Pre-Conference Workshop — Ballroom, Hotel

“Accommodating Persons with a Disability in the Workplace”

In this one-day practical workshop, participants will learn from each other and legal experts about the legal requirements respecting the accommodation of employees with a disability. See: http://www.gnb.ca/hrc-cdp/conference/07e.html

Opening Reception — The Playhouse (across from the hotel)

Join us for the opening reception in the west art gallery of the Playhouse. His Honour Herménégilde Chiasson, the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, and other dignitaries will deliver words of greeting. Music will be provided by classical guitarist Stephen Peacock.

Continental Breakfast — Ballroom, Hotel

Opening — Ballroom, Hotel

Premier Bernard Lord has been invited to speak at this event.

Keynote: Gwynne Dyer, writer and political columnist and commentator — Ballroom, Hotel

The conference starts with a keynote address by noted lecturer and freelance journalist and broadcaster Gwynne Dyer.

Concurrent (1a)

Balance of Security and Human Rights

Human rights include our rights to security as well as the right to be treated fairly and equally in accordance with international and domestic law. Security concerns are often used as the reason for violating these laws. But do human rights violations provide greater security? Could we provide greater human security by promoting democracy and human rights? This workshop will discuss the international political context of current security problems, and the ways in which they can be addressed within a human rights framework.

• Chair: Dr. Patrick Malcolmson, VP Academic, St. Thomas University, Fredericton; former Chair of NBHRC
• Leo Adler, Director of National Affairs, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, Toronto; Member, Cross-cultural Roundtable on Security, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
• Gwynne Dyer, writer, political columnist and commentator

Concurrent (1b)

Access to Public Facilities

From the perspectives of a consumer and two legal counsel, this workshop will explore a broad range of issues involved in gaining better access to public facilities. Speakers will relate specific cases where access has been an issue; discuss legislation and its enforcement; look at the development and use of technical expertise; and initiate a broad discussion of the obligation of Crown Corporations and the public and corporate sectors to provide adequate accommodation.

• Chair: Ann Sherman, Commissioner, PEIHRC
• Randy Dickinson, Executive Director, N.B. Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons
• Raj Dir, Legal Counsel, OHRC
• Sarah Lugtig, Legal Counsel, MHRC

Concurrent (1c)

The Acadian Story: Individual and Collective Rights

Today’s citizens are better informed and more demanding. Some say that collective rights are essential to the development of any group. The linguistic system in N.B. focuses on individuals, but the content of official language rights involves a collective dimension, since it is the whole community that benefits from individual language rights. In N.B., a unique social contract protects the two official linguistic communities. Should this model be followed elsewhere? The workshop will explore this quest for balance between individual and collective rights.

• Chair: René Landry, member, NBHRC
• Pierre Foucher, Professor, Law Faculty, Université de Moncton
• Rosella Melanson, Executive Director, N.B. Advisory Council on the Status of Women
• Bernard Richard, Ombudsman of N.B., President of the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman

Lunch — Ballroom, Hotel

Presentation to McCain Foods Limited and Multicultural Association of Carleton County

Learn how a large multinational corporation and a dedicated multicultual group are succeeding in welcoming immigrants from diverse cultural backgrounds to the rural and small town area centered around Florenceville, N.B..

Legal Update — Ballroom, Hotel

This is one of the most eagerly anticipated sessions at CASHRA conferences. Hear top legal experts on the latest case law developments under Canadian and American human rights laws. One presentation will give particular emphasis to disability rights in Canada.

• Chair: Christian Whalen, Legal Counsel, New Brunswick Human Rights Commission (NBHRC) (seconded to Ombudsman of N.B.)
• Raj Dir, Counsel, Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC)
• Phyllis Gordon Executive Director, ARCH Disability Law Centre, Toronto
• Christopher Lage. Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Washington, D.C.
• Beatrice Vizkelety, Legal Counsel, Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse du Québec (QHRC)

Concurrent (2a)

Human Rights Commissions —An International Perspective

An opportunity to learn from each other. A look at how Human Rights Commission and Tribunals are organized in various jurisdictions, including in New Zealand and the United States.

