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Presentation: CBA National Conference (OTTAWA) – Sold Out

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Alastair Clarke will be presenting at the CBA National Immigration Conference in Ottawa this weekend. It is a privilege and an honour to present to immigration lawyers from across Canada. The event is sold out.

Speakers for this session include Alastair Clarke, Melissa Babel and Marvin Moses. Here is a summary:

WS5.2: The Difficult Consultation in 2026: Navigating Complex Immigration Consultations

This workshop will be delivered as two 45-minute sessions within the scheduled 90-minute time block. Pre-registration is required through the attendee portal after conference registration, and participants must select one session. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

As immigration pathways narrow and uncertainty increases, practitioners are increasingly required to guide clients through difficult consultations with few clear answers. This advanced workshop focuses on the judgment, communication skills, and strategic thinking needed to advise clients realistically while maintaining compassion and clarity. Through practical scenarios, the session explores how experienced counsel manage high risk or limited options across temporary residence, humanitarian and compassionate applications, Express Entry, provincial nominee programs, and refugee claims, with an emphasis on managing expectations, explaining risk, and providing principled advice in emotionally charged situations.

The conference in Ottawa is currently sold out. If you are interested in this topic, please contact the CBA and it may be offered again next year.

CARL Spring Conference (22 MAY 2026) – Register Now

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CIL will be hosting the Winnipeg location for the national Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers (CARL) for 2026. We are hoping to host all refugee lawyers in Manitoba for this extremely important conference. In addition, Alastair Clarke will be moderating a panel on using AI for lawyers – a topic that is going to become increasingly important for professionals.

Spots are filling up quickly. If you are interested in joining, please register quickly. Here are the details:

  • CARL Members: $157.95
  • Non-CARL Members: $278.30
  • Student CARL Members: $73.71

This conference is national and we will have speakers from Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax.

Overview

Please join us for the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers annual spring conference!

Please join us for the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers annual Spring Conference!

We are pleased to welcome you for a full day of learning on recent developments in refugee and immigration law, practical insights for practitioners, and opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the country. Whether you are new to this work or have years of experience, the conference is designed to provide clear, useful, and up-to-date information in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Consistent with past years, the conference will be offered in a HYBRID format. You can join us virtually via Zoom, or attend in person at one of our regional venues:

  • Vancouver: Immigration and Refugee Legal Clinic, 510 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8 (Room # TBD)
  • Edmonton: Legal Aid Alberta10123 – 99 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3H1
  • Winnipeg: Clarke Immigration Law, Suite 409, 428 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C
  • Toronto: Toronto Metropolitan University, JOR building, 380 Victoria Street (POD250 “the Commons Conference Room”)
  • Ottawa: Impact Hub Ottawa123 Slater St. 6th floor, Ottawa, ON K1P 5H2
  • Montreal: UQAM, 201 Av. du Président-Kennedy, Montréal, QC H2X 3Y7(Room # TBD)
  • Halifax: McInnes Cooper Tower, Purdy’s Wharf, 13th Floor, 1969 Upper Water St.,Halifax, NS B3J 3R7, (Multipurpose Room)

*Lunch, snacks, and beverages will be provided at in-person venues. All options will be vegetarian.

CPD Hours: TBD

We will be covering many important and timely topics for this conference. Here is the full agenda:

Agenda

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Office Hours with Senior Lawyers

Senior lawyers will be available at each in-person venue

In-person only: An informal drop-in session where participants can ask questions and discuss practical issues with experienced refugee and immigration lawyers. Coffee, tea, and breakfast will be provided during this session. In Vancouver and Edmonton, this panel will take place at the end of the conference.

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Opening Remarks

Aisling Bondy, CARL President

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C-12: Key Litigation Updates

Ben Liston, CARL Litigation Committee

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Strategic Settlement Negotiations in Immigration Matters

Khatidja Moloo-Alam and Nalini Reddy

A practical discussion on how to approach and negotiate settlements effectively in immigration cases, including perspectives from both counsel and decision-makers.

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PRRAs After C-12: Practice and Judicial Review

Anne-Cécile Khouri-Raphael and Laura Best

An in-depth review of Pre-Removal Risk Assessments (PRRAs), including recent changes, with a focus on best practices, advocacy strategies, and challenges in judicial review.

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Lunch

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Strategic Motions at the Federal Court

Maureen Silcoff and Lorne Waldman

A practical session on how to use motions strategically in Federal Court litigation, including tips, pitfalls, and best practices.

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Break

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Maximize Your Legal Research: Essential CanLII Tips, Tools, and AI Features

Brenda Alm

A hands-on session highlighting key CanLII tools, research strategies, and new AI features to improve efficiency and results.

