiants noirs en
droit du Canada dans la merveilleuse ville de Montréal!
Tel que le défunt Nelson Mandela, leader des droits de la
personne, l’a dit : « Notre peur la plus profonde n’est pas
d’être inadéquats, notre peur la plus profonde est d’être
puissants au-delà de toute limite. » En tant qu’étudiants
en droit, notre pouvoir est sans borne. Il est possible
pour nous d’être encore plus forts lorsque nous nous
joignons à des partenaires semblables en dehors de
notre organisation dans le but d’atteindre la justice sociale
et l’équité raciale.
Cette année, notre thème « Unité et diversité : collaborer
pour faire avancer la justice », dévoile l’importance de
combiner ses efforts avec d’autres groupes préoccupés
par les questions relatives à la justice sociale. Ainsi,
l’AÉND Canada a tissé des liens étroits avec d’autres
associations étudiantes, dont l’Association des étudiants
de l’Amérique latine en droit, l’Association des
étudiants autochtones en droit ainsi que l’Association
des étudiants de l’Asie du Sud en droit. De plus, nous
avons amélioré encore plus nos rapports avec plusieurs
membres de la communauté et organisations externes.
À notre avis, chacune de ces organisations contribue à
la richesse des évènements et des initiatives de l’AÉND
Canada et de ses branches qui ont lieu tout au long de
l’année.
L’AÉND Canada est fière de rendre hommage à l’honorable
Leonard Braithwaite, feu, le premier député noir
Canadien. Son héritage à titre de service public et d’engagement
dans la collectivité est une véritable source
d’inspiration.
Je souhaite remercier les membres du comité exécutif
national. Ils ont travaillé sans cesse pour organiser cette
conférence et produire ce magazine. J’aimerais aussi
remercier nos commanditaires, nos mentors, nos juges
et nos conférenciers pour toutes leurs contributions.
Enfin, j’aimerais remercier tous ceux qui ont participé
au succès de cet évènement.
Ensemble, partageons nos sentiments d’unité, de diversité
et de collaboration. Amusez-vous à la conférence!
Moses Gashirabake
Président, Association des étudiants noirs en droit du
Canada – 2014 -2015
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BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015

I WANT TO BE A LAWYER BECAUSE...
By Chantelle Morris
All around the world,
young adults and children
are being asked
about their professional
ambitions and what
goals they have for the
future. While some
know exactly what those
are, most children don’t.
I was one of those children
who really didn’t
know what profession I
wanted to pursue or what I had in mind for the future.
In fact, when I was child, my grandmother used
to always ask me, “what do you want to be when you
get older” I would always look at her with a blank
expression and tell her I wasn’t sure.
Now that I’m a teenager, I have a lot of choices and
opportunities open to me. One day I simply asked
myself: “what am I good at What will bring me happiness
How can I help people in society” I had a
few choices in mind, but one stood out the most—I
realized that I want to be a lawyer.
A lawyer, also known as an attorney or counsel, is an
individual who studies and practices the law. When
I think of lawyers, people who can fight against unlawful
actions and act as the voice of reason come
to mind. As well, I believe they are people who have
authority and the ability to make meaningful decisions
regarding the law. I also see it as being a persuasive
role that also entails preparing important
documents like contracts and speaking in front of a
judge on behalf of clients.
I want to become a lawyer who specializes in family
law. I am interested in this area because it would allow
me to play a positive role when families have relationship
problems. For instance, I would have the
authority to help with child custody, child support,
and child protection issues. I also find criminal law
interesting. In that area, lawyers can work for the
government as a prosecutor or represent accused
people as a defence lawyer.
Many people ask why a tall, African-Canadian high
school student would want to be a lawyer. Ever
since I was young, I have been very observant and
outspoken. When I really wanted something, I was
determined and persistent enough to achieve it. As I
got older, I realized that I no longer wanted material
things and decided to instead focus my eagerness
and determination on much more. I set standards
and established goals and priorities. After all, Michelangelo
once said, “the greatest danger for most
of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it,
but that it is too low and we reach it.”
I know law is the best choice for me. I think the pursuit
of rights and equality is important to our society.
It would be a blessing to become a part of the
legal community and know that I could help make
society safe.
BIOGRAPHY: Chantelle, age 15, is a grade ten student in Toronto. She is the winner of the high school essay contest run by the
2013-2014 BLSA Canada national executive. Congratulations Chantelle!
FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 7

TRAIL BLAZERS
By Andrew Kaikai
The days of following
a standard, traditional
path to law school
are quickly becoming
a thing of the past. I
took a long and winding
road to law school.
It included a stop at the
University of Waterloo
to collect an engineering
undergraduate degree
and a quick jaunt
as an assistant food scientist. In reflecting on both
my journey to law school and the course I’ve charted
since being admitted, I think that following a less
travelled road to get to law school, and staying on it
when you enter, is a wise and empowering choice. It
takes a great deal of sacrifice and dedication, which
requires that you stay true to yourself.
As I sat in a cramped room writing the LSAT, I realized
that no one looked like me and probably few
shared my prior educational or professional experiences.
It occurred to me that this could hinder my
success in pursuing law school and a legal career.
There remain deeply rooted notions about what law
students and lawyers should look like and the ideal
backgrounds they should have. These troubling
thoughts, simmering in the back of my mind, gave
me pause and almost served as a deterrent to pursuing
a legal education.
Fortunately, this has not proven to be the roadblock
that I expected. Still, the idea lingers and it often
pushes people who may be uniquely suited for law
school away. It carries with it the danger of homogenizing
demographic and experiential characteristics
among law students and legal professionals.
Nevertheless, after entering law school there was
some pressure to conform, to mould myself into a
supposed ideal of how a lawyer should act and what
a lawyer should do. This can be overwhelming. It
becomes even more important to stay true to yourself,
even if you have a willingness to try new things.
For me, delving into academic and legal research,
working with a professor in a field in which I had
no experience, and focusing on self-improvement
and professional development during the summer
served me better than any other experiences I could
have had.
During my journey in law school, I have found that a
non-traditional route can often be an asset. As well,
having the courage to pursue your dream regardless
of how incongruous it may seem at first glance can
often be a source of empowerment—it certainly has
been for me. Being an engineer and a person of colour
has been a source of strength and pride to me
during the travails of law school, in addition to informing
how I view the legal system and the legal
profession. In my view, the legal system and profession
should reflect the world it serves and embrace
the many diverse paths we have taken to enter law
schools and the legal field.
BIOGRAPHY: Andrew Kaikai is a third year law student at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law. He is a research assistant for
Professor Joseph Magnet. In his spare time, he writes poetry and short stories, and dabbles in landscape photography and photojournalism.
He is still searching for the perfect photograph.
8
BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015

