Older Persons, Rights & Law Reform

November 4 & 5, 2026 1:00–3:00 p.m. ET each day Online (Zoom Webinar) Two-Day Law & Policy Forum Join us for a two-part forum examining current legal and policy questions affecting older persons, from international human rights conventions to Canadian law reform. This event is intended for anyone interested in the rights of older persons. Topics and Speakers: DAY ONE | November 4, 2026 International Rights & Older Persons 1:00–1:05 p.m. Welcome Dementia Justice Canada 1:05–1:35 p.m. Professor Israel (Issi) Doron , University of Haifa; Visiting Professor, Department of Gerontology, UMass Boston From New York to Geneva: The Evolving New Human Rights Convention for Older Persons An examination of the international movement toward a dedicated treaty on the rights of older persons and why such an instrument is being proposed. 1:35–2:05 p.m. Professor Karinne Lantz , Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University From International Rights to Canadian Law: What Would a Treaty Mean for Canada Examining what an international convention on the rights of older persons could—and could not—achieve within Canada's domestic legal system. 2:05–2:15 p.m. BREAK 2:15–2:45 p.m. Professor Tess Sheldon , Faculty of Law, University of Windsor Lessons from the Disability Rights Convention: Implementing International Rights in Canada What the experience of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can teach us about translating international human rights commitments into meaningful domestic change. 2:45–3:00 p.m. Concluding Reflections Dementia Justice Canada DAY TWO | November 5, 2026 Canadian Law Reform: Autonomy, Protection & Coercion 1:00–1:05 p.m. Welcome Dementia Justice Canada 1:05–1:35 p.m. Oliver Lewis , PhD, Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, England; Author of Coercive Control and Vulnerable Adults Coercive Control and Vulnerable Adults: The England and Wales Experience Examining the law and practice concerning coercive control of vulnerable adults in England and Wales, and lessons for Canadian practitioners and advocates. 1:35–1:50 p.m. Canadian Law Reform: Legislative Initiatives 1:50–2:00 p.m. BREAK 2:00–2:30 p.m. Kevin Love , Lawyer, Community Law Program, Community Legal Assistance Society Case Update: Deemed Consent and the Right to Make Treatment Decisions A discussion about the recent constitutional decision concerning British Columbia’s deemed consent regime for involuntary psychiatric treatment. 2:30–2:55 p.m. A conversation with Dr. Patricia Spindel , Chair, Seniors for Social Action Ontario Deinstitutionalizing Dementia Care Facilitated by Lauren Bates , Chair, Ontario Caregiver Coalition A longtime disability and elder rights advocate’s critical look at ending the reliance on institutions, including locked wards for behavioural support, and what community-based alternatives can offer. 2:55–3:00 p.m. Closing Remarks Dementia Justice Canada Please note that program details and speakers are subject to change. Registration fee : $75 CAD for two days. Single-day passes are not available. If the general registration fee would be a financial barrier to your participation, you are welcome to register at a reduced rate of $25 or choose the fee-waived registration. About Dementia Justice Canada Established in 2017, Dementia Justice Canada is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rights and dignity of people with dementia. A particular focus is criminal justice reform. Please note that we are not a charity and therefore we cannot issue tax receipts for donations.