Realizing Rights In Canada’s Commitments Symposium
Join us for CLF’s 8th Annual Symposium on Religion, Law and Human Rights at Robson Hall, Winnipeg MB.
CLF is excited to be hosting our annual Academic Symposium at Robson Hall, University of Manitoba, taking place on Friday, February 13 in conjunction with the 2026 CLF National Law Student Conference (separate registration required). Click Here to learn more about the Student Conference.
About the Symposium:
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Canada’s ratification of two milestone human rights treaties: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
The Supreme Court of Canada has affirmed that these treaties reflect “not only international consensus, but also principles that Canada has committed itself to uphold”. Yet, five decades later, concerns are growing that these binding Covenants remain under-employed in Canada.
If Canada is to take its human rights obligations seriously, we must carefully examine what those obligations are and what they mean — the goal of this project.
The Realizing Rights Symposium will convene a diverse group of legal scholars, jurists, practitioners, and students from across Canada to explore how Canada’s international commitments can illuminate and enhance our conception, and protection, of human rights in Canada. All members of the Manitoba Law Society and University of Manitoba are welcome to join us.
The Symposium is sponsored by the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law, Law Commission of Canada, and the Christian Legal Fellowship (CLF). Building on the momentum of Christian Legal Fellowship’s “UDHR at 75” Symposium and resulting publication (already cited by the Supreme Court of Canada), the Realizing Rights Symposium aims to develop a richer understanding of Canada’s human rights obligations
Registration:
Registration is for in-person attendance at Robson Hall Law School at University of Manitoba on Friday, February 13 (taking place from 8:30am to 5:30pm Central Time)
On Thursday evening, February 12, beginning at 6:00pm, there will be an opening reception at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights to kick off our Symposium and Student Conference. This reception offers a rare opportunity to situate the themes of the days ahead within a reflective space and renowned institution, featuring a keynote fireside chat with Chief Justice Glenn Joyal of the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, as well as a special tour of the Museum’s galleries.
Attendance is limited. Early participation is encouraged! Registration in either the Conference or Symposium includes Opening Reception admission.
Important Notice: If you have registered for the Symposium and/or Conference and are unable to attend the Opening Reception, please let us know before January 26 by emailing office@christianlegalfellowship.org, as we are required to provide accurate numbers to the Museum and may otherwise be subject to penalties and/or fees. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Speakers:
- Speakers and participants include:
- The Hon. Diana Cameron (Manitoba Court of Appeal)
- Prof. Erika Chamberlain (Western)
- Prof. Michelle Gallant (Robson)
- Prof. Debra Haak (Queen’s)
- Prof. Gerard Kennedy (Alberta)
- Prof. Trudo Lemmens (U of T)
- Prof. Uchechukwu Ngwaba (TMU)
- Prof. Blair Major (TRU)
- Prof. Mary Shariff (Robson)
- Prof. Érik Labelle Westin-Eastaugh (Moncton)
Full Schedule & Speakers available soon!