LAW SCHOOL THROUGH MY LENS
By Samantha Clarke
When I received my acceptance
letter, my mother
and I did a happy dance
in the living room of our
Toronto home. My dream
came true—I was going
to law school! I started
my photography business
about two years earlier,
so naturally, I packed
my things along with my
camera without thinking
twice. I was determined. I
moved from Toronto to Ottawa to begin my journey.
The choice was not a surprise to the ones closest to me.
They believed I could do it all. Before law, I managed extra-curricular
activities while studying since elementary
school. To them this was not new. After all, I got a full
scholarship in the United States and played volleyball
during my undergrad studies. I still managed to graduate
with honors. I pursued my multiple passions after graduation
while I worked in Georgia before moving back to
Ontario to begin my graduate studies. That was when I
started taking my photography more seriously.
The decision to be a photographer throughout law school
was one that I knew in my heart was right, but it was not
an easy path. My art is my most treasured creation and
a significant source of pride. Although I loved my law
school experience, for the most part, it did not provide
me with the same satisfaction. I found that the more I put
into my studies the less I got in return and the emptier
I felt. Instead, I decided to strike a balance and studied
through my first, second, and third year of law school
while operating a busy photography business.
My hope for anyone entering law school is that you do not
stop doing whatever it is that you love. I believe that law
school can lead to a meaningful career, but I challenge
those that choose the all or nothing approach. When I
made my decision to continue as a photographer, I did
not know that I was going to become more successful
than ever before. I have had the honor of being published
in international publications like EBONY and Munaluchi.
I also had no way of knowing that I would have the opportunity
to travel frequently to the United States and
twice to the Caribbean to photograph the most beautiful
weddings I have ever seen.
Along the way, I have met incredible people that have all
touched my life in some way. I have even had the opportunity
to merge my art with law through working with
various organizations. I hope this short piece inspires
others to use their creative gifts instead of stifling them. I
believe that law school is another opportunity to find out
what makes you unique in a sea of sameness.
BIOGRAPHY: Samantha Clarke graduated from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law in 2014. She is also an international photographer
based in Toronto. Her passions include contemporary portraits and destination weddings. She is interested in litigation
and access to justice issues. Her photography can be viewed at www.samanthaclarke.net.
FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 9

COMMENT ÉTUDIER TOUT EN TROUVANT SA PLACE À LA FACULTÉ DE DROIT
Rédigé par Cemone Morlese
La Faculté de droit de l’Université
d’Ottawa offre un
milieu d’études juridiques
unique, car elle est composée
de trois sections différentes :
le droit civil ainsi que les programmes
de common law
en anglais et en français. Je
suis une étudiante bilingue
de troisième année du programme
français de common
law, et j’ai réussi à me faire
une place dans chaque section de droit en participant
activement à la vie étudiante autant sur le campus qu’à
l’extérieur de la Faculté.
À première vue, avoir à interagir avec des étudiants
d’autres programmes semble être une tâche plutôt
simple. Le fait d’avoir trois programmes de droit sous
un même toit crée un environnement favorable aux
échanges réguliers entre étudiants. Cependant, puisque
ces mêmes étudiants ne sont pas forcément dans les
mêmes cours, il devient alors difficile de tisser des liens
amicaux.
Pendant la semaine d’accueil, il y a eu plusieurs occasions
de faire du réseautage. Les étudiants de première année
partageaient ainsi leur enthousiasme à l’idée d’entamer
leurs études en droit. Puisque le programme français
de common law regroupe peu d’étudiants, il a été relativement
facile pour nous d’apprendre à nous connaître,
d’autant plus que nous allions tous suivre les mêmes
cours tout au long de l’année. En revanche, les étudiants
d’autres programmes dont j’avais fait la connaissance au
début du semestre se sont tranquillement transformés
en souvenirs lointains. En peu de temps, j’ai été submergée
par les lectures, les cours magistraux, les visites à la
bibliothèque et les groupes d’études qui, ensemble, ont
constitué le fondement de ma première année. Il me fallait
créer des liens enrichissants avec mes camarades de
classe tout en approfondissant mes connaissances juridiques.
J’ai alors pris l’initiative d’être plus active au sein
de la vie étudiante.
Lors de ma première année, j’ai joué dans une équipe de
soccer de ma Faculté et j’ai été membre du comité exécutif
de l’Association des étudiants Noirs en droit de l’Université
d’Ottawa (AÉND Ottawa). Aussi, j’ai assisté aux
événements organisés par des étudiants en droit d’autres
associations étudiantes. Ces expériences ont été très gratifiantes,
car j’ai eu la chance de rencontrer des étudiants
en droit avec qui j’avais des points communs qui sont dès
lors devenus mes amis. L’année dernière, j’ai continué à
participer de façon active à la vie étudiante et au sein de
ma communauté en siégeant sur les comités exécutifs de
l’association étudiante de la Faculté et de l’AÉND Ottawa,
en jouant au soccer deux fois par semaine et en effectuant
du travail à titre de bénévole pour des organismes
non gouvernementaux. Ces engagements m’ont permis
de laisser mon empreinte sur le campus et ailleurs, tout
en créant et maintenant des liens importants.
Cela dit, pallier aux écarts entre les trois sections de droit
peut s’avérer une tâche complexe. Certains de mes camarades
unilingues du programme français ont éprouvé
des difficultés à s’adapter en raison des frontières
linguistiques qui nous séparent. Bien que je sois née
à Toronto, j’ai appris le français à l’école. J’ai donc pu
surmonter cette difficulté assez aisément. Toutefois, je
pense que la meilleure façon de relever ce défi est de faire
ce que j’ai fait : il faut être impliqué dans sa communauté.
La bonne gestion du temps est aussi une autre qualité à
développer. Le temps investi dans les activités sociales
ou associatives est du temps d’étude qui ne peut être
rattrapé. Néanmoins, ce sont particulièrement ces moments
qui font de l’École de droit une expérience enrichissante.
Ainsi, je consacre un peu de temps à tout. À
mon avis, les cours magistraux ne sont qu’une partie de
la vie étudiante à la Faculté de droit. Il est tout aussi important
de tisser des liens avec ses camarades de classe,
discuter avec les professeurs et maintenir une vie sociale
en dehors du campus pour avoir du succès dans sa vie
académique et personnelle.
BIOGRAPHY: Cemone est une étudiante bilingue en troisième année du programme français de common law. Elle est membre de
plusieurs associations étudiantes de sa Faculté, elle joue au soccer et travaille à temps partiel. Cette année, Cemone siège sur le
comité exécutif de l’AÉND Canada en tant que vice-présidente de la région centrale. À son avis, même si la tâche n’est pas toujours
facile, il est très important de faire l’équilibre entre les études et le plaisir.
10
BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015

