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MBA 2026 Mid-Winter Conference – RBC Convention Centre – 375 York Avenue
Thursday, January 22, 2026 to Friday, January 23, 2026
Watch our website (http://cba-mb.ca/) for updated Mid-Winter information
CBA members must register online at https://www.cbapd.org/details_en.aspx?id=MB_MB26MWM01A. Members will need their email and CBA password to login. Non-members and members who are GST exempt must contact the MBA office at 204-927-1210 to register.
Full attendance at the 2026 Mid-Winter Conference may be applied toward your entire 12 hour yearly mandatory Law Society of Manitoba's continuing professional development requirement.
2026 MBA Mid-Winter Conference Charity
Community Legal Education Association (CLEA)
For over 40 years Community Legal Education Association (CLEA) has been providing public legal education programs to help Manitobans understand the legal system and how to resolve their legal issues. Our programs include a legal information line, lawyer referral service, presentations, videos, webinars, plain language publications and a website: https://www.communitylegal.mb.ca
Thursday, January 22, 2026
8:00am – 2:00pm - Registration
8:00am – 9:00am - Continental Breakfast
9:00am – 11:30am - Morning Continuing Legal Professional Development Sessions
Family Law Year in Review
We are happy to once again offer the full-day year in review of Family Law cases with Fareen Jamal returning to offer her expertise. The morning session will focus on updates both locally and across the country as it relates to parenting matters.
The session is being presented by the MBA Family Law Section.
This session will be offered in person only, and no recording will be available.
Speakers: - Fareen Jamal, Jamal Family Law Professional Corporation (Toronto, ON)
- Jessica Schofield, Evans Pollock Family Law Corporation
Sponsored by Leegals Express Legal Services
Aboriginal Law – Case Law Update
The MBA’s Aboriginal Law Section presents a Mid-Winter session focused on educating participants on recent updates to Aboriginal law jurisprudence. Session panelists will each address notable Aboriginal law cases. Gaining a better understanding of relevant cases in this practice area can assist lawyers in serving their clients; both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
This session is being presented by the MBA Aboriginal Law Section.
This session will be offered in person only, and no recording will be available.
Speakers: - Maxime Faille, Cochrane Sinclair LLP (Vancouver, BC.)
2026 Perspectives on Corporate Law
Corporate law is changing - and so are the roles of those who practice it. This panel will bring together Michelle Redekopp of MLT Aikins and Don O'Hara of Roblin West Law, senior practitioners with vast experience and knowledge in the area of Corporate law; Nancy Zettler, an in-house senior counsel working with Pollard Banknote; and lastly, Marty Fisher, President of The Show and Tell Agency, who collectively will engage in a wide-ranging discussion moderated by Nick Noonan of Fillmore Riley LLP and Donn Pirie of D'Arcy & Deacon LLP. Panelists will explore how corporate lawyers and business leaders are navigating challenges such as supply chain disruptions, the rise of AI, and evolving approaches to risk management across industries. Attendees will gain fresh perspectives on the skills and strategies needed to succeed in today’s complex business environment.
This session is being presented by the MBA Business Law Section.
This session will be offered in person only, and no recording will be available.
Speakers: - Nancy Zettler, In-House at Pollard Banknote Limited
- Michelle Redekopp, MLT Aikins LLP
- Don O'Hara, Roblin West Law
- Marty Fisher, President, The Show and Tell Agency
Moderator: - Nick Noonan, Fillmore Riley LLP
- Donn Pirie, D'Arcy & Deacon LLP
Access to Justice in Motion: Innovation, Regulation, and the Evolving Legal Landscape
Join us for an informative and engaging presentation highlighting the Law Society of Manitoba’s current and upcoming Access to Justice initiatives, designed to make legal services more accessible, innovative, and responsive to the needs of Manitobans. Learn about the Regulatory Sandbox Pilot Program, which provides a framework for testing new and creative approaches to legal service delivery, as well as other forward-looking initiatives soon to be launched. These programs reflect the Society’s commitment to modernizing regulation, encouraging innovation, and reducing barriers to justice for individuals and communities across the province.
