Program Overview

9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
Welcome and Introduction
Land Acknowledgement

 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Keynote Address: Deepfakes, Synthetic Media, and Generative AI: Emerging Challenges in the Legal System
Suzie Dunn, Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University, Schulich School of Law, and Director of the Law and Technology Institute

Professor Dunn’s talk will explore the evolving landscape of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the digital age, highlighting how perpetrators increasingly exploit technology—such as GPS trackers, smart home devices, and social media—to monitor, harass, and control victims remotely. She will examine how courts are adapting to these emerging threats by implementing legal remedies across criminal, family, and privacy law to better protect victims from technology-facilitated abuse.

10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Demystifying Privacy for Family Law Professionals
Mikel Pearce, General Counsel and Breach Coach Relationship Manager

Mikel Pearce will review the relevant privacy legislation and will take you through an analysis of your privacy obligations, while providing practical tips to help you navigate an increasingly complex privacy regime, the rise and popularity of AI, and your obligations to your clients and the public at large.

11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Morning Break

11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Using Technology to De-escalate Families
Steven Bradley, Safetyand Technology Expert, Our Family Wizard
Barbara Hotson, MSW, RSW, Founder Family Matters Counselling & Assessment Services
Dr. Catherine Horvath, C.Psych., Founder & Executive Director, Ottawa Centre for Resilience
Viriginia Workman, LLB, AccFM

The panel will discuss how digital technology can be used as a tool to assist clients to reduce conflict using practical tips and reference to scenarios.

12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Lunch
(included in registration fee) 

1:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Dena Moyal Award
Recipient:
Katharine Kavassalis

1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Senior Justice Update
Justice Suzanne Stevenson
Justice Sheilagh O’Connell

Do not miss this critical update on the work of our Courts from Justice Suzanne Stevenson, Senior Family Justice of the Superior Court of Justice and Sheilagh O’Connell, Senior Advisory Family Judge of the Ontario Court of Justice.

2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Raising Awareness About Digital Dangers (RAADD)
Margot Denommé, JD, Lawyer, Author, Speaker

This talk will help attendees develop an understanding of digital footprints, recognize the physical and mental effects of smartphone use on youth, identify legal risks, and implement digital safety strategies.

2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
AFCC-O Parenting Plan Guide: Time for Version 2.0?
Professor Nicholas Bala, Faculty of Law at Queen’s University

Professors Bala will provide an update on their research on the use of the AFCC-O Parenting Plan Guide and possible revisions.

3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Afternoon Break

3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Addressing Human Trafficking of Indigenous Women and Girls: The Role of Colonization and Online Safety
Colleen McCulloch, Supervisor Indigenous anti-human trafficking initiatives, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services

This training addresses human trafficking and its disproportionate impact on Indigenous peoples due to the historical context of colonization and forced assimilation into Canadian society. It will explore the intersection with child welfare systems and the increased vulnerability of Indigenous communities, particularly women and girls, to exploitation. It will explore the role of technology in human trafficking, including how traffickers use online platforms and tools to engage, and eventually exploit victims. Additionally, preventative measures, tips and tricks for caregivers, and the Trap and other digital tools designed to combat trafficking will be discussed.

4:15 p.m. to 4:55 p.m.
Caselaw update
Aaron Franks, Partner at Epstein Cole LLP

Join Aaron as he provides a summary of the most recent and important family law case law.

4:55 p.m.
Closing remarks

info@afccontario.ca
Registration for both the Pre-Conference and Annual Conference is open.

We look forward to seeing you there!