LET’S DO THIS:
SOME TIPS FOR GETTING FARTHER BY WORKING TOGETHER
By Kenji Tokawa
Without question, collaboration—or
simply a
willingness to draw inspiration
from the efforts of
other minority groups—
is important. I have seen
the African-American
freedom schools model
empower Toronto’s Asian
youth activism, and the
disability rights movement
give language to
trans activists advocating
for control over medical decisions about their bodies.
As the grandson of Japanese-Canadian internees, among
many things, I owe it to my grandmother to advocate
against all racial profiling and the dispossession of Indigenous
nations of their lands and political agency.
The effect of collaboration is that we get farther when we
learn from each other and work together. This translates
from community building to social justice law reform
and advocacy. To help foster collaboration among legal
professionals, here are tips that I’ve been given and am
taking with me as I enter the profession:
1. Know where you are going. Without a goal or vision
of the changes you want to see in your community,
the exercise of identifying potential collaborators
is difficult. While the path to achieving that
may not be clear, a solid end goal that drives the
work you’re doing provides a basis around which
others can see a cause worthy of their time, effort
and other resources they’re willing to contribute.
2. Know where you’ve been. Knowing your history
really counts. You may discover something
in your community’s past that can help benefit
the work of your potential collaborators. When
mine arrived in Canada over a century ago, things
we ought not to take for granted, such as human
rights and constitutional safeguards, did not exist.
Despite this, they made a go if it, which could
be a lesson for others. You also may discover
points of tension in your community’s past with
groups with which you aim to collaborate. Particularly
in instances where minority groups
were once pitted against each other during periods
of social strain, sometimes, unearthing
shared histories can foster mutual respect and
present opportunities to move forward together.
3. Know where they’ve been and where they are
going. We must endeavour to understand those
with whom we seek to collaborate. Having an
idea of what we can learn from each other breeds
a respect that should permeate our relations
if collaboration is to be strong and successful.
4. Spread the love. Make a sincere effort to
spread the news of your collaborators’ work,
goals, history, and achievements to the rest
of your community—do your part to familiarize
people outside of your team with the
efforts of other groups’ social justice work.
5. Respect their direction. Allow those you collaborate
with to take the lead when contributing
to a project that is specifically meant to
achieve their community’s goals. Recognize that
they have a better sense of what’s best for them,
just as you have a sense of what’s best for you.
6. Work. If you are going to collaborate, commit.
BIOGRAPHY: Kenji Tokawa is a former coordinator of Toronto’s various queer, trans and Asian youth community development
initiatives and the Nikkei heritage mapping project. Kenji summered as the Niagara Crown’s Aboriginal Law summer student. He is
finishing his final year at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law.
FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 11

take the lead in your career
skills development
“Students and junior lawyers starting their
careers at McMillan have the opportunity to be
exposed to a variety of rewarding challenges.”
Sidney Elbaz
collaborative approach
“The collaborative and supportive work
environment at McMillan enhances learning
and the development of excellent legal skills.”
Stacey Handley
Proud Sponsor
Torys is proud to sponsor the 2015 Black Law
Students’ Association of Canada Conference.
We salute the BLSA for its ongoing dedication to
supporting and enhancing opportunities for black
law students across the country.
taking the lead
“We provide students with opportunities and
training to enable them to develop a passion
for their work so that they may make their
mark in the legal profession.”
Paul Davis
growth opportunities
“Extensive training and mentoring have been
constant contributors to my development since
I began my career as a student at McMillan.”
Adam Maerov
www.torys.com
www.torysdiversity.com
mentoring
“As a mentor, I strive to provide opportunities and
support to students and associates, knowing that
it is crucial to their development and to the success
of the firm.”
Brett Stewart
visit us at mcmillan.ca for more information about our student
programs and how to apply.
Vancouver | Calgary | Toronto | Ottawa | Montréal | Hong Kong | mcmillan.ca
Miller Thomson
is a proud sponsor of
the Black Law Students’
Association’s 24 th annual
conference and its vision
of unity, diversity and
collaboration.
Added experience. Added clarity. Added value.
Miller Thomson LLP
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vancouver calgary edmonton saskatoon regina london kitchener-waterloo
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12
BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015
Black Law Students Association of Canada Sponsorship Ad.indd 1
11/6/2014 4:00:04 PM

REFLECTIONS FROM THE CANADIAN NORTH: LAW STUDENTS IN THE TERRITORIES
RÉFLEXIONS DU NORD CANADIEN : DES ÉTUDIANTS EN DROIT VIVANT AUX TERRITOIRES
Feature article by | Article de fond rédigé par : Iman Amin
Photo Essay by | Photoreportage exécuté par : Keeley Phillips
FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 13

BREAKING THE SILENCE, TOGETHER IN SOLIDARITY
By Iman Amin
When I was presented
with an opportunity to
travel to Nunavut on a
summer internship I
realized only later what
a true gift it was. This
short journey of two
thousand kilometers
(straight north) has
taught me invaluable
lessons. It has allowed
me to reflect on my relationship
to, and displacement
from, my traditional lands. It has allowed
me to reflect on my biases, and my stereotypes. It
has taught me lessons that I will forever cherish, and
I hope only to honour the
experience by sharing it
widely, but respectfully.
“We must begin to stand together and
support our distinct yet mutual goals for
equality and cultural integrity. We must
begin to support one another as allies.”
It is truly unfortunate that
so little is known about
Nunavut. The territory is
one-fifth the size of Canada, the beneficiary to the
largest land claim agreement in Canadian history,
and the subject of a deep, culturally rich history that
most of us know nothing about.
How is it that we know so little about a territory
that makes up twenty percent of the entire country
How is it that we know so little about a people who
have lived on these lands since time immemorial
Why are our history books and education curriculums
largely silent on its culture and its history
Perhaps it is because silencing a people, by silencing
their history, has proven to be an effective tool
of colonialism. Indeed, it is a tool that has been used
to hide history, culture, beauty, wisdom and oppression
for many centuries, both in Canada and around
the world. This is because silencing has a remarkable
ability to create and maintain a social culture
that is defined by white privilege, male superiority,
and European benevolence. And so, herein lies our
connection— the silencing effect of colonialism.
Black communities must begin to recognize the impact
that colonialism and silencing has had on their
own struggle for racial equality and cultural integrity.
You see, for African and Caribbean communities,
silence is often manifested in the complete absence
of black histories in the education system, and the
complete disregard for the anti-black racism that is
embedded in Canadian law and policy. This has, as a
consequence, bred self-hatred, violence and poverty
in our own communities in much the same way that
it has in Indigenous communities.
For this reason, my message
today is we, as racialized
peoples, must begin to recognize
colonialism as the source
of our mutual oppression.
My experience in Nunavut has re-affirmed my solidarity
with Indigenous peoples. We must begin to
stand together and support our distinct yet mutual
goals for equality and cultural integrity. We must begin
to support one another as allies. We must begin
to battle colonialism and the oppression—and racism—that
it breeds, together. We must begin to see
each other as distant relatives.
My Nunavut experience came in the form of a summer
internship with a legal aid office in Rankin Inlet;
a small community of about 3500 people. The
community, like all communities in Nunavut, is only
accessible by plane—there are no highways or major
roads within, or leading to, the territory. Commu-
BIOGRAPHY: Iman Amin is an Oromo sister from the east African region of Ethiopia. Her areas of interests have been exclusively
focused on legal aid and human rights law, and she has worked with Legal Aid plans across Canada including in Alberta, Ontario
and Nunavut. In the summer of 2013 she was honoured with a National Social Justice Fellowship to complete a four-month internship
at the Legal Services Board of Nunavut, and shares her experience and reflections of the Arctic tundra in this article. She
graduated from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law in 2014 and returned to the north to complete her articles.
14
BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015