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AI in Immigration Practice: Practical Uses and Pitfalls

Alastair Clarke, Zeynab Ziaie Moayyed, and Joshua Prowse

A practical, discussion-based panel exploring how AI is being used in immigration practice, including benefits, risks, and ethical considerations.

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Closing Remarks

Tania Princz-Lebel, Education Committee Co-Chair

Law Society of Ontario: Mental Health Summit for Legal Professionals 2026 – Presentation

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Alastair Clarke is honoured to be invited to present at the Mental Health Summit for Legal Professionals, hosted by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) on 5 MAY 2026. Alastair will be focused on Vicarious Trauma and tips for practioners to maintain mental health. This is, unfortunately, a common problem. Many lawyers or front line workers get burned out after helping their clients. We listen to traumatic stories every day. We investigate cases that involve sexual assault, torture, female genital mutilation (FGM) and other sensitive topics.

Refugee lawyers work very hard on behalf of their clients during difficult times. After the passing of Bill C-12, lawyers across Canada face many difficult circumstances. Many of their clients face removal from Canada with either limited or no options to stay safe.

If you are interested in joining the session, please click here to register for the Mental Health Summit.

Mental Health Summit for Legal Professionals

Now in its sixth year, this Summit highlights that mental health and well-being continue to remain front and centre topics for the legal professions. Our presenters share their lived experiences as legal professionals and provide practical strategies to support our communities. Join us for another enlightening conversation about these important issues for our professions.

  • Learn how to navigate the lawyer-client relationship as a legal professional while understanding our own needs and limitations
  • Hear from profession leaders on how to break down isolation and build connection
  • Listen to compelling stories of lived experience from legal professionals with a range of practices and roles

Navigating the client relationship: How do we serve our clients while not losing ourselves?

Practicing law often means working closely with people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Lawyers are often asked to manage conflict, heightened emotions, and complex client expectations, all while delivering high-quality legal work. This session explores the complex dynamics at the heart of legal professionals’ relationship with their clients, including the challenges of working with difficult clients, understanding the impact of vicarious trauma, and recognizing burnout. The panelists will share reflections and strategies for how legal professionals can serve their clients with care and compassion while also supporting their own mental health.

  • Beth Beattie, LSM, Senior Counsel, Ministry of the Attorney General
  • Teresa Donnelly, Emeritus Treasurer, Law Society of Ontario
  • Lauren Linton, Law Clerk and Paralegal, Ministry of the Attorney General
  • Hayley Pitcher, Counsel, Constitutional Law Branch, Ministry of the Attorney General
  • Jason Ward, Ward Lawyers PC
  • Adam Brooks, Paralegal, Civil Litigation Co-Ordinator, Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General
  • Alastair Clarke, Clarke Immigration Law (Winnipeg)
  • The Honourable Justice Suzan Fraser, Ontario Superior Court of Justice
  • Dimple Dhabalia, Founder, Roots in the Clouds (US)
  • Doron Gold, The Lawyer Therapist
  • Katherine Cooligan, Cooligan Yehia LLP
  • Kirsten Marsh, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
  • Justice Brook J. Greenberg, Supreme Court of British Columbia
  • Dr. Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang, Bridgepoint Law Professional Corporation
  • Marian Jacko, Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Ministry of the Attorney General
  • Karen Seeley, McAuley Law
  • Tanya Parker Wallace, Parker Wallace Family Law
  • Shelina Lalji, Paralegal, JUSTICEJOLT©
  • Lai-King Hum, Hum Law Firm, Discrimination and Harassment Counsel (DHC)

CARL Webinar – Build Immigration Business (paid presentation)

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Alastair Clarke will be giving a presentation with lawyers in Toronto and Ottawa on behalf of CARL (Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers). This is a presentation for lawyers across Canada who are interested in starting a new business or growing their existing business. This is a common issue with lawyers. Law schools do not provide sufficient guidance on how to own or operate a business. It is on the shoulders of the individual lawyers to figure out how to set up and manage the business.

Alastair will be giving this presentation alongside Ali Esnaashari, the owner of Esna Law in Toronto, as well as Ayesha Kumararatne, the owner of Kumararatne Law in Ottawa. The event is scheduled for 9 APRIL 2026, starting at 11AM CST (Winnipeg time).

For anyone who plans to join the webinar, please bring questions. The purpose of this event is to help lawyers who have small businesses or they are thinking of starting their own business.

Overview

CARL webinar: Starting a refugee and immigration law practice – concrete tips, practical steps, and insights from experienced lawyers.

Join the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers (CARL) for the second webinar in our Building Your Own Refugee and Immigration Practice series, focused on growing your practice in a sustainable and strategic way.

