On May 1, Canada’s Minister of Justice, Arif Varani, announced the appointment of Michael Battista to the Federal Court of Canada.
The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA) congratulates Justice Battista on this well-deserved appointment.
Justice Battista has worked tirelessly throughout his career to support newcomers. He began his career in immigration and refugee law after being called to the Ontario bar in 1992. He is also a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Refugee law by the Law Society of Ontario.
He has led various important causes throughout his distinguished career as an immigration lawyer. For example, he is the Founding Chair of Rainbow Railroad, an international 2SLGBTQI+ refugee support organization.
“Justice Battista is a leading voice on immigration and refugee justice” said Barbara Jo-Caruso, CILA Co-President. “I could not be more proud of Justice Battista on his appointment, and I look forward to seeing him continue to have a positive impact on Canadians and newcomers in his new role on the Federal Court.”
“CILA appreciates the tremendous efforts made by Justice Battista to advance the interests of newcomers” said Vance Langford, CILA Co-President. “Justice Battista represented excellence among the immigration bar, and he represents a major gain for the Federal Court of Canada.”
Prior to his appointment to Federal Court, Justice Battista chaired a CILA committee dedicated to identifying strategic reform for the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). CILA will be releasing the comprehensive report later this month and thanks Justice Battista for leading this major initiative.