The session will also explore significant regulatory changes underway in British Columbia following amendments to its Legal Professions Act, marking a transformative shift in how legal services are governed and delivered. We’ll discuss the province’s ongoing transition to this new model and the constitutional court challenge that questions its implications for self-regulation and professional independence. Together, these developments offer valuable insights into how Canadian legal regulators are navigating the balance between innovation, public protection, and access to justice in a rapidly changing environment.
This session is being presented by the MBA Legal Research Section.
This session will be offered in a hybrid format; please indicate during registration if you plan to attend via Zoom. A recording will also be available to all participants after the event.
Speakers: - Alissa Schacter, Law Society of Manitoba
- Jeevyn Dhaliwal, Larlee Rosenberg Barristers & Solicitors (Vancouver, B.C.)
- Pamela Kovacs, senior policy counsel with the Law Society of Saskatchewan
Moderator: - Steve Falkingham, Paterson GlobalFoods Inc.
10:15am – 10:45am – Break
11:30am – 1:30pm – Working Lunch EPPM Session
Sponsored by Taylor McCaffrey LLP
Make Your Own Headlines
Speakers: - Nicole Dubé, former CTV News Anchor
- Professor Brandon Trask, University of Manitoba – Faculty of Law
2:00pm – 4:30pm Afternoon Continuing Legal Professional Development Sessions
Family Law Year in Review
We are happy to once again offer the full-day year in review of Family Law cases with Fareen Jamal returning to offer her expertise. The afternoon session will focus on financial issues in family law, including a review of financial disclosure obligations, and the evolution of the law from Bates v. Welcher to Boucher v. Boucher.
The session is being presented by the MBA Family Law Section
This session will be offered in person only, and no recording will be available.
Speakers: - Fareen Jamal, Jamal Family Law Professional Corporation (Toronto, ON)
- Jessica Schofield, Evans Pollock Family Law Corporation
Sponsored by Lawton Partners
Barriers to Will challenges: minimum thresholds, limitation periods, and challenge clauses
Thinking of challenging a Will? Think again. This presentation will review the minimum evidentiary threshold necessary to contest a Will or get production of documents. This session will also review other barriers that may end a case before it starts; namely: limitation periods, equitable doctrines (estoppel and doctrine of laches), and challenge clauses (in terrorem clauses). This session is meant to equip counsel with the essential knowledge to advise clients on the risks and cost consequences of a weak Will challenge, and how one might avoid a challenge during planning.
The session is being presented by the MBA Wills, Estates and Trusts Section
This session will be offered in a hybrid format; please indicate during registration if you plan to attend via Zoom. A recording will also be available to all participants after the event.
Speakers: - The Honourable Mr. Justice Herbert Rempel, Manitoba Court of King’s Bench
- Johanna Caithness, Fillmore Riley LLP
- Ken Mandzuik, Tradition Law LLP
- Ian Scarth, MLT Aikins LLP
Moderator: - Annika Friesen, Fillmore Riley LLP
Sponsored by STEP Winnipeg
MMIWGSQI+ Legal Advocacy – Understanding and Achieving Justice for Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Individuals
The session will centre on the role of lawyers, judges, and the judicial system in addressing and overcoming the racism and legal hurdles facing Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit Individuals and their families, particularly in situations where they are missing, at risk, or are a victim of violence. The esteemed panel will explore decolonized approaches and concrete ways for lawyers and those working within the legal system to uphold the voices, dignity, rights and safety of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people and their families, with an emphasis on the critical role of the community in that. Attendees will gain insight into the inequities facing Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals, the systemic change required, and the importance of active, ongoing allyship with the community in our role as legal advocates.
The session is being presented by the MBA Women Lawyers’ Forum and Equality Sections
This session will be offered in person only, and no recording will be available.