nities are therefore remote and quite isolated. This
poses significant challenges to accessing resources
and vital services including healthcare, food, housing,
and basic toiletries. For example, a bag of cherries
in Rankin Inlet can cost $26.00; laundry detergent
about $32.00; and toilet paper up to $19.99!
There are also no hospitals in Nunavut. Residents
must fly to a major city (usually Edmonton, Winnipeg,
or Ottawa) to access medical services that are
not available at the local health centre. Rent for a
two-bedroom condo is almost $3000, and the waiting
list for affordable housing is over three years
long. The rate of homelessness, criminalization, unemployment
and illness is staggering—all this in a
nation that is apparently “developed.”
How is it that we can allow entire communities—
within our own borders—to live without affordable
access to food, shelter or health care The situation
is shameful, yet persists in large part because it is
hidden from public scrutiny.
Despite these challenges, however, Nunavut is easily
one of the most beautiful and unique places in the
entire world, particularly during “the season of the
midnight sun” (i.e. the summer) when the sun does
not set. Yes, you read that right. There is no night
in an arctic summer. And in the winter there is very
little light. Instead, when the sun goes down the
Northern Lights come out, and there are simply no
words to describe that kind of beauty. I had the opportunity
to see the Northern Lights during my last
week, and the experience was truly moving. A beautiful
display of red, blue, green and yellow lights that
in the absence of high-rise buildings and loud traffic
can make you feel as if you are literally being showered
in lights.
Everything about the north can also teach us how
to live together better. Inuit peoples, particularly in
Nunavut, have an unwavering and powerful sense
of national pride. The word “Nunavut” itself means
“our land,” and the Inuit right to sovereignty and
self-determination—over its own land—is not a debatable
one. There is also a deep love for the land. It
is a source of practical, spiritual, and cultural wisdom
and survival. Finally, and perhaps most importantly,
there is a beautiful sense of community in the
north. You know your neighbor. Imagine that! And if
your neighbor needs it, you help your neighbor, and
vice versa.
In Inuit culture I saw a deep sense of loyalty, integrity,
responsibility and accountability—to each other,
and to the land. We can learn from this. We must
learn from this.
I want to end with a plea to you: legal professionals
and law students, current and future (particularly
my racialized colleagues) I ask you to reflect on colonialism
and the effect it has had on you, and on your
distant relatives. I ask you to reflect on the impact it
has had on your ancestral heritage and your cultural
preservation. I ask you to reflect on your settler
privilege. I ask you to reflect on the irony in demanding
racial equality from a state that our Indigenous
brothers and sisters show us every day is inherently
racist. I ask you to reflect on your solidarity to peoples
who are engaged in a similar battle for respect
and cultural integrity. Because, I ask you, if we are
not supporting each other, what are we fighting for
FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 15

A CANADIAN (LAW STUDENT) ABROAD: AN INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
By Keeley Phillips
BIOGRAPHY: Keeley Phillips is Cree from Barren Lands First Nation, Manitoba. She is from Winnipeg, Manitoba and studies at
Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University. In summer 2013, she interned at the Council of Yukon First Nations in Whithorse,
Yukon through Canadian Lawyers Abroad (CLA-ACE). She received training from the Canadian Human Rights Commission’s National
Aboriginal Initiative on the repeal of section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. She captured the following images during
her time in the north.
16
BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015

FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 17

18
BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015

WHERE ARE THE LEADERS
By Ida Ngueng Feze
It is said in Africa that
“it takes a village to
raise one child” but
where are the leaders
of today Where are
the brothers and sisters
that were entrusted
with the responsibility
and privilege of raising
and looking after the
younger ones Where
are the hearts of those
who gained the sacred knowledge of a system that
continues to feed upon the weak and the innocent
What roads have they taken in this modern jungle of
education They have gone to law school!
Maybe they overstand that social sciences, environmental
studies, health, history, economics, sex, politics
and religion are all reflected in the laws and their
implementation. Maybe they searched and learned
that at some point, the story of the world was rewritten
as history. Maybe it is because they know that a
system that tries to impair reality is doomed to fail,
that 9/10th of the people on this planet cannot be
taught to act or call themselves visible minorities.
Maybe they overstand that going to law school is not
an end but a means to be used to ensure that this
current system is replaced with effective justice for
all everywhere. It may be the fact that natives in the
Americas and Australia continue to be deprived of
the fundamental basic right to self-governance over
their lands. It may be the blatant lack of appreciation
for differences and the wealth of various cultures
that make humanity.
Those who dwelt with these paradigms and left
with such a foundation may overstand that surviving
the challenges of first year law school selection
and competition depends on assisting and helping
each other. The role of a professor is only to present
a possibility of what the law is and how it can
be interpreted. The student bears the responsibility
of reflecting on these concepts, their interpretations
and applications. They will strive to gain the additional
knowledge required to fully grasp the broader
context of law, and the duties that come with being a
lawyer, a policymaker, a jurist, or a legal researcher.
Soon enough, they’ll navigate their way in and out
of the system understanding its aim and overstanding
its upcoming transformation. Throughout their
journey, they will reach out to friends, family and
even strangers every time they are able or called to
assist and care.
Many have left and will leave to get degrees, but only
a few will come back as leaders, having overstood
that their achievements rest with the many people
they were privileged to serve and assist throughout
their journey. They will be our elders and leaders
against the current status quo Just-Ice but strive towards
real and effective Justice.
As for the others, we will keep asking where are you
and when will you come back
BIOGRAPHY: Ms. Ngueng Feze is a Cameroonian lawyer admitted to practice in New York. She currently works as an academic associate
at McGill University’s Centre for Genomics and Policy. She is the Founder of the BLSA Chapter at the University of Montreal,
a BLSA Canada alumna and sits on the Quebec Bar working group “For a more inclusive legal profession.” She considers law to be
one of many important tools needed to bring justice to all. She can be reached at ida.nguengfeze@mcgill.ca.
FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 19