• Chair: Susan Butterfield, Director, NBHRC
• Barbara Hall, Chief Commissioner, OHRC
• Royden Hindle, Chairperson, New Zealand Human Rights Review Tribunal
• Christopher Lage. Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Washington, D.C.
• Bob Ward, Secretary General, CHRC

Concurrent (2b)

Strategies to Combat Racism

The panelists will share their perspectives regarding the negative impact of racism on the individuals who are subjected to it and its far reaching effect on our communities. They will also offer some insight into the means by which we as a society can address this issue and work towards removing racism from our midst.

• Chair: Carl White, Human Rights Officer, NBHRC
• Nancy Austin, Executive Director, OHRC
• Mayann Francis, Executive Director / CEO, NSHRC

Concurrent (2c)

Achieving an Inclusive Society: The Duty to Accommodate and Beyond

Issues include the progress and the challenges that have been confronted in achieving the Meiorin model of equality rights. Why aren’t we getting it? Are we ready to ensure inclusive employment opportunities and environments for an aging workforce? The session will also look at inclusive schooling, universal design and the continued need for specific accommodations. It will also consider legal avenues for achieving an inclusive society other than the complaint-based human rights model.

• Chair: Ken Pike, Director of Social Policy, N.B. Association for Community Living
• Phyllis Gordon, Executive Director, ARCH Disability Law Centre, Toronto
• Barbara Humphrey, Lawyer, Stringer, Brisbin, Humphrey, Toronto
• Prof. Wayne McKay, Dalhousie Law School, former Chair of NSHRC

5:15 – 6:30 pm Presentation to Marlene Unger
Restigouche Room, Hotel

Friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies will present their national award to Marlene Unger for her longstanding promotion and advocacy of Holocaust and human rights education. Conference participants are invited to attend this event in honour of Marlene Unger.

5:15 - 6:15 pm: Boat tour

Hour-long boat tour departs from lighthouse near hotel.

5:15 - 6:15 pm Historic walk

Hour-long walking tour around historic downtown Fredericton by Calithumpians theatre company, in English or French. Meet in the lobby of the hotel.

Buses will shuttle between hotel and Lady Dunn Hall at the University of New Brunswick

Last bus leaves no earlier than 7 pm. Maps available for those who prefer to walk.

Lobster Dinner — Lady Dunn Hall, University of New Brunswick

Cash bar: 7-7:30 pm. Alternate menu available (must order on registration form). Entertainment by Celtic band “Brollachan.”

Invitation to CASHRA 2007 — Ballroom, Hotel

Colin Baile, Member, NWTHRC (with short video)

Keynote: Hon. Roméo Dallaire, Senator, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) — Ballroom, Hotel

Because of his experience and background, we invited Senator Dallaire to speak about Canada’s human rights role in the world. How can Canada play a role in human rights at the international level? What factors contribute to its influence? Can it take a leadership role? How can it better live up to its commitments? Where should it focus its efforts? With whom should it partner? We look forward to hearing Senator Dallaire ’s views on these important questions.

Concurrent 3(a)

Framework for Investigation of Aboriginal Complaints

Aboriginal people may not be drawn to investigation and adjudication procedures that reflect more formal, legal and adversarial practices. The NSHRC has undertaken a project to improve its service to the Aboriginal population. Issues include uncertainties about provincial and federal jurisdiction, improving the Commission’s profile in the community and identifying and implementing more culturally appropriate procedures. Join us to discuss this innovative project. Patrick Francis, the Deputy Minister of the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat of N.B. willbe our host for this session.

• Chair: Mayann Francis, Executive Director / CEO, NSHRC
• Carla Moore, Director, Atlantic Aboriginal Health Research Program, Dalhousie University
• Dr. Fred Wien, Professor, Dalhousie University; Principal Investigator, Atlantic Aboriginal Health Research Program
• T‘uma Young, CEO, Eskasoni First Nation, Eskasoni, N.S.

Concurrent 3(b)

Security: Canada’s Role in the World

The domestic implementation of international human rights instruments is a pressing priority in the context of the national security measures taking place in Canada and around the world. What is the impact of Canadian national security measures on vulnerable groups? Current immigration procedures are jeopardizing the best interests of children seeking asylum in Canada. Similarly, certain ethnic or racialized groups have been disproportionately targeted by Canadian security measures. The discussion will focus on how Canada should best respect human rights within its national security agenda.