Speakers: - Renée Lagimodière, Manitoba Justice - Public Prosecution
- Stacey Soldier, Cochrane Sinclair LLP
- Angeline Tuesday, Winnipeg Police Service, Family Support and Resource Advocate, Criminal Investigations Bureau
- Samantha Trudeau, Winnipeg Police Service, Family Support and Resource Advocate, Manitoba Integrated Missing Person’s Coordination Centre
- Angela Levallee, MSW, BA, Conflict Resolution and Criminal Justice, Sacred Connections Coordinator, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre
Moderator: - The Honourable Judge Jerilee Ryle, Provincial Court of Manitoba
Psychological Injuries in the Workplace: Navigating Legal Responsibilities
Psychological injury claims are increasingly common and complex in today’s workplaces. This session examines how these claims are addressed across key areas of practice, including workplace safety and health, human rights and accommodation, workers compensation, and disability benefits. Focused on practical implications for labour and employment lawyers and in-house counsel, this session will provide valuable insights into employer obligations, employee rights, and current legal trends pertaining to psychological injury claims.
This session is being presented by the MBA Labour & Employment Law Section
This session will be offered in person only, and no recording will be available.
Speakers: - Shannon Carson, Myers LLP
- Kristin Gibson, MLT Aikins LLP
Moderator: - Dany Théberge, The North West Company Inc.
Sponsored by CPHR Manitoba
3:15pm – 3:45pm - Break
Bench & Bar Reception - 4:30pm – 6:30pm – North Building, Ground Level
A member of the judiciary will host this year’s reception with MBA President, Stacey Soldier. The reception will include hors d’oeuvres, an open bar and entertainment.
Friday, January 23, 2026
8:30am – 2:00pm - Registration - North Building, Ground Level
8:30am – 9:00am – Continental Breakfast – North Building, Ground Level
9:00am – 11:30am Morning Continuing Legal Professional Development Sessions
Current Issues in Tax Law
This panel discussion, which is geared towards non-tax specialists interested in gaining a deeper understanding of tax issues affecting their clients and their practices, will cover a variety of tax hot topics, tips and traps, and other items of note. The discussion will focus on applying the material covered in practice and will generally not be technical in nature. This session will be of particular interest for general practitioners, commercial lawyers, and estate planners.
This session is being presented by the MBA Taxation Law Section.
This session will be offered in person only, and no recording will be available.
Speakers: - Aron Grusko, Fillmore Riley LLP
- Ari Hanson, Fillmore Riley LLP
Moderator: - David Silver, Department of Justice Canada
Easements – A multi-faceted perspective
Join Jason M.J. Bryk, K.C., Partner, Pitblado Law for a provocative exploratory analysis of easements in Manitoba; the analysis will consider the perspectives of the Land Titles Office as presented by the Property Registry, the private practitioner as presented by Peter Anandranistakis from Qualico Developments and John Prystanski from Prystanski Law Office, the City of Winnipeg as presented by Sarah Rentz from City Legal and, the utilities as presented by Sandra Phillips of Manitoba Hydro; the analysis will close with Jason M.J. Bryk, K.C. discussing some the challenges on advising clients when a blanket easement is present.
This session is being presented by the MBA Real Property Section
This session will be offered in a hybrid format; please indicate during registration if you plan to attend via Zoom. A recording will also be available to all participants after the event.
Speakers: - Jason, M.J. Bryk, K.C., Pitblado LLP
- Peter Anandranistakis, Qualico Developments Canada Ltd.
- Sandra Phillips, Manitoba Hydro - Law Division
- John Prystanski, Prystanski Law Office
- Sarah Rentz, City of Winnipeg - Legal Services
Moderator: - Jason, M.J. Bryk, K.C, Pitblado LLP
Sponsored by TitlePLUS
Intellectual Property and Privacy Considerations in Share Purchase Agreements: Canadian and US Perspectives
This session will provide a thorough examination of the core contractual provisions and foundational legal principles essential for managing intellectual property and privacy risks in share purchase agreements. This session would be relevant to a broad audience, from all intellectual property and privacy practitioners to corporate counsel.
The goal is to equip attendees with practical insights into navigating the complexities of intellectual property and privacy rights in transactions, including cross-border technology transactions, by exploring the strategic priorities of buyers and sellers with respect to key clauses relevant to intellectual property and privacy issues.
