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Canadian Lawyers Abroad

Supreme Court Justices Address Canadian Lawyers Abroad Conference on Counter-Terrorism and the Rule of Law

Ottawa, ON -- March 18, 2005 -- In the post-9/11 environment, many Canadians awakened to the reality that political and social instability abroad could have harrowing consequences for domestic security in their own country. Canadian and international legal professionals were forced to grapple with new challenges posed by anti-terrorism legislation and the threat to domestic security represented by terrorist activities.

For legal professionals, questions continue to arise regarding how to properly support efforts to combat terrorism, while maintaining an adherence to the rule of law and respect for individual liberties. In light of their experience implementing and interpreting the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadian judges, lawyers and legal scholars can provide unique and valuable perspective on the challenge of balancing individual and collective interests, while adhering to the rule of law.

With this goal in mind, Canadian Lawyers Abroad hosted a conference on "Counter-Terrorism and the Rule of Law" at the University of Ottawa, on March 18, 2005 . The conference brought together some of Canada's most prominent legal thinkers to discuss the challenge of combating terrorism at home and abroad, while protecting the rights and freedoms guaranteed to citizens of democratic states. Through the hard work of its dedicated Ottawa student chapter, the CLA conference provided an opportunity to hear the views of such eminent speakers as the Hon. Justice Ian Binnie of the Supreme Court of Canada, the Hon. Justice Antonio Lamer, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, David Harris, former Director of the International and Terrorist Intelligence Program at CSIS, and Human Rights Activist Monia Mazigh.

The panel of speakers discussed how to effectively implement counter-terrorism measures in a manner consistent with both the rule of law and the Charter. The conference fostered dialogue and lively debate on how to balance individual and collective interests, and what role the legal profession can play in fostering positive changes, both at home and abroad.

For more information: www.cla-ace.ca or
Email: info@cla-ace.ca