This session will move beyond getting started and dive into the realities of expansion – including how to grow your client base, when (and how) to hire staff, and how to make smart investments in technology and systems to support your practice. The goal is to provide practical, experience-based guidance to help you scale your work without burning out.

This monthly webinar series is designed to offer concrete advice and actionable steps for lawyers at different stages of building their own practice. Each session focuses on a key topic, including starting out, business growth, client management, staff management, billing practices, and more.

The webinars are led by experienced immigration and refugee lawyers who have built and managed their own firms. Alongside practical tips, the series also explores the broader realities shaping legal practice today — including the challenging legal landscape, the role of technology, the distinct context of practising in Quebec, and the additional barriers faced by racialized lawyers.

Click here to register for the presentation.

CBA National Conference OTTAWA – Presentation

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Alastair Clarke has accepted an invitation to be a Facilitator at the 2026 CBA National Immigration Conference in Ottawa. This is the largest conference for immigration lawyers in Canada. In previous years, more than 600 lawyers from across Canada have participated in the conference with Officers and staff from IRCC, the CBSA, the IRB, the DOJ and other organizations. We share ideas and discuss caselaw, program, pilot projects and amendments to relevant laws.

Alastair has presented and moderated panels at past CBA National Immigration Conferences on various topics. This is a chance for junior lawyers to learn and build their knowledge. The practice of immigration law is highly complex and constantly changing. Each year, the conference covers the topics in depth so practitioners are up to date with best practices.

Details of the conference:

  • Dates: 28 MAY 2026 to 30 MAY 2026
  • Location: Rogers Centre Ottawa
  • Topic: Canadian Immigration Laws and Regulations

For all the immigration lawyers in Canada, CIL highly recommends attending this conference. Year after year, the CBA National Immigration Conference brings in top presenters and government representatives

Description for 2026:

25 Years of the IRPA:  Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going

Join leading immigration law professionals in Ottawa this spring for the 2026 CBA Immigration Law Conference, a premier event dedicated to the latest developments in Canadian immigration, refugee, and citizenship law.  This conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to expand your knowledge, engage with expert speakers, and network with colleagues from across the country.

Attendees will explore emerging trends, legislative updates, and practical strategies through a mix of plenary sessions, interactive panels and hot topic discussions.  Whether you are a seasoned practitioner, in-house counsel, or new to the field, this conference provides essential insights to navigate the evolving landscape of immigration law.

If you have a lawyer, please encourage them to come to the conference and attend Alastair’s panel. He will be presenting with 2 immigration lawyers from Ontario, Melissa and Marvin.

Click on this link to register for the conference. 

Free CLEA Webinar: Changes to Immigration Law

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Alastair Clarke has been providing free public legal education webinars through CLEA for many years. This is an opportunity to help the public and answer questions. Immigration laws and regulations are complex. Programs come and go. Policies are constantly being amended or updated, depending on the political winds. Just over the past few years, we have had many Ministers of IRCC who have each made significant changes.

Mr Clarke will be providing a free webinar to address current issues. Please note: Mr Clarke cannot provide legal advice on any particular case. Individuals who have particular issues, please book a consultation.

You can register for this event by clicking this link and providing your information to CLEA.

Details:

  • Date: 27 NOV 2025
  • Time: Noon
  • Location: Online

This is a free event, open to the public. Anyone can join.

CLEA Fundraiser & Quiz Night

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The team at CIL had a wonderful team-building event at the CLEA fundraiser. We fully support the Community Legal Education Association and all the work they do. They provide significant support for folks who are seeking legal services. As a former Junior High School teacher (ALT), Alastair loves to get involved with these organizations that help with public legal education.

Congratulations to all the teams who participated in Quiz Night. We had a lot of fun and it is very important to connect with other professionals who help the public.

We do our best to teach and guide all our clients through IRCC/ CBSA/ IRB procedures. As you know, the situation right now in Canada is difficult and we speak with people who have high stress levels. We spend significant time to explain what’s going on to the best of our abilities.

Free Presentation: UofW History of Human Rights

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As a former teacher, Alastair Clarke seldom refuses an invitation to present in front of a classroom. For many years, he has been giving free guest lectures to the students at the University of Winnipeg. In 2025, he has agreed to provide a presentation on how to apply human rights laws and violations of constitutional rights in a Canadian immigration context. Details of this presentation:

  • Class: History of Human Rights
  • Date: 21 OCT 2025
  • Location: University of Winnipeg

If you are interested in joining the class, please contact Professor Kristi Kenyon. She will be making the introductions and providing context for the students.