A CASE FOR CRIMINAL LAW
By Danardo Jones
I went to law school
because I disliked
the way lawyers and
the police treated me
and members of my
community. Well that’s
not entirely true, but it
was a big motivator.
When I was a child my
mother and uncle told
me that one day I would
become a lawyer. This was long before any of us
knew what a lawyer was or did. My first contact with
a lawyer came with my first charge. Unfortunately
for my poor mother, this was her first contact with a
lawyer as well.
For me, contact with the criminal justice system
meant street credibility. Over the years I would
retain different lawyers, but one thing remained
constant: they seemingly were unconcerned about
my circumstances. In fact, one lawyer once told me
that he didn’t care if I had to sell a pound of crack to
pay his fee. I never trusted any of my lawyers, but
there was an understanding that if I paid their fee, I
might have a chance of staying out of jail.
Lawyers are not the only occasionally questionable
actors in the criminal justice system. The police
dominated my fears. There was one simple
understanding in the streets: cops hate blacks,
and vice-versa. That pretty much summed up race
relations from the perspective of an over-charged
and racially profiled black man. I never questioned
this reality. I just did my best to avoid the cops—even
in situations when I was doing nothing illegal. I had
learned the hard way that wearing black skin was
illegal. I was arrested and detained so many times,
and for so many reasons that I have lost count. Many
of those arrests never amounted to a charge—they
served however as a reminder, it would seem, that I
was being watched.
The above is not an indictment of all criminal lawyers
or police officers. Rather, it is a description of what
many black men live with each and every day. I am
often implored by friends, colleagues and family
members to practice criminal law. They assume
that I would make a good criminal lawyer because
I was once dubbed a criminal. But is that what the
criminal justice system requires for reform An
influx of reformed racialized criminals
I have a unique appreciation of the frustrations that
many young black men face when they are in conflict
with the criminal justice system. Many of my friends
and some of my family members are still caught up
in this system. And the police pump new blood, in
the form of young black men, into the system daily.
As a result, I would have enough work to keep me
busy for a long time.
My problem is that I am morally conflicted about
profiting from this onslaught. Call me naive, but
I will not directly or indirectly send a young black
man to sell a pound of crack to pay my fees.
BIOGRAPHY: Danardo Jones is a 2013 call who graduated from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (English Common Law).
He summered and articled at a multi-service law firm in downtown Toronto.
20
BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015

L’INTÉGRATION AU CANADA:
ALLER AU-DELÀ DES ENJEUX LINGUISTIQUES DANS L’INTÉRÊT COMMUN
Rédigé par Melissa Jean-Baptiste
Je suis fière de mes
origines haïtiennes qui
m’ont permises de communiquer
en français et
de comprendre le créole
dès ma naissance. Je suis
née à Montréal, mais lorsque
j’avais quatre ans,
ma famille et moi avons
déménagé à Toronto.
Cela dit, pour maintenir
mon niveau de français,
mes parents m’ont inscrit dans une école francophone
pendant mes études primaires et secondaires.
À l’époque, je ne comprenais pas l’importance de
continuer à parler français en dehors des salles de
cours. Je commençais à communiquer de plus en
plus en anglais que ce soit avec mes amis ou à la maison.
Vers la fin de mon adolescence, j’avais adopté
un accent anglophone en parlant français, un accent
que je croyais être imperceptible, jusqu’à ce que je
retourne à Montréal afin de poursuivre mes études
universitaires en anglais.
Mon retour à Montréal a été pour moi un immense
choc culturel qui ne m’a pas du tout plu. Que ce
soit dans les restaurants, dans la rue ou dans les
magasins, tout le monde m’adressait la parole en
anglais, même si j’avais entamé la conversation en
français. Alors que l’on pensait me rendre service en
me répondant en anglais, je me sentais insultée de
cet « accommodement » malavisé. Ce type de réaction
m’a tellement bouleversé, que je ne me sentais
plus à l’aise de communiquer en français, et j’avais
atteint le point où j’étais prête à renier mes origines
francophones complètement.
Après mes études universitaires à Montréal, je suis
retournée travailler à Toronto dans un milieu juridique
où j’ai été embauchée en partie du fait que
j’étais bilingue. Cette expérience a été une merveilleuse
opportunité pour moi. En effet, mes tâches
consistaient à faciliter les démarches juridiques
pour les francophones vivant à Toronto. Les clients
étaient tous très satisfaits de mon travail et ont réellement
apprécié mes habiletés à leur communiquer
dans les deux langues.
J’ai choisi de poursuivre mes études à l’Université
d’Ottawa et de compléter le programme national
dans le but de devenir une avocate qui pourra rendre
des services de qualité supérieure, tant en anglais
qu’en français, dans les deux systèmes juridiques du
Canada. Une fois de plus, mon parcours au sein de
la Faculté a connu des hauts et des bas. Il existe une
frontière linguistique frappante entre les étudiants
francophones et anglophones en droit, que ce soit
dans la section de droit civil ou celle de common law.
À maintes reprises, j’ai eu à justifier mon appartenance
à la communauté québécoise, franco-ontarienne
ou anglophone. Je me suis souvent présentée
comme une anglophone parce que c’était habituellement
la partie de mon identité la plus facile à défendre
devant les autres. Cela dit, ce n’était pas tout à
fait vrai. Je tire mes origines d’un peu partout et j’aimerais
être identifiée ainsi.
Je suis contre toute forme de discrimination, dont la
discrimination linguistique. Les différences linguistiques
devraient êtres acceptées à bras ouverts et
non devenir une source de division. Je crois que les
minorités visibles doivent se soutenir les unes les
autres pour atteindre les objectifs de nos communautés
respectives, car l’union fait la force.
BIOGRAPHIE: Melissa est une étudiante du programme national de l’Université d’Ottawa terminant actuellement ses études en
common law. Diplômée de l’Université McGill, elle a complété son baccalauréat en science politique. Cette année, elle est la viceprésidente
des affaires externes de l’AÉND Canada.
FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 21