The panelists will introduce a clause and outline its general purpose before discussing important considerations from both a buyer and seller perspective. Where relevant, the panelists will also discuss unique U.S. considerations. The discussion will emphasize actionable strategies for drafting contractual clauses that mitigate risks while aligning with the parties’ commercial objectives.
This session is being presented by the MBA Technology & Intellectual Property Law Section
This session will be offered in person only, and no recording will be available.
Speakers: - Kendall Dyck, Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP
- Karas Elbardisy, MLT Aikins LLP
- Nicolas Joubert, MLT Aikins LLP
- Dan Patriarca, Fillmore Riley LLP
Cross Examinations
In this session, members of the Bench and Bar will review strategies and practical tips for planning and executing effective cross-examinations. Topics covered will include how to determine if a cross-examination is necessary, how to adapt cross-examinations to cater to different types of witnesses, including experts, and tips to avoid derailing a cross-examination when it is not going as planned. This is intended as a practical session for litigators at all levels.
This session is being presented by the MBA Civil Litigation and Criminal Justice Sections
This session will be offered in person only, and no recording will be available.
Speakers: - Chantal Boutin, Manitoba Justice - Public Prosecutions
- Kevin Toyne, Hill Sokalski LLP
10:15am – 10:45am – Break
11:45am – 1:45pm – Awards Luncheon
Featuring presentations of the 2026 MBA Distinguished Service Award, the 2025 Pro Bono Award and the 2025 MBA Recognition Awards.
Sponsored by CBIA/Lawyers’ Financial
2:00pm – 4:30pm Afternoon Continuing Legal Professional Development Sessions
Client refused entry to Canada due to a criminal record?
Join us for a primer to discuss Cross Border & Criminality Inadmissibility matters and more!
This session is being presented by the MBA Immigration Law Section
This session will be offered in person only, and no recording will be available.
Speakers: - Jessica Jensen, MLT Aikins LLP
- Chaobo Jiang, Zaifman Law
- Sofia Mirza, Fillmore Riley LLP
- Nalini Reddy, Gindin Wiebe Segal Law
Building Your Practice: Financial Savviness & Marketing Expertise
This session will provide some information on how to best build your practice early on in your career, and navigating the changes as you shift from a salaried to commissioned employee, and in having increased autonomy over your own practice. There are two pieces: Financial and Marketing. We have a Financial Advisor from Lawyer's Financial who will speak to best practices and a more in-depth information session on how to best manage your finances and build your net worth. The second piece will include some advice on building a strong client pool (and the right type of clientele), and tips on engaging with more external clientele and increasing efficiency. We will also have some lawyers speaking to both aspects of the session.
Financial Savviness
• In depth dive into how to invest your money early on in your career;
• What to know about shifting from a salaried to a commissioned employee;
• Incorporating - perks and drawbacks;
• Any other tips
Marketing
• How to build your network and have more control over your practice;
• Corporate and tech tools increase your reach for the 'right' audience and increase efficiency;
• Lessons learned from starting a firm early in your career;
This session is being presented by the MBA Young Lawyers’ Section.
This session will be offered in a hybrid format; please indicate during registration if you plan to attend via Zoom. A recording will also be available to all participants after the event.
Speakers: - Cassandra Bueckert, Smith Neufeld Jodoin LLP
- Daniel Cheung, Lawyers’ Financial
- Kara Hague, Amica Law Corporation
AI in Law and Government: Risk, Regulation, and Reality
As artificial intelligence reshapes the legal and public sectors, lawyers must be equipped to navigate the complex emerging regulatory landscape surrounding its use. This session begins with an overview of AI regulation, comparing current and proposed approaches in Canada with those emerging in the European Union, Asia, Australia and elsewhere. Participants will gain insight into how the regulatory approaches being pursued in different jurisdictions reflect divergent legal traditions and policy goals, and what these differences mean for legal professionals, clients, and AI governance in Canada.
