CIAJ In All Fairness - ICAJ En toute justice

• Episode 103 | Addiction, Work, and Justice: What Are We Missing?

  In this episode, CIAJ's Articling Student David Lazzam sits down with Jessyca Greenwood, Principal Lawyer at Greenwood Law, to discuss how the legal system responds to substance dependency in the workplace. Drawing from years of experience representing vulnerable clients, Jessyca explores common legal challenges, gaps in employer obligations, and the role of stigma in shaping outcomes. Together, they examine how specialized courts and diversion programs can help—or hinder—real change. From courtroom culture to systemic reform, this conversation highlights the need for compassion, accountability, and broader social supports to ensure that people struggling with addiction aren’t left behind.   Guest Jessyca Greenwood, Principal Lawyer at Greenwood Law (Toronto, ON) Host David Lazzam, Articling Student at the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice (Ottawa, ON)

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• Episode 102 | The Toxic Drug Crisis Podcast Series: Rethinking Decriminalization

  Drug toxicity is a leading cause of death in Canada and around the world. Over the course of three episodes, we address three interrelated topics related to the toxic drug crisis. This final episode will review decriminalization policies in Portugal, British Columbia, and Oregon, and examine the mandatory treatment scheme in Alberta. Guests discuss how decriminalization is ineffective as a standalone policy and suggest additional resources that are needed to address the overdose crisis. Host Sarah Rowe discuss this issue and more with guests, internist and addiction specialist, Dr. Monty Ghosh, and criminal defence lawyer, Kyla Lee.  This series is produced in memory of Marc Alexander O’Keefe.   Guests S. Monty Ghosh, Doctor of Internal Medicine, Disaster Medicine, and Addiction Medicine; Assistant Professor, Departments of General Internal Medicine & Neurology, University of Alberta; Clinical Associate Professor, Departments of Medicine & Psychiatry, University of Calgary Kyla Lee, Vancouver Criminal Lawyer, Acumen Law Corporation Host Sarah Rowe, Articling Clerk, Legal Aid Newfoundland and Labrador   The Toxic Drug Crisis Podcast Series To further explore the discussion, listen to our previous podcasts on the subject:  The Toxic Drug Crisis Podcast Series: Is Harm Reduction Enough? — With guests Geoff Bardwell, Ph.D. and Craig Marshall. Host: Sarah Rowe The Toxic Drug Crisis Podcast Series: The Role of Safer Supply — With guests Gillian Kolla, PhD, MPH and Sukhpreet Klaire, MD CCFP (AM). Host: Sarah Rowe  

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• Episode 101 | The TAP Project: Chief Justice Marc Richard on Justice, Ethics, and Reform

  In this episode, CIAJ's Executive Director Christine O’Doherty welcomes The Honourable Chief Justice J.C. Marc Richard (of New Brunswick) to talk about his involvement in the Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) Project. Drawing from his experience in Mongolia and Moldova, he discusses the importance of judicial independence and ethics. He addresses questions about Canada’s role in strengthening global justice, the challenges of eradicating corruption, and the value of international judicial cooperation. He reflects on what motivates his involvement and how these experiences shape his perspective on global judicial cooperation. Guests: The Honourable Chief Justice J.C. Marc Richard (of New Brunswick) Host: Christine O’Doherty, Lawyer & Executive Director, CIAJ   ABOUT THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PARTNERSHIP PROJECT (TAP): Global Affairs Canada’s Technical Assistance Partnership Project (TAP), is designed to deploy Canadian experts from a range of disciplines to provide technical assistance to developing countries. The Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs (FJA) is one of the Canadian government agencies with an international development project under TAP. Under TAP, FJA engages with up to three countries per year for a one-year program of capacity building for judicial institutions. This mechanism allows Canada to use the experience in our judicial system to respond to requests for technical assistance made through Canadian missions abroad. Technical assistance is provided in response to needs expressed by partner countries, but in alignment with Canada’s international development priorities, including the strengthening of gender equality and the protection of human rights. More information    

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• Episode 100 | Reprogramming Resilience: How Childhood Adversity Shapes Mental Health and Addiction

  Nicole Sherren, a neuroscience expert and Principal Consultant at R2P Solutions, joins The Honourable P. Colleen Suche, Justice of the Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba, for an engaging discussion on the profound impact of childhood adversity on brain development, mental health, and addiction. Drawing on cutting-edge research, Sherren illustrates how early adverse experiences can rewire the brain, heightening susceptibility to addiction and mental health challenges later in life. The discussion explores the pivotal role of epigenetics in fostering resilience and examines how addiction-related behaviors intersect with justice systems, particularly when impaired self-control conflicts with concepts of accountability. Together, they highlight the critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration among neuroscience, health, and justice professionals to drive effective policies and meaningful systemic reform. Let's continue the discussion! To further explore the discussion, join us at our conference on addiction, mental health and the law, to be held February 3-5, 2025 in Toronto. Come discover the complex interactions between addiction, mental health issues and the legal system, with multidisciplinary experts and Indigenous knowledge keepers. This discussion will address current challenges while gaining a comprehensive perspective on the critical issues faced by courts, law enforcement, treatment providers, policymakers, as well as communities, families, and individuals. Register now to make sure you don't miss this unique event! REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE

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• Episode 99 | Indigenous Legal Principles: Wahkohtowin Lodge's Insights on Addiction, Mental Health and Governance

  In this insightful conversation, host David Lazzam speaks with Gavin Cazon-Wilkes, a Legal Counsel with the Wahkohtowin Law and Governance Lodge. This episode highlights the Lodge’s methodologies for uncovering Indigenous legal principles, its efforts to address addiction and mental health, and its aspirations for advancing Indigenous-led governance. Through concrete examples, Gavin demonstrates how narrative tools are reshaping the legal landscape, offering a unique perspective on integrating traditional laws with contemporary challenges. Let's continue the discussion! To further explore the discussion, join us at our our conference on addiction, mental health and the law, to be held February 3-5, 2025 in Toronto. Come discover the complex interactions between addiction, mental health issues and the legal system, with multidisciplinary experts and Indigenous knowledge keepers. This discussion will address current challenges while gaining a comprehensive perspective on the critical issues faced by courts, law enforcement, treatment providers, policymakers, as well as communities, families, and individuals. Register now to make sure you don't miss this unique event!

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