CILA Conference 2026: Delving Deeper into Canada’s Immigration System
The 2026 CILA Conference marks an exciting milestone as our second annual gathering, building on the success of our inaugural event in 2025.
This year’s conference promises even more engaging conversations, dynamic speakers, and fresh insights into the evolving Canadian legal landscape. Attendees can look forward to expanded programming and countless opportunities to network with fellow legal professionals, industry leaders, and subject-matter experts. It’s set to be an inspiring and energizing event that continues CILA’s mission of fostering connection, learning, and professional growth.
Program Details
- Conference Date and Time: Monday October 5, 2026 (8:00 AM ET – 7:00 PM ET)
- Location: The Quay, 100 Queens Quay E 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M5E 1V3
- Draft Agenda: View here
- Tickets & Sponsorship Options: Purchase here
- Conference Co-Chairs: Adrienne Smith (Advocacy), Marina Sedai (Economic), and Chris Ezrin (DOJ)
- Accessibility: The conference venue is fully accessible.
Want to sponsor?
- Sponsor Options: Purchase here
- Sponsorship Package: Download here
- Email: research@cila.co
Pre-Conference Networking Event
- Pre-Conference Networking Reception: Sunday October 4, 2025 (5:00 PM ET – 7:00 PM ET)
- Location: 5 Church Street, Toronto, M5E 1M2 (Office of Corporate Immigration Law Firm)
- Cost: $50
- Accessibility: Unfortunately this venue is not wheelchair accessible.
Pre-Conference Dinner Club
- Format: Networking in small groups
- Venue: Local restaurants within walking distance of the Pre-Conference Networking Reception
- Description: Dinner Club is an exciting new networking event new to this year’s conference. Attendees will be sorted at random into groups of 4-8, with reservations made for 7 pm at a selection of local restaurants in Toronto. Dinner Club members will learn their assigned restaurant and fellow group members at the networking event, and will leave for their restaurants at 6:45 pm. Note that attendance at the pre-conference networking reception is not required to join the Dinner Club; you can simply arrive for 6:45 to leave with your group. If you would like to get to know some of your colleagues in a quieter setting, this event is your opportunity!
- Cost: Each attendee is responsible for their own dinner costs.
Why Lawyers Should Attend
- Insightful Programming: From AI in IRCC decision-making to evolving Express Entry rules and Federal Court strategies, get ahead of the curve with timely legal education.
- Expert Speakers: Hear from judges, IRCC representatives, government officials, and leading immigration lawyers across Canada.
- CLE Accreditation: Fulfill your professionalism, ethics, and practice management requirements by gaining credit for 6 substantive hours and 1.5 professionalism hours.
- Networking: Build relationships with peers, thought leaders, and potential collaborators from across the country.
- Food & Hospitality: Enjoy complimentary breakfast, lunch, and a post-conference cocktail reception.
Watch Footage of the 2025 Conference
Other Key Information & FAQs
Who should attend?
Immigration and refugee lawyers, public sector and NGO professionals, law students, and in-house counsel with an interest in immigration, tech, or litigation will find immense value. If you work with immigration issues in Canada—this event is for you.
Will I receive CLE/CPD credit?
Yes! You are eligible for substantive hours and professionalism hours.
Do you have any hotel recommendations?
- Westin: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yyzwi-the-westin-harbour-castle-toronto/overview/ – 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6 (6 minute walk to conference venue)
- Novotel: https://novoteltorontocentre.com/ – 45 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5E 1W2 (13 minute walk to conference venue)
- Marriott Eaton Center: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yyzec-marriott-downtown-at-cf-toronto-eaton-centre/overview/ – 525 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5G 2L2 (32 minute walk or 15 minute drive to conference venue)
How do I stay in the loop?
Join our mailing list and follow CILA on LinkedIn to receive registration updates, speaker announcements, and more.
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