Causation in Tort II 2011


Course Date: June 2, 2011

Day 1: The Substantive Law

Welcome and Introduction

David Cheifetz — Smockum Zarnett Percival LLP, Toronto
Professor Joost Blom, QC — Faculty of Law, University of BC, Vancouver

Factual Causation Issues and Overview of Current Law

Professor Vaughan Black — Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, Halifax [Via Video Link-Up]
Professor Russell Brown — Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, Edmonton
David Cheifetz — Smockum Zarnett Percival LLP, Toronto

"But For" and Inference Causation

Professor Russell Brown — Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, Edmonton

Networking Break

Class Actions and Scientific Issues

Craig E. Jones — Ministry of Attorney General, Victoria

Toxic Torts

Professor Lynda M. Collins — Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, Ottawa

Clarifying Causation

Professor Erik S. Knutsen — Faculty of Law, Queens University, Kingston

Lunch (on your own) plus Optional Session: "Overview of Small Firm Trips, Traps and Scams"

Felicia Ciolfitto — Trust Assurance Department, Law Society of BC, Vancouver
Margrett M.S. George — Lawyers Insurance Fund, Law Society of BC, Vancouver

Causation in Medicine

Michael G. Thomas — Harper Grey LLP, Vancouver

Damages, Causation, and Responsibility for Loss

Professor Lewis Klar, QC — Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, Edmonton

Proximate Cause and Remoteness

Professor Joost Blom, QC — Faculty of Law, University of BC, Vancouver

Networking Break

Multiple Causes, "But For", and Material Contribution

David Cheifetz — Smockum Zarnett Percival LLP, Toronto

Causation in Construction and Insurance

Richard B. Lindsay, QC — Lindsay Kenney LLP, Vancouver

American Factual Causation Law for Canadians and NESS

Richard W. Wright — Chicago-Kent College of Law, Chicago

Closing Remarks

Professor Joost Blom, QC — Faculty of Law, University of BC, Vancouver
David Cheifetz — Smockum Zarnett Percival LLP, Toronto

5:00 pm: Reception

6:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Dinner with Featured Speaker

The Honourable Mr. Justice Ian Binnie — Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa


Day 2: Causation and Appellate Advocacy Demonstration

Introduction and Opening Remarks

Professor Joost Blom, QC — Faculty of Law, University of BC, Vancouver

Causation in English Law [Via Video Link-Up]

Lord Hoffmann — Brick Court Chambers, Barristers, London, England

Appeal Demonstration

Court of Appeal Panel
The Honourable Mr. Justice James C. MacPherson — Court of Appeal for Ontario, Toronto
The Honourable Madam Justice Kathryn E. Neilson — Court of Appeal for British Columbia, Vancouver
The Honourable Mr. Justice Frans Slatter — Alberta Court of Appeal, Edmonton

A. Appellant/Plaintiff’s Argument

Paul T. McGivern — Pacific Medical Law, Vancouver

B. Respondent/Defendants’ Arguments

Defendant 1: CRC

Richard B. Lindsay, QC — Lindsay Kenney LLP, Vancouver

Defendant 2: Hospital and Health Professionals

Michael G. Thomas — Harper Grey LLP, Vancouver

Defendant 3: Nevermore Building Co.

Craig E. Jones — Ministry of Attorney General, Victoria

C. Appellant/Plaintiff’s Reply

Networking Break

The Decision, Judges’ Comments, and Questions

Moderator: Professor Joost Blom, QC — Faculty of Law, University of BC, Vancouver
Court of Appeal Panel:
The Honourable Mr. Justice James C. MacPherson — Court of Appeal for Ontario, Toronto
The Honourable Madam Justice Kathryn E. Neilson — Court of Appeal for British Columbia, Vancouver 
The Honourable Mr. Justice Frans Slatter — Alberta Court of Appeal, Edmonton

Panel Discussion

Moderator: Professor Joost Blom, QC — Faculty of Law, University of BC, Vancouver

Closing Remarks

Professor Joost Blom, QC — Faculty of Law, University of BC, Vancouver
David Cheifetz — Smockum Zarnett Percival LLP, Toronto

A Special Note to Our Online Registrants
A recording of the dinner talk by Mr. Justice Ian Binnie from Thursday night (Day 1) will be broadcast to the online audience following the conclusion of the live program on Friday (Day 2) at 12:30. Online registrants will not be able to hear the talk in real time on Thursday night.