A BLACK CANADIAN FEMALE HERO:
JUDGE CORRINE SPARKS
By Sandra Aigbinode
Judge Corrine Sparks is
a black woman whose
accomplishments have
earned her several
“firsts” in a historically
homogenous,
male-dominated field.
In 1987, she became the
first black woman appointed
as a judge, not
only in Nova Scotia, but
also in all of Canada.
I was first introduced to Judge Sparks in my Foundations
of Canadian Law class. She illustrated her
bravery in her 1994 ruling in the landmark R v R (S
D) decision. As a Nova Scotia Family Court Judge,
she took judicial notice of racism among police officers
and acquitted a black youth accused of assaulting
a police officer and resisting arrest. Drawing
from her experiences, Judge Sparks made general
comments about strained relations between police
officers and non-white groups and the tendency
of the police to overreact when dealing with these
groups.
Her ruling was met with severe backlash, as her
remarks were perceived as biased. Her decision to
acquit was overturned by the Nova Scotia Supreme
Court; the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal upheld this
decision. When the issue was brought before the
Supreme Court of Canada, the Court restored the
acquittal by a 6 – 3 majority. The Supreme Court
found that a reasonable person would not think
that Judge Sparks was biased. Judge Sparks simply
used her experience and understanding of the
social context to contextualize the case before her.
This landmark decision ushered in contextualized
judging, and the notion that race matters.
This trial, which originally began as a trial against
a youth, quickly morphed into a case against a
judge. Judge Sparks refused to be silent, and spoke
out against the prevailing racism of the time. Her
victory extends beyond this case to the fight against
racism in Canada, and into the highest reaches of
our justice system.
Judge Sparks has paved the way for all women, but
particularly women of colour like myself, in the
legal profession. Her bravery has earned her numerous
awards, including the Elizabeth Fry Society’s
Rebel With a Cause Award, and the Canadian
Bar Association’s Touchstone Award for promoting
equality in the legal profession.
Many years have passed since the R v R (S D) decision.
This leads one to consider how far our courts
have come in the fight for substantive equality.
While this case shed light on the relevance of race
and contextualized judging, this ruling was only
the tip of the iceberg. It is crucial to remember
the precedent set by this case: race matters. Let’s
bring race back to the conversation at every level of
our judicial system—from arrest, to judging, to sentencing.
The pursuit of racial equality in the legal
system continues.
BIOGRAPHY: Sandra Aigbinode is a McGill University Faculty of Law graduate. She was the National Chair on the 2013-2014
BLSA Canada executive team.
22
BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015

BLSA CANADA 2014-2015 TRIBUTE
HOMMAGE DE L’AÉND CANADA 2014-2015
The Black Law Students’ Association of Canada is
proud to honour the late Leonard A. Braithwaite
(1923-2012), the first black Canadian to be elected
to the Ontario Legislature. He completed his law
degree at Osgoode Hall in 1958 and later began a
political career. His achievements are numerous,
including his membership in the Order of Canada
and becoming the first black lawyer to be elected
bencher of the Governing Council of the Law Society
of Upper Canada. Throughout his career, he advocated
for positive social and political change. In particular,
he fought for gender equality and the rights of
minorities.
BLSA Canada honours Mr. Braithwaite for being a
trailblazer and revolutionary figure in Canadian
Black History.
L’Association des étudiants noirs en droit du Canada
est fière de rendre hommage au défunt Leonard
A. Braithwaite (1923-2012), le premier Canadien
noir élu à la législature ontarienne. Il a obtenu son
baccalauréat de l’École de droit Osgoode en 1958
pour ensuite entamer une carrière dans le domaine
de la politique. M. Braithwaite a accompli de nombreux
exploits. En effet, il a été membre de l’Ordre
du Canada et a été le premier avocat noir à être élu
à titre de conseiller par le lieutenant-gouverneur et
le Barreau du Haut-Canada. Au cours de sa carrière,
c’est avec ferveur qu’il a cherché à apporter des
changements sociaux et politiques positifs. À cet
effet, il a lutté pour l’équité entre les sexes et les
droits des minorités.
L’AÉND Canada rend hommage à M. Braithwaite
pour avoir été un pionnier et une figure révolutionnaire
dans l’histoire des noirs au Canada.
FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 23

BLSA CANADA NATIONAL EXECUTIVE 2014-2015
LE COMITÉ EXÉCUTIF NATIONAL 2014-2015 DE L’AÉND CANADA
MOSES GASHIRABAKE
President | Président
McGill University
Faculty of Law, Class of 2016
NATALIA PEART
VP Communications
University of Ottawa
Faculty of Law, Class of 2015
JASMINE HUDSON
VP Atlantic
VP région atlantique
Dalhousie University
Faculty of Law, Class of 2015
JONATHAN CHAN
National Chair
Président du Comité Exécutif
University of Toronto
Faculty of Law, Class of 2014
BRIAN LYNCH
VP Finance
University of Toronto
Faculty of Law, Class of 2016
AMANDA WURAH
Secretary | Secrétaire
McGill University
Faculty of Law, Class of 2017
KAREN KERNISANT
Francophone representative
Représentante francophone
University of Ottawa
Faculty of Law, Class of 2015
CEMONE MORLESE
VP Central and Moot Chair
VP région central et présidente
du concours de plaidoirie
University of Ottawa
Faculty of Law, Class of 2015
STÉPHANIE D. JULES
VP Quebec and Conference Chair
VP Québec et presidente de la
conférence
McGill University
Faculty of Law, Class of 2016
MELISSA JEAN-BAPTISTE
VP External
VP aux affaires externes
University of Ottawa
Faculty of Law, Class of 2014 and
2015
CHRISTIEN LEVIEN
National articling representative
Représentant des stagiaires
University of Ottawa
Faculty of Law, Class of 2014
24
BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015

CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Unity and Diversity: Collaborating to Further Justice
BLSA Canada’s 24th Annual
National Conference
February 19-22, 2015
Montréal, Quebec
PROGRAMME DE LA CONFÉRENCE
Unité et Diversité : Collaborer pour promouvoir la justice
24e Conférence
Annuelle de l’AÉNDC
19-22 février 2015
Montréal, Québec
The Allard School of Law offers an inspiring
environment that combines rigorous professional legal
training with an awareness of the role of law in society.
Visit law.ubc.ca for more information on programs of study.
PETER A. ALLARD SCHOOL OF LAW
Allard Hall 1822 East Mall · Vancouver BC · Canada · v6t 1z1 admissions@law.ubc.ca
FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 25