The second part of the session turns to AI use in government, spotlighting both opportunities and institutional challenges. Through a structured discussion on bias in judicial decision-making and the limits of algorithmic fairness, presenters will open a critical conversation on how public bodies can deploy AI tools responsibly. The session will culminate in a case study on an AI initiative from Manitoba, illustrating both potential and pitfalls. An open Q&A will follow.
This session is being presented by the MBA Public Sector Lawyers’ Section.
This session will be offered in person only, and no recording will be available.
Speakers: - Michael Litchfield, Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Responsible AI Governance (Vancouver, BC)
- Alana Stevens, Crown Counsel, Manitoba Justice, Legal Services Branch
Moderator: - Dr. Katie Szilagyi, University of Manitoba - Faculty of Law
Sponsored by Kemp Appraisal
Language Rights in Manitoba: Responsibilities for all Lawyers
Join the AJEFM for an informative presentation on lawyers’ professional obligations regarding Canada’s two official languages. They’ll explore the duties practitioners must meet, the resources available to help lawyers uphold these obligations, and practical steps to ensure compliance in everyday practice.
This session is aimed at English-speaking lawyers and will be presented in English.
This session is being presented by L’AJEFM.
This session will be offered in person only, and no recording will be available.
Speakers: - Alexandre Mireault, MLT Aikins LLP
3:15pm – 3:45pm - Break
Your 2026 Mid-Winter Organizing Committee
Co-Chairpersons:
Abram Silver, Myers LLP
Krista Clendenning, Tradition Law LLP
Committee Members:
Alexis Bailey, Tapper Cuddy LLP
Stéphanie Bauch, Mitousis Family Law Group
Myriam Hacault, MLT Aikins LLP
Lexi, Janovcik, Taylor McCaffrey LLP
Matthew Knoll, Pitblado LLP
Robert Pellizzaro, Mayer, Dearman & Pellizzaro
Amelia Peterson, Fillmore Riley LLP
Bonnie Schmidt, University of Manitoba
Maggie Spezzano, Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP
Megan Spencer, Amica Law Corporation
Registration Costs
(Please read carefully as registration information has changed; the more CPD sessions you attend, the greater the cost saving)
You will receive all 12 hours of LSM Mandatory yearly CPD requirement
(Including 2 hours of Ethics, Professionalism and Practice Management)
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Early Bird (before December 31, 2025) |
MBA Member (after January 1, 2026) |
Student or Young Lawyer* |
Non-Member |
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One Half Day |
$225.00 |
$275.00 |
$150.00 |
$500.00 |
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One Full Day |
$315.00 |
$365.00 |
$200.00 |
$650.00 |
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Two Full Days** |
$550.00 |
$600.00 |
$375.00 |
$1,000.00 |
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MBA Awards Luncheon (Individual Ticket) |
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$85.00 |
$65.00 |
$100.00 |
**You will receive all 12 hours of LSM Mandatory yearly CPD requirement
(Including 2 hours of Ethics, Professionalism and Practice Management)
Prices do not include GST #R126095728
* Young Lawyer rate is available to CBA members practicing 5 years or less
Your registration includes:
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Thursday AM PD Session |
Thursday PM PD Session |
Friday AM PD Session |
Friday PM PD Session |
Continental Breakfast (Thursday) |
EPPM Lunch |
Continental Breakfast (Friday) |
MBA Awards Luncheon |
Access to session materials on MBA website |
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Thursday, January 22 |
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Half Day (PM) |
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Full Day (Thursday) |
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Friday, January 23 |
Half Day (AM) |
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Full Day (Friday) |
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Two Full Days |
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Registrants are not able to combine a Half-Day Registration on separate days as a full-day registration.
Prices do not include GST #R126095728
* Young Lawyer rate is available to CBA members practising 5 years or less
Registration deadline Thursday, January 15, 2026
Refunds: Cancellations will be accepted by email (admin@cba-mb.ca)
until 4:00pm on January 15, 2026, subject to a 15% administrative charge.
NO REFUNDS will be made if notification is received after 4:00pm on January 15, 2026.