November 8, 2007
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto - Religious accommodation, hate crimes, escalating racial tensions internationally, and increasing public dialogue on the nature of multiculturalism in Canada are issues on every political agenda today, and part of a new social reality in Canada and around the world. An ad-hoc committee of the three levels of the Ontario courts, in partnership with the Faculty of Law, is taking the lead on these issues by hosting a conference Combating Hatred in the 21st Century: Balancing Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities, on Monday November 12th at the University of Toronto Conference Centre at 89 Chestnut Street.
The invitation-only conference will bring together many of Canada's top legal minds; judges, lawyers, benchers, law students, along with representatives of various legal and community organizations. The organizing committee for the conference is a collaboration with the judicial led by Associate Chief Justice Douglas Cunningham of the Superior Court of Justice and colleagues from all levels of Courts in Ontario.
Panel discussion topics include "The Media: Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution," moderated by Globe and Mail columnist Shira Herzog, and speakers Carol Tator, course director for York University, Haroon Siddiqui, editorial page editor emeritus and columnist for the Toronto Star and Comment editor Jonathan Kay from the National Post.
"We believe that the legal community has an obligation to bring these issues to the forefront of discussion among our peers for the benefit of the entire community," says Lorne Sossin, professor and one of the conference organizers. "This conference will bring together students, practitioners, judges and grass-roots organizations to continue a conversation about some of the most challenging issues we face as Canadians relating to hatred, freedom and our Charter of Rights and Freedoms," he adds.
Dean Mayo Moran will be speaking on "Building Bridges, Seeking Solutions," and a plenary session will be held on the topic of "Domestic Implications of International Issues and Events: The Impact of Deep Rooted Conflicts from Abroad on Canada." Former Minister of Justice Irwin Cotler will be moderating the plenary, whose speakers will include Paul Cavalluzzo - counsel, Arar Commission, Natalie Poirier - policy analyst for the Government of Canada and Alex Neve - Secretary General, Amnesty International, Canada.
Professor Lorne Sossin also notes that the conference's proximity to Remembrance Day has allowed for a seamless blending of the themes of remembrance and memory into the program, as well as ensuring that a maximum number of legal professionals is able to attend due to courts not being in session that day.
Afternoon conference sessions include "The Importance of Courageous Conversations" and "The Justice System Responds: Issues and Challenges in Confronting Discrimination and Hate".
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For more information, or to receive a full conference program please contact:
Laura Rosen Cohen
Communications Officer
Faculty of Law
Tel: (416) 946-5722
laura.rosencohen@utoronto.ca
OR
Dr. Karen Mock
kmock@sympatico.ca
Cell: 416-433-0343
