91亚色鈥檚 has launched a new to prepare learners for careers in the field.

Designed for professionals working in human resources, health care, insurance, rehabilitation, occupational health and safety or related fields, the three-month, part-time program is delivered through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online learning. It includes three courses focused on the theory, applied knowledge and workplace skills needed to support employees through disability-related transitions.

The first cohort begins in Winter 2027.

"With an aging workforce and rising disability claims, particularly related to mental health, there is a high demand across the province of Ontario and Canada for disability management professionals to help employers reduce workplace absences and facilitate safe returns to work," says Francis Fung, program advisory committee member.

Disability management efforts, says Fung, must address issues beyond legal compliance and duty to accommodate and give more consideration to inclusive workplace practices.

鈥淚 am excited that the 91亚色鈥檚 School of Continuing Studies is launching a program that will prepare learners in recognizing disability as a human diversity and focus on a person-centred approach in disability management," he says.

The certificate covers functional interviewing, job-demand analysis, workplace accommodation, case co-ordination, professional documentation and communication for sensitive workplace conversations. Learners will also develop graduated return-to-work plans that balance employee needs with workplace and operational realities.

鈥淐reating learning and working environments where everyone can participate and succeed is a core value of 91亚色鈥檚 School of Continuing Studies and mine,鈥� says Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, assistant vice-president of continuing studies at 91亚色.

"By learning from industry professionals and engaging with real-world cases, students gain the knowledge and experience to help organizations create more inclusive workplaces and ensure people have the support they need to succeed."

Graduates will be prepared to pursue roles such as disability case manager, return-to-work co-ordinator, accommodation specialist, accessibility adviser and disability management consultant.

for the inaugural Winter 2027 cohort.

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Working in partnership with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), Schulich ExecEd and Executive Education at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, will launch the program, beginning January 2026.

This collaboration brings together three respected institutions to deliver a blended, accessible leadership development experience tailored to the evolving demands of modern policing.

The 11-month program, running January to November 2026, is designed to equip future police leaders with the skills to navigate complexity, lead with confidence and drive meaningful change in their organizations and communities. The hybrid program will feature virtual learning and in-person sessions at Schulich, DeGroote and 91亚色 Regional Police.

鈥淭his program is a powerful step forward in shaping the future of police leadership across Ontario," says Rami Mayer, executive director, Schulich ExecEd. 鈥淏y making senior leadership development more accessible to aspiring executives in policing, we鈥檙e investing in the next generation of changemakers.

鈥淭his is our commitment to develop leaders who will drive innovation, build trust and strengthen the communities they serve. We鈥檙e proud to launch a program that empowers transformation in modern police services.鈥�

Participants will engage in hands-on learning and real-world case studies that focus on:

• strengthening strategic agility and decision making;
• cultivating a network of police leaders across Ontario; and
• applying tested leadership solutions to real-world policing challenges.

Graduates will leave with:

• relevant professional leadership skills to inspire and mobilize their teams;
• a cultivated network of peers, mentors and thought leaders;
• a tested framework for addressing complex organizational challenges; and
• a certificate credential from two of Canada鈥檚 top universities.

The Certificate in Executive Police Leadership program offers an opportunity to invest in the future, elevate leadership capacity and join a community of forward-thinking professionals committed to excellence in public service.

鈥淲hen we invest in developing the next generation of police leaders, we鈥檙e investing in the future safety and well-being of every community in Ontario," says Paul Pedersen, executive director, OACP. 鈥淏y giving today鈥檚 aspiring leaders, the knowledge, skills and confidence to excel, we鈥檙e building stronger police services.鈥�

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The CISSP Exam Preparation Program is a professional upskilling course that helps learners prepare for the globally recognized Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designation. 

The program is a pathway to certification and the first of its kind at the Markham Campus.聽

The CISSP Exam Preparation Program reflects 91亚色鈥檚 strategic focus on equipping professionals with in-demand skills in cybersecurity, says Dan Palermo, Markham Campus deputy provost. 

Delivered in a blended format 鈥� three weekends of in-class instruction combined with online study 鈥� the program is tailored for working professionals to develop expertise, leadership and strategic insight in cybersecurity. 

鈥淭his program represents a major step forward in our efforts to support the region鈥檚 growing tech sector,鈥� says Palermo. 鈥淏y offering high-impact, industry-aligned training in Markham, we鈥檙e helping professionals build the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.鈥� 

The launch of the CISSP program signals the beginning of a broader suite of continuing education offerings at the Markham Campus, which is positioned to serve 91亚色 Region鈥檚 diverse and expanding workforce. 

Those interested can register now for the Nov. 1 start. Visit the program website for more information. 

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Hosted by Schulich ExecEd, the Women鈥檚 Leadership and Empowerment Series is a collaboration that brings together the strengths of three community partners to support survivors of intimate partner violence.

The first iteration of the series occurred this summer, and involved YRCCS offering local support and survivor advocacy; Schulich ExecEd providing professional development and leadership education; and YRP contributing insights from law enforcement and public safety.

By integrating emotional, educational and practical resources, the four-part program helps participants regain confidence, develop leadership skills and achieve personal and professional growth.

