Legal Aid Saskatchewan Participates in 2025 National Criminal Law Program
The 2025 National Criminal Law Program (NCLP), hosted by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, was held in Vancouver earlier this month. This year, Legal Aid Saskatchewan (LAS) sent 12 staff lawyers to the conference to participate in the week-long continuing legal education program, which featured lectures, panel discussions, debates, and demonstrations around the theme “Criminal Procedure, Ethics and the Charter.”
Tyler Joorisity, LAS staff lawyer, returned to work feeling “reinvigorated” from the experience. “Listening to and meeting passionate advocates from across the country was motivating,” he says.
More than 40 faculty of prosecutors, defence counsel and judges from across the country shared their expertise in criminal law, contributing to a diverse and informative agenda. “I enjoyed the different sessions, especially the panels, as well as the breakout sessions and the lectures on ethics, an area we learn about in law school but don’t usually think about when we are actively practicing,” says Joanne Khan, LAS Practice Management Counsel. LAS staff lawyer Gloria Faluyi-Ogieva adds, “I particularly enjoyed all the paper presentations by members of the panel comprising of judges, Crown prosecutors and defense counsels from across our fabulous country. These sessions provided great insights into the fundamental principles of the Canadian criminal justice system and the role we all play in upholding the rule of law.”
Faluyi-Ogieva also appreciated the networking opportunities and connecting with other professionals at the First Timer’s Reception and mentoring breakfasts. LAS staff lawyer Morgan Blyth shares a similar opinion. “My No. 1 takeaway from the conference was being able to meet lawyers from across Canada and see how similar, yet different, things are in other jurisdictions. I spoke with two lawyers from the Northwest Territories, and we found many similarities between their stories and mine from going on circuit up north to Black Lake and Fond du Lac.”
In addition to the team of staff lawyers, LAS also played another role at the conference. “For the first time in our history, we had an added presence at the NCLP by having an informational booth, making attendees aware of our organization and potential job opportunities,” explains Robert Grimsrud, LAS General Counsel. “There were three other legal aid plans represented during the sessions, so establishing our presence was significant at this time in our history.”
Director of People and Culture, Olga Sadikova, organized the exhibitor booth. “I saw a good amount of interest in Legal Aid Saskatchewan from lawyers in other provinces,” she says. “The questions we received ranged from the private bar panel process to work culture and job opportunities.” The booth featured a variety of materials, including LAS brochures, postcards showcasing Saskatchewan’s most beautiful landscapes, and copies of the commemorative LAS history book. “Everyone enjoyed the booth and complimented us on our setup and giveaway items. The beautiful Tourism Saskatchewan postcards were especially popular!”
LAS lawyers were pleased with the opportunity for professional development. Khan says, “My No. 1 takeaway was the importance of remembering that whether prosecutor, defence, or judge, we all share common goals in upholding justice and fairness for both clients and victims. We need to actively collaborate while maintaining civility and congeniality.”
Faluyi-Ogieva adds, “The conference was well-organized, and the content was highly relevant to my criminal law practice. I’m looking forward to implementing what I learned.”