The outline of the presentation:

  1. Constitutional Framework
  2. The Charter
  3. The Role of the Court
  4. Singh v. Canada SCC
  5. Charter – Section 7
  6. The IRB
  7. Applying the Charter
  8. Q&A

CBA Conference: Updates from IRCC

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As noted, Alastair Clarke moderated a session at the CBA National Immigration Conference in Victoria, BC. The conference hosted more than 600 immigration lawyers and it was sold out. For certain sessions, the rooms were packed, standing room only. This is an indication of the many changes at IRCC, at CBSA and at the IRB. Many rules have changed. Many policies have expired or been amended. We welcomed Officers from many different programs who provided updates on the changes and they provided tips for professionals.

We cannot provide all the information from the multi-day conference. Each session was extremely focused and we covered many different scenarios. During the conference, Alastair Clarke was able to speak with IRCC Managers at different programs to provide guidance for our clients.

Here are a few key points from various areas of immigration and refugee law:

Changes to Study Permits

  • IRCC has made many changes to Study Permits and these changes have had a significant impact on int’l students as well as DLIs
  • IRCC is focused on reducing the population of temporary residents to below 5% of the population in Canada
  • Int’l students who change DLIs must submit a new SP from inside Canada
  • Study Permits will continue to be DLI specific based on changes in 2024 and Study Permits that include regions (eg. “Any DLI – MB”) are affected by the changes
  • IRCC will continue with the PAL system

Changes to Work Permits

Humanitarian and Compassionate applications

AI Tools and AI-Generated Content

  • IRCC Officers repeated that AI is not making final decisions on applications
  • The Federal Court provided guidance to counsel on the use of ChatGPT and other AI tools
  • NOTE: At CIL, we do not use AI tools, including ChatGPT, at our office

Refugee Claims

  • IRCC is focused on reducing access to the RPD
  • The Strong Borders Act may ban international students who have been in Canada for more than one (1) year from filing a refugee claim
  • There is a significant and growing backlog of cases at the RPD and all regions are affected
  • IRCC did not expect to see such a large increase in refugee claims made by international students

Inadmissibility and Misrepresentation

  • IRCC has seen a significant increase in misrepresentation (A40) and they have issued many PFLs
  • IRCC is sharing information with the USA and other members of the Five Eyes alliance to catch applicants who are not honest

There were many other topics covered at the conference, including LMIA applications, criminality issues, detention reviews and advocacy. We will use all the information covered to benefit our clients and help them navigate our complex system.

Presentation: CBA Conference (Victoria BC)

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On 6 June 2025, Alastair Clarke will be moderating a panel at the CBA National Immigration Conference which will be held in Victoria, BC. Alastair completed his undergraduate degree at UVic many years ago so he is very excited to return to the city. Chantal Desloges will be a speaker on the panel as well as a representative from IRCC. Here is a description of the presentation:

The Art of Staying Legal: Mastering Temporary Residence Issues Facing Your Clients
Room: Carson Hall C, Victoria Conference Centre, 2nd floor

This session will be offered with webcasting and simultaneous interpretation *

With Canada intensifying enforcement efforts and focusing on reducing the temporary resident population, maintaining legal status has become more critical than ever. This session provides an in-depth review of key issues surrounding temporary residence, equipping practitioners with the knowledge to guide their clients effectively. Topics include the impact of the cancellation of flagpoling, advising clients on maintained status and IRCC’s maintained status letters, and addressing challenges faced by Visitor Record holders due to IRCC’s shifting interpretations. The session will also explore the laws and procedures for restoring status and obtaining Temporary Resident Permits, ensuring you’re prepared to help your clients navigate these complex challenges.

Speakers:
Chantal Desloges, Desloges Law Group Professional Corporation (Toronto, ON)
Julie Campeau, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (Ottawa, ON)

Moderator: Alastair Clarke, Clarke Immigration Law (Winnipeg, MB)

If you would like to attend this presentation, I hope you are already registered. This conference is extremely popular and the conference is sold out.

For the full agenda and a list of other speakers and moderators, please click on this link. 

We expect IRCC will be making significant announcements during the conference. This is the largest annual conference for Canadian immigration lawyers and it is a chance for representatives to speak directly with IRCC Officers, CBSA Officers, policy analysts, Federal Court judges and other professionals.

We are hoping that Minister Diab will attend the CBA conference. She has not yet confirmed her attendance. She has only been Minister of IRCC for less than a month.

Alastair Clarke previously presented at the CBA National Immigration Conference in 2017. At that time, Canada was dealing with a crisis at the border with many refugee claims and he was recognized as an expert on the STCA. That presentation received strong support and he subsequently gave interviews on CBC News, Global News and many other programs.

CIL strongly believes in public education and awareness. There is significant misinformation online and many websites include outdated or obsolete information. Unfortunately, we regularly meet individuals who rely on bad information or incorrect advice and that may lead to significant problems.