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
TIME LOCATION ACTIVITY
THURSDAY - BUSINESS CASUAL
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM FOYER WELCOME AND REGISTRATION!
REGISTRATION STARTS AT 3:00 PM
7:00 PM Printemps Opening words from the executive
Get to know Montreal: Sherbrooke street is to Montreal what 5 th
avenue is to New York!
FRIDAY - BUSINESS FORMAL
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM FOYER REGISTRATION/BREAKFAST
9:00 AM - 10:20 AM Saison A-B Opening Ceremony: Keynote address from Justice Juanita
Westmoreland-Traoré and Professo Dr. Charmaine Nelson. Musical
rendition by violinist Andrew Forde.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Saison A-B Diversity in the Legal Sphere:
How Can We Better Unite
Key members of the Quebec Bar and the Law Society of Upper
Canada will discuss concrete actions for a more diverse profession!
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM FOYER LUNCHEON
12:30 PM - 1:40 PM Saison A-B Recruitment and Lawyering Skills:
How to develop a greater awareness of your career objectives and
how to successfully impress future employers.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Saison A-B Collaborating to Further Justice:
The Latin American Law Students’ Association (LALSA), the South
Asian Law Students’ Association (SALSA) and the Indigenous Law
Students Association (ISLA) come together to discuss how we can
better unite in striving for increased diversity!
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM FOYER COFFEE BREAK
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Saison A-B The Relationship Between Race and Law In Canada:
Lawyers, a social activist, and a graduate in anti-discrimination law
come together to discuss collective responsibility.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM La Galerie Networking Reception:
Spotlight Social featuring flutist Jef Kearns!
SATURDAY - BUSINESS FORMAL
Youth Acitivity:
Icebreakers and games workshop about the law, hypothetical
scenarios, and discussion facilitated by law students!
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM FOYER REGISTRATION/BREAKFAST
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Saison A Environmental Justice:
Energy and natural resources
Saison B
Entertainment Law:
This practice area covers media of all types and stretches over
various legal fields
26
BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015
Été
Getting Into Law School:
Specifically for high school, CÉGEP and undergraduate students.
Current law students and admission officials will answer your
questions and guide you through the application process.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE CONT’D
TIME LOCATION ACTIVITY
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM FOYER COFFEE BREAK
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Saison A Mediation and Arbitration:
“An ounce of mediation is worth a pound of arbitration and a ton
of litigation!”
Saison B
Alternative Legal Careers:
Finding, embracing and folowing your true passion!
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM SAISON A-B LUNCHTIME KEYNOTE ADDRESS:
Arlene Huggins, president of the Canadian Association of Black
Lawyers, will be sharing her thoughts on the necessity of
Collaborating to Further Justice
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Saison A Business/Corporate Law:
Working on Bay Street
Saison B
Été
Aboriginal Law:
The legal traditions of Aboriginal peoples and the particular issues
the indigenous community faces.
Workshop: Securing an Articling Clerkship Position
Articling and clerkin students will be sharing personal advice and
tips.
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM FOYER COFFEE BREAK
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM Saison A Civil Litigation:
“ A lean compromise is better than a fat lawsuit.”
Saison B
Été
Workshop: How to Start a Business
Business lawyers, entrepreneur experts come together to share tips
and advice on start-ups.
BLSACares Workshop: Make a Difference!
Community activism demystified with young activists and
community members.
2:15 PM - 4:00 PM Saison A-B Justice Julius Alexander Isaac Diversity Moot Competition
(Sponsored by Koskie Minsy LLP)
4:00 PM - 5:45 PM Saison A-B BLSA Canada Annual General Meeting and Elections
6:30 PM - 7:15 PM Foyer Cocktail Reception
7:15 PM - 1:00 AM Saison A-B BLSA Canada 2015 Black Tie Gala:
Presentations, entertainment, dinner and dance!
SUNDAY
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM FOYER BREAKFAST/CHECK OUT
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Welcoming the new executives!
FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 27

HORAIRE DE LA CONFÉRENCE
HEURE LOCATION ACTIVITÉ
JEUDI - TENUE DÉCONTRACTÉE
15 h 00 - 18 h 00 FOYER INSCRIPTION
ENREGISTREMENT À LA RÉCEPTION DE L’HÔTEL
19 h 00 Printemps Réception d’accueil :
Mot de bienvenue du comité exécutif
Visite de Montréal :
La rue Sherbrooke est à Montréal ce que la 5e avenue est à New York!
VENDREDI - TENUE FORMELLE
7 h 00 - 9 h 00 FOYER INSCRIPTION / DÉJEUNER
9 h 00 - 10 h 20 Saison A-B Cérémonie d’ouverture : Discours d’ouverture de Madame la juge
Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré suivie du Professeur Dr. Charmaine
Nelson. Interprétation musicale par le violoniste Andrew Forde.
10 h 30 - 12 h 00 Saison A-B Diversité dans la sphère juridique : comment être plus unis Des
membres notoires du Barreau du Québec et du Barreau du Haut-
Canada discuteront de méthodes concrètes pour améliorer la
représentation de la diversité au sein de la profession!
12 h 00 - 12 h 30 FOYER DÎNER
12 h 30 - 13 h 40 Saison A-B Recrutement et habiletés légales : Comment bien définir nos
objectifs de carrières et impressionner d’éventuels employeurs.
14 h 00 - 15 h 00 Saison A-B Collaborer pour promouvoir la justice : L’Association des étudiants
latino-américains en droit, l’Association des étudiants de l’Asie du
Sud en droit et l’Association des étudiants Aborigènes en droit se
réuniront pour discuter de la manière dont nous pouvons mieux
nous unir dans la lutte pour une plus grande diversité!
15 h 00- 15 h 30 FOYER PAUSE-CAFÉ
15 h 30 - 16 h 30 Saison A-B La dynamique entre la race et le droit au Canada : Des avocats, un
activiste socialement engagé ainsi qu’une diplômée en droit de l’antidiscrimination
discuteront de responsabilité collective.
17 h 00 - 19 h 00 La Galerie Réception et réseautage : Soirée de divertissement mettant en
vedette le flutiste Jef Kearns.
SAMEDI - TENUE FORMELLE
Activité pour les jeunes : Jeux brise-glaces, ateliers juridiques,
scénarios hypothétiques et discussions animées par des étudiants en
droit!
7 h 30 - 9 h 00 FOYER INSCRIPTION / DÉJEUNER
SÉANCES SIMULTANÉES
9 h 00 - 10 h 00 Saison A Justice environnementale : Énergie et ressources naturelles
Saison B
Droit du divertissement : Un domaine qui couvre tous les types de
médias et qui s’étend sur plusieurs domaines juridiques.
28
BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015
Été
Entamer des études de droit : Tout spécialement pour les étudiants
du secondaire, du cégep et de l’université. Des étudiants en droit et
experts de l’admission en droit te guideront à travers le processus
d’application!

HORAIRE DE LA CONFÉRENCE
HEURE LOCATION ACTIVITÉ
10 h 00 - 10 h 15 FOYER PAUSE-CAFÉ
SÉANCES SIMULTANÉES
10 h 15 - 11 h 15 Saison A Médiation et arbitrage : Une once de médiation équivaut à une livre
d’arbitrage et une tonne de litiges!
Saison B
Choix de carrières alternatives : Trouver, embrasser et vivre sa
véritable passion!
11 h 20 - 11 h 50 SAISON A-B LUNCH ET CONFÉRENCIÈRE INVITÉE -
Arleen Huggins, Présidente de l’Association Canadienne des Avo
cats Noirs, expliquera en quoi la collaboration est nécessaire
pour l’avancement de la justice.
SÉANCES SIMULTANÉES
12 h 00 - 13 h 00 Saison A Droit des affaires : Travailler dans une grande firme
Saison B
Été
Droit autochtone : Les traditions juridiques des Autochtones et les
difficultés particulières auxquelles la communauté indigène fait face.
Atelier : Trouver un poste de cléricature ou à titre de stagiaire dans
un tribunal—Des étudiants partagerons des conseils sur la course
aux stages et les stages à la Cour!
13 h 00 - 13 h 15 FOYER PAUSE-CAFÉ
SÉANCES SIMULTANÉES
13 h 15 - 14 h 15 Saison A Litige civil – Un compromis vaut mieux qu’une poursuite judiciaire
sans fin!
Saison B
Été
Atelier : Comment démarrer sa propre entreprise Des avocats en
droit des affaires et des experts entrepreneuriaux partageront des
conseils sur la formation d’une jeune entreprise!
Atelier BLSACares : Faites une différence ! L’activisme démystifié
par de jeunes activistes vv`et des membres de la communauté!
14 h 15 - 16 h 00 Saison A-B Finale de la compétition de plaidoirie sur la diversité :
Justice Julius Alexander Isaac (Sponsorisé par Koskie Minsky LLP)
16 h 00 - 17 h 45 Saison A-B Assemblée générale de l’AÉND Canada!
18 h 30 - 19 h 15 Foyer Réception
19 h 15 - 1 h 00 Saison A-B Gala 2015 de l’AÉND Canada :
Présentations, animations, souper et danse!
DIMANCHE
10 h 00 0 12 h 00 FOYER DÉJEUNER ET DÉPART
11 h 00 - 13 h 00 Bienvenue aux nouveaux exécutifs!
FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 29

THANKS TO OUR DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS AND JUDGES
MERCI À NOS CONFÉRENCIERS ET JUGES DISTINGUÉS
Keynote Speakers | Discours officiels
The Hon. Justice Westmoreland-Traoré, Court of
Québec
The Hon. Justice Daniel Dortélus, Court of Québec
Arleen Huggins, Koskie Minsky LLP; President of the
Canadian Association of Black Lawyers
Dr. Charmaine Nelson, Department of Art History &
Communication Studies (McGill University)
Justice Julius Alexander Isaac Diversity Moot Judges
Plaidoirie sur la diversité de l’Honorable Julius
Isaac Alexander
The Hon. Justice Irving W. André, Superior Court of
Justice, Central West Region
The Hon. Justice Guylene Beaugé, Superior Court of
Québec
The Hon. Justice Micheline A. Rawlins, Ontario Court
of Justice
Béatrice Vizkelety, Director of the Legal Department
and Secretary of the Commission des droits de la personne
et des droits de la jeunesse du Québec; Visiting Fellow at
the McGill Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient | Prix d’Excellence
pour contribution exceptionnelle
Me Tamara Thermitus – Department of Justice Canada
(Quebec Regional Office)
Panelists | Conférenciers
Me Lu Chan Khuong, Barreau du Québec
Me Fanie Pelletier, Barreau du Québec
Me Christianne Vounang, Barreau du Québec
Treasurer Minor, Law Society of Upper Canada
Janet Leiper, Law Society of Upper Canada
Ekua Quansah, Law Society of Upper Canada
Christopher J. Fowles, Torys LLP
Larry Markowitz, Redpath Holdings
Jill Hugessen, Force 10 Coaching
Jocelyn Formsma, Indigenous Law Students’
Association
David Persaud, South Asian Law Students‘ Association;
Student-at-law, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Mario Torres, Latin American Law Students’
Association
Anthony N. Morgan, African Canadian Legal Clinic
Fo Niemi, Center for Research-Action on Race Relations
Melayna Williams, University of Toronto, Law in Action
Within Schools
Radha Curpen, Bennett Jones LLP
Chidinma B. Thompson, Ph.D, Borden Ladner Gervais
LLP
Me Stephane Moraille, Sole Practitioner
Miro Oballa, Taylor Klein Oballa LLP
Gillian Nycum, Acting Assistant Dean, Admissions and
Recruitment (McGill University Faculty of Law)
Nicole Bernier, Academic Advisor (University of
Ottawa Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section)
Rohan Bansie, Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP
Suhuyini Abudulai, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
Professor Adelle Blackett, McGill University Faculty of
Law
The Hon. Marlene Jennings, PC, LLB, former Member
of Parliament
Jean-François Gascon, Vice Président, SNC Lavalin
Konata T. Lake, Torys LLP
Kadiatou Sow, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin S.E.N.C.R.L.,
s.r.l.
Me Johanne McNeil, Johanne McNeil Avocate
Alexsa McKenzie, Global Shaper: World Economic Forum
Jonathan Chan, Student-at-law, Goodmans LLP
Marvin Coleby, BLSA Canada National President, 2013-
2014
Carle Evans, Student-at-law, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Jalana Lewis, Ontario Human Rights Legal Support
Centre
Me Ponora Ang, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Me Meïssa N’Garane, Lapointe Rosenstein Marchand
Melançon, S.E.N.C.R.L.
Me Pierre-Jude Thermidor, Holmested & Associés
S.E.N.C.R.L
Alexander Kalil, Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship,
Desautels Faculty of Management (McGill University)
Me Robert La Rosa, Lavery, de Billy LLP
Me Andrei Molchynsky, Norton Rose Fullbright Canada
S.E.N.C.R.L., s.r.l.
30
BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
NATIONAL SPONSOR
JUSTICE JULIUS ALEXANDER ISAAC DIVERSITY MOOT SPONSOR
TITLE SPONSOR, MORNING CEREMONIES
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
STUDENT SPONSORSHIP
DELEGATE BAG SPONSORSHIP
FEBRUARY 2015 | BLSA CANADA 31

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BLSA CANADA | FEBRUARY 2015
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