• Chair: Donna Scott, QC, Chair, SHRC
• Hon. Roméo Dallaire, Senator
• Christine Nassrallah, Director of Multiculturalism Policy and Human Rights, Canadian Heritage

Concurrent 3(c) — Ballroom

The Legacy of John Peters Humphrey

Born and raised in Hampton, N.B., John Peters Humphrey’s stellar career as a law professor, first secretary of the United Nations Human Rights Division, and human rights advocate and activist will be highlighted by presentations delivered by panelists who personally knew and collaborated with Humphrey. Premiere of a video documentary by the Atlantic Human Rights Centre on this human rights giant.

• Chair: Dr. Michael McGowan, Director, Atlantic Human Rights Centre, St. Thomas University, Fredericton
• Speaker No ël Kinsella; former Chair of the NBHRC
• John Calder, Member of the Board, Hampton John Peters Humphrey Foundation, Hampton, N.B.; former member of the NBHRC; recipient of the N.B. Human Rights Award for 1988
• John Murphy, member of the Board, Hampton John Peters Humphrey Foundation, Hampton, N.B.

John Peters Humphrey video — Ballroom, Hotel

Repeat showing of the video documentary by the Atlantic Human Rights Centre on this human rights giant.

Tribute to John Peters Humphrey — Legislature

Did you know that one of the principal authors of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a New Brunswicker? Find out about John Peters Humphrey's fascinating life and legacy as we honour one of Canada's human rights pioneers.

Keynote: Speaker Noël Kinsella, Senate of Canada; former Chair of the NBHRC

Presentation of the New Brunswick Human Rights Award 2006 — Legislature

The Hampton John Peters Humphrey Foundation receives the 2006 New Brunswick Human Rights Award for its outstanding work to promote human rights in New Brunswick and the legacy of Hampton, N.B., native John Peters Humphrey.

Lunch — Ballroom, Hotel

Recognition of Senator Sandra Lovelace Nicholas

Concurrent 4(a)

The Success of Early Mediation

Why is mediation essential in the human rights complaint process? When is it most effective? What are the different approaches? Where and when should mediation take place? Who should be the mediator? Who should be present? Should different types of mediation be used for different types of complaints? This panel is comprised of professionals with extensive experience in mediation.

• Chair: Charles Ferris, former Legal Counsel, NBHRC
• Prof. John McEvoy, Faculty of Law, University of New Brunswick
• Sarina McKinnon, Mediation Counsel, NBHRC
• Gerry Roy, Mediator/Conciliator, CHRC

Concurrent 4(b)

Putting a Price on Dignity: General Damages in the Human Rights Context

Prices seem to be rising on everything, except perhaps dignity. Are general damages in human rights cases stagnant? When are they appropriate? What evidence is relevant? How do you prepare for a cross-examination? How much can an adjudicator award?

• Chair: Alanna Palmer, Director, ATHENE Training Services; former Chair, NBHRC
• George Filliter, Chairperson, N.B. Labour and Employment Board
• Barry Fleming, Legal Counsel and Executive Director, NLHRC
• Noella Martin, Partner, Wickwire Holm law firm, Halifax

Concurrent 4(c)

Bilingualism in New Brunswick: Legal Foundations and Reality

New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province. How did this unique status come to be? Is it a human rights issue? What laws and agencies have been put in place to guarantee language rights? What have the courts said? And to what extent have laws and programs been effective in guaranteeing access to bilingual services and education?

• Chair: Rachel Bard, Deputy Minister, N.B. Dept. of Post-Secondary Education and Training
• Michel Carrier, Commissioner of Official Languages for N.B.
• Michel Doucet, Professor, Law School, Université de Moncton; member of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal
• Aldéa Landry, PC, QC, President, Landal Inc., Moncton

Closing session: The Future of Human Rights in Canada: Whereto from here? — Ballroom, Hotel

An interactive session inviting all participants to share the ideas that will have been discussed over the last couple of days. How do the themes of the conference overlap? What synergies have been created? What challenges do we face? What have we learnt here that we can take away to help us with these challenges?

• Gordon Fairweather, former Chief Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission
• Catherine Frazee, Co-director, Ryerson RBC Institute for Disability Studies, Research and Education, Toronto; former Chief Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission
• Professor Wayne MacKay, Dalhousie Law School; former Chair of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission