Uniform Law Conference of Canada Concludes Annual Meeting in Halifax
The 107th annual meeting of the Uniform Law Conference of Canada (ULCC) successfully concluded in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on August 14, 2025. The five-day event, held from August 10 to 14, brought together approximately 76 delegates from across Canada.
Attendees represented federal, provincial, and territorial governments, showcasing the ULCC’s broad reach. Participants included government lawyers, private practitioners, prosecutors, judges, law professors, and representatives from key organizations such as the Law Commission of Canada, the Canadian Bar Association, and the Barreau du Québec.
The meeting also welcomed special guests from the United States Uniform Law Commission (ULC), highlighting the growing collaboration between Canadian and American legal reform efforts.
ULCC’s Role in Legal Harmonization
Founded in 1918, the ULCC is a government-supported organization dedicated to modernizing and harmonizing federal, provincial, and territorial laws. Its primary goals include reviewing criminal law reforms and recommending uniform acts to Canadian governments.
The ULCC operates through two main sections: the Civil Section and the Criminal Section. These divisions work collaboratively to address legal challenges and propose legislative improvements.
Key Discussions and Highlights
This year’s meeting featured several joint sessions, blending insights from both the Civil and Criminal Sections. A notable highlight was a status report from the Joint Working Group on the Treatment of Animals in Canadian Law, which explored emerging legal issues surrounding animal rights and welfare.
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee also presented findings from a demographic survey conducted after the previous meeting. The results underscored the importance of fostering inclusivity within the legal profession and informed future initiatives to promote diversity in law reform efforts.
Delegates additionally attended the Earl Fruchtman Memorial Seminar, a panel discussion focused on reforms to address gender-based violence. This session emphasized the need for comprehensive legal strategies to combat this critical issue.
Civil Section Deliberations
The Civil Section accepted policy reports on nine active projects, covering a wide range of topics. Key areas of focus included defamation law, hybrid charitable organizations, cash payments, intestate succession, nondisclosure agreements, class actions, joint ventures, and the enforcement of foreign judgments.
The United States Uniform Law Commission also provided updates on its ongoing projects, further strengthening cross-border collaboration in legal reform.
A Historic Venue and Cultural Significance
The meeting took place at the historic Westin Nova Scotian Hotel in downtown Halifax, a location steeped in Maritime history. Delegates enjoyed proximity to the city’s waterfront and landmarks such as the Halifax Citadel and Pier 21, a historic immigration site that played a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s cultural identity.
Participants also had the opportunity to experience Halifax’s vibrant culture, savoring local cuisine and taking in the region’s scenic coastal views.
Attendance at the ULCC annual meeting is strictly by invitation, ensuring a focused and specialized discussion among legal experts and policymakers.
In summary, the 2025 ULCC annual meeting in Halifax served as a pivotal platform for legal professionals to exchange ideas, fostering interjurisdictional collaboration and advancing law reform initiatives across Canada.
Criminal Section Focus Areas
While the Civil Section addressed a multitude of topics, the Criminal Section also engaged in critical discussions. The Criminal Section’s deliberations focused on emerging issues in criminal law reform, including proposals for modernizing criminal legislation and addressing gaps in the current legal framework.
One of the key areas of discussion was the potential harmonization of criminal offenses related to cybercrimes. Delegates explored the challenges posed by the rapid evolution of technology and its impact on criminal law. This included debates on how to align provincial and federal laws to better address issues such as online harassment, identity theft, and digital fraud.
Joint Sessions and Collaborative Efforts
The 2025 meeting emphasized collaboration between the Civil and Criminal Sections through joint sessions. These sessions were designed to foster interdisciplinary approaches to law reform, recognizing that many legal issues intersect both civil and criminal domains.
A particularly notable joint session was the Earl Fruchtman Memorial Seminar, which featured a panel discussion on reforms to address gender-based violence. Legal experts, policymakers, and advocates shared insights on the need for a coordinated approach to combating gender-based violence, including the development of uniform laws and policies across jurisdictions.
The seminar also highlighted the importance of public education and awareness campaigns to complement legal reforms. Delegates stressed the need for a multifaceted strategy that involves not only legislative changes but also community engagement and support services for victims.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee presented a comprehensive report based on the demographic survey conducted after the 2024 meeting. The survey aimed to assess the representation of diverse groups within the ULCC and identify barriers to participation in law reform efforts.
The findings revealed progress in increasing gender diversity but highlighted ongoing challenges in representing racialized and Indigenous communities. The committee proposed several initiatives, including targeted outreach, mentorship programs, and the creation of advisory groups to ensure diverse perspectives are integrated into law reform processes.
Delegates expressed strong support for these initiatives, recognizing that a more inclusive ULCC would better reflect the diversity of Canadian society and strengthen the legitimacy of law reform efforts.
Cultural and Historical Significance of the Venue
The choice of Halifax as the host city for the 2025 meeting was not without cultural and historical significance. The Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, where the conference took place, is a landmark in Halifax and offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
Delegates had the opportunity to visit nearby historical sites such as the Halifax Citadel, a 19th-century fortification that played a crucial role in Canada’s military history. Pier 21, often referred to as the “Gateway to Canada,” was another notable landmark, reminding delegates of the country’s history of immigration and cultural diversity.
The Maritime landscape and Halifax’s coastal beauty provided a unique backdrop for the meeting, inspiring reflections on the importance of harmonizing laws in a country as geographically and culturally diverse as Canada.
Attendance and Access to the Meeting
As in previous years, the 2025 ULCC annual meeting was an invitation-only event. This exclusivity ensured that the discussions remained focused and productive, with participants bringing specialized expertise and a deep understanding of law reform challenges.
Despite the limited attendance, the ULCC emphasized its commitment to transparency by making select meeting materials and reports publicly available after the event. This approach balances the need for focused deliberations with the broader public interest in law reform.
Conclusion
The 2025 Uniform Law Conference of Canada (ULCC) annual meeting in Halifax was a pivotal event that underscored the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in law reform. By addressing emerging issues in both civil and criminal law, the conference demonstrated a commitment to modernizing legal frameworks to meet contemporary challenges. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion, coupled with the cultural significance of the venue, highlighted the ULCC’s dedication to reflecting Canada’s diverse society. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, the outcomes of this meeting will play a crucial role in shaping a more harmonized and equitable legal system for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the Uniform Law Conference of Canada (ULCC)?
- The ULCC is a forum where legal experts, policymakers, and stakeholders collaborate to harmonize and reform laws across Canadian jurisdictions.
- Why was Halifax chosen as the venue for the 2025 meeting?
- Halifax was chosen for its cultural and historical significance, including landmarks like Pier 21 and the Halifax Citadel, which reflect Canada’s diversity and legal history.
- What were the key areas of discussion in the Criminal Section?
- The Criminal Section focused on modernizing criminal legislation, harmonizing cybercrime laws, and addressing gender-based violence through coordinated legal reforms.
- How is the ULCC promoting diversity and inclusion?
- The ULCC has implemented initiatives such as targeted outreach, mentorship programs, and advisory groups to ensure diverse representation in law reform efforts.
- How can I access materials from the 2025 meeting?
- Select meeting materials and reports are made publicly available on the ULCC website after the event.
- What is the purpose of joint sessions between the Civil and Criminal Sections?
- Joint sessions aim to foster interdisciplinary approaches to law reform, recognizing the intersection of civil and criminal legal issues.
