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Training that never stops

For the sake of transparency, since 2018, the Council annually publishes a list of courses and seminars available during the previous fiscal year. The following is a list of courses, seminars and other learning activities attended by federally appointed judges to continue their learning and enhance their knowledge.

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Programs (74)
  • December 4 2023 - December 4 2023

    Superior Court of Québec: Division of Family Property - Family Patrimony

    This family-law program dealt exclusively wQuebeith family patrimony. The course began by reviewing the origins of the family patrimony and the basic principles that govern it. The instructor then discussed its composition, deductions, and how to determine its net value. The family patrimony was then examined from a case management perspective. The day ended with a practical exercise in calculating and partitioning the family patrimony, enabling participants to apply what they had learned.

    View more - Superior Court of Québec: Division of Family Property - Family Patrimony
  • November 8 2023 - November 10 2023

    British Columbia All Courts Education Seminar

    This seminar was led by experienced local, national, and international judges, academics, and researchers. The program began with a keynote address on what access to justice means for judges, and then moved to explore ways in which self-represented litigants are engaging with technology, including Artificial Intelligence, as they navigate the justice system. There was an Artificial Intelligence forecast for the judiciary, which included a demonstration and discussion of the regulation of use of AI by the courts and the legal profession. There were also sessions on use of social media by judges and the courts, and the law on the admissibility of digital evidence. The second day of the seminar focused, initially, on reconciliation and the path forward. This included an opening keynote from an Indigenous Elder with a message of unity and of the importance of meeting face-to-face to learn and take steps along the path of reconciliation. This was followed by a presentation by a panel of judges exploring the initiatives their courts have undertaken to advance reconciliation, and to offer a comparative perspective from the High Court of New Zealand on the relationship between the courts and Maori people and on the recognition of Tikanga (customary Maori law) in by courts in New Zealand. A panel of academics then explored the concept of legal pluralism and how Indigenous laws may come to be considered and recognized by the courts. The program also addressed recent cases of interest in civil, criminal and family law. The day ended with a session presented by members of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia on the ins and outs of appellate review.

    View more - British Columbia All Courts Education Seminar
  • November 8 2023 - November 10 2023

    British Columbia All Courts Education Seminar

    This seminar was led by experienced local, national, and international judges, academics, and researchers. The program began with a keynote address on what access to justice means for judges, and then moved to explore ways in which self-represented litigants are engaging with technology, including artificial intelligence, as they navigate the justice system. There was an artificial intelligence forecast for the judiciary, which included a demonstration and discussion of the regulation of use of AI by the courts and the legal profession. There were also sessions on use of social media by judges and the courts, and the law on the admissibility of digital evidence. The second day of the seminar focused, initially, on reconciliation and the path forward. This included an opening keynote from an Indigenous Elder with a message of unity and of the importance of meeting face-to-face to learn and take steps along the path of reconciliation. This was followed by a presentation by a panel of judges exploring the initiatives their courts have undertaken to advance reconciliation, and to offer a comparative perspective from the High Court of New Zealand on the relationship between the courts and Maori people and on the recognition of Tikanga (customary Maori law) in by courts in New Zealand. A panel of academics then explored the concept of legal pluralism and how Indigenous laws may come to be considered and recognized by the courts. The program also addressed recent cases of interest in civil, criminal, and family law. The day ended with a session presented by members of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia on the ins and outs of appellate review.

    View more - British Columbia All Courts Education Seminar
  • November 7 2023 - November 9 2023

    Superior Court of Québec: Judicial Settlement Conferencing

    This seminar used case studies to help judges develop and practise skills relevant to settlement conferences. Through presentations by experienced judges, interactive demos and breakout exercises, the first part of the seminar familiarized participants with the process for chairing settlement conferences and went over useful techniques and strategies. The second part focused on role-playing, allowing judges to apply these techniques and get feedback from the instructors. The last part examined ethical issues related to settlement conferences through case studies that were discussed in breakout groups and plenary sessions.

    View more - Superior Court of Québec: Judicial Settlement Conferencing
  • October 11 2023 - October 13 2023

    Atlantic Courts Education Seminar for Federally Appointed Judges

    The seminar began with an overview of recent Supreme Court of Canada and appellate cases in criminal, family, and civil law. A family law and a valuation expert then delved into the legal intricacies of financial statements in family and other matters. Other sessions explored the following issues: what cognitive science can teach judges about judgment writing, and the nature of microaggressions and how they can be addressed. The program continued by focusing on the following topics: how to organize complex trials in criminal and family matters; challenges judges encounter when navigating and assessing social media evidence; myths and preconceptions about people living in poverty, barriers between individuals living in poverty and the judicial system, as well as how courts can lessen barriers and avoid re-traumatizing individuals experiencing poverty; issues surrounding judicial privilege when judges cross the Canadian border. The seminar concluded with a discussion about best practices when conducting alternative dispute resolution proceedings, and an interactive presentation on the psychological mechanisms which underpin procrastination, and best practices to avoid it.

    View more - Atlantic Courts Education Seminar for Federally Appointed Judges
  • October 4 2023 - October 7 2023

    Superior Court of Québec: Annual General Meeting

    This annual general meeting focused on the three dimensions of judicial education, namely developing substantive knowledge, improving skills and competencies, and gaining awareness of the social context surrounding various law and justice issues. The seminar began by continuing a discussion about domestic and family violence that was initiated at the last annual general meeting of the Court. Participants learned about femicide and infanticide, then discussed how to deal effectively with allegations of violence in their role as trial judges. Participants then shared their experiences involving litigants in psychological distress. Other sessions focused on changing demographics in Québec society, the use of social media, and how to deal with criticism. Lastly, a psychologist shared her tips for living well “in the public eye” and a final session dealt with motivation at work.

    View more - Superior Court of Québec: Annual General Meeting
  • May 31 2023 - June 2 2023

    Superior Court of Québec: Divisional Meeting (Québec)

    This spring seminar focused on the three dimensions of judicial education, namely developing substantive knowledge, improving skills and competencies, and gaining awareness of the social context surrounding various law and justice issues. The program began with a discussion of human rights issues, judgment writing and what happens after a treatment order is made. Participants were then introduced to new digital tools and technological information resources available at the Court. The seminar also explored current issues around litigants’ perceptions of, and access to, justice.

    View more - Superior Court of Québec: Divisional Meeting (Québec)