The goal of the CCR Legal Affairs Committee is to seek opportunities to encourage development in the law towards better protection of the human rights of refugees, immigrants and other non-citizens.

The committee can consider:

1. encouraging strategic litigation to address policy concerns
2. starting a legal action
3. applying for leave for judicial review
4. intervening at the Supreme Court of Canada and other jurisdictions.
5. joining a coalition of other groups who are challenging a legal policy or development before the courts.
6. launching or participating in complaints or petitions to international human rights bodies.

Members

The members of the committee are Sharry Aiken (co-chair), Pia Zambelli (co-chair), Lisa Wyndels (Executive liaison), David Matas, Audrey Macklin, Mitch Goldberg, Michael Bossin, Andrew Brouwer, Carole Simone Dahan, Angus Grant, Catherine Dauvergne, Rick Goldman and Chantal Tie.

Current and recent cases include:

At the Supreme Court:

• Charkaoui v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), [2007] 1 S.C.R. 350, 23 February 2007 (as an intervener). CCR was represented by Sharry Aiken. Memorandum filed

At the Federal Court of Appeal:

• MCI v. Kamadchy Sundareswaraive Gurumoorthi Kurukkal et al., A-308-09 (as an intervener)

• Canada (Citizenship and Immigration) v. Thamotharem 2007 FCA 198, 25 May 2007 (reverse order questioning at the IRB, as an intervener). CCR was represented by Angus Grant and Catherine Bruce. Memorandum filed

At the Federal Court:

• Canadian Council for Refugees v. Canada (2007 FC 1262) IMM-7818-05, 29 November 2007 (safe third country challenge). CCR is represented by Andrew Brouwer, Leigh Salsberg and Barbara Jackman. Memorandum filed

 

The Committee also provides support and input to counsel preparing submissions on cases of interest to the CCR.