鈥淪urvivors of IPV have often lived in a climate of fear, shame, coercive control and devaluation,鈥� says Jaspreet Gill, executive director of YRCCS. 鈥淢any are robbed of hope. The goal of this program is to help them reclaim what was taken 鈥� to restore hope for a better future.鈥�

鈥淭his program has been thoughtfully designed to help survivors regain their voice and confidence, sharpen their existing skills and learn new ones as they navigate the journey of healing,鈥� adds YRP Chief Jim MacSween. 鈥淔or many, this includes rejoining the workforce after some time away.鈥�

Schulich ExecEd鈥檚 role in the series is to provide leadership training and professional development in a safe, inclusive environment, so survivors can develop new skills to pursue employment opportunities. The program includes four interactive workshop modules 鈥� led by ExecEd faculty and titled Self and Leadership Type, The Power of Positivity, Women Empowerment and Career Future Proofing 鈥� that allow for group learning and peer support.

ExecEd's contribution draws on its longstanding commitment to women鈥檚 leadership and workforce development. 鈥淲e lead many initiatives focused on supporting women, enhancing their well-being and enabling them to thrive in the workforce,鈥� says Rami Mayer, executive director of Schulich ExecEd.

Those initiatives include the Sister2Sister Advanced Leadership Program, which has helped 75 immigrant and refugee women earn certifications, receive coaching and complete paid internships; a mini-MBA for Indigenous women, which has offered business and policy training with community-focused projects; and others.

Mayer sees this latest endeavour as a catalyst for personal and community transformation. 鈥淪chulich ExecEd is committed to empowering individuals through professional development education,鈥� he says.

Nine participants have completed the Women鈥檚 Leadership and Empowerment Series successfully and were awarded certificates at a special ceremony in August. The program will reconvene in 2026 with a new cohort of women participants.

Those interested in further information about the program are invited to contact Schulich ExecEd's Stefania Gargaro via email.

With files from Michelle Kwok

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This year鈥檚 convocation will include 14 individual ceremonies, marking a significant transition for thousands of students as they move into the next phase of their lives.聽

Glendon College will kick off the celebration on June 12 at 10 a.m., with its convocation to be held at the Sobeys Stadium for the first time. Following the ceremonial proceedings, a Principal鈥檚 Reception will be held at the Glendon Campus at 2 p.m., with shuttle services offered for travel from the Keele Campus. All other ceremonies will take place at Sobeys Stadium.

Updates to enhance the overall experience for all involved will also be introduced this year. For the first time, graduates will not have to return their academic robes before collecting their diplomas, allowing more time for photos. As well, this year frame sales and diploma collection will be positioned together for improved ease and flow. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to provide feedback on their convocation experience through a new survey that can be activated on site. 

Kathleen Taylor, the University's chancellor, will confer degrees on new graduands during these ceremonies. She will be joined by an array of distinguished honorary degree recipients, who will share their insights and experiences with graduates. 

All convocation ceremonies will be webcast live and a link to the feed, as well as a schedule of ceremonies, can be accessed on the Convocation website.  

Other ceremonies to note 

91亚色鈥檚 (SCS) will hold two graduation ceremonies, June 12 and June 17, at the Sobeys Stadium. This year, more than 1,400 students from 32 programs will earn their SCS certificates, marking 10 years of enriched continuing education offerings. Over the past decade, the school has evolved to help thousands of learners from dozens of countries, supporting Canada鈥檚 labour market. In April, it announced the launch of four new industry-aligned programs and is focused on its next phase of growth to become a full-cycle solution for organizations to build their workforce. 

91亚色鈥檚 Sexuality and Gender Advocacy (SAGA) Alumni Network invites alumni and their guests to the 2025 , an evening recognizing the achievements of graduates identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+. Planned for June 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Martin Family Lounge in Accolade East at the Keele Campus, this event will bring together faculty, staff, graduates and allies for an evening of celebration, community and pride. The event includes music, food and heartfelt reflections from the 91亚色 community. 

91亚色鈥檚 Black Alumni Network (YUBAN) invites alumni and their guests to the , an evening dedicated to honouring the achievements of Black-identifying graduates from the Class of 2025. Taking place June 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Tribute Communities Recital Hall and CIBC Lobby at 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus, this event will feature music, food and inspiring words from members of the 91亚色 community, a recognition ceremony and dinner. 

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Developed in collaboration with leading industry experts, these new programs target skills gaps in digital construction management, cyber security and clinical research. 

SCS will introduce these innovative programs this fall, along with an expansion of its transformative initiative that facilitates improvement of English language skills. 

鈥淲hen we established the school in 2015, our goal was to develop a new model for continuing professional education that addressed critical skills gaps by connecting industry with the classroom, theory with real-world application and functional expertise with transferable skills,鈥� says Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, assistant vice-president of continuing studies at 91亚色. 

The announcement of these new industry-aligned programs reflects SCS鈥檚 commitment to empowering learners and innovating continuing education 鈥� and coincides with the school鈥檚 10-year anniversary. This milestone, celebrated at a special event on April 24, marks a decade of growth from its initial offering of two programs to more than 40 professional and language programs, including several first-to-market. 

鈥淲e set out to build a school 鈥� but we built so much more,鈥� says Brooks-Cappadocia. 鈥淲hat we ended up building was a community with connections that have created remarkable success for our students, instructors, our University and the Canadian labour market.鈥� 

SCS continues to create pathways to meaningful careers by bridging skills gaps and equipping both new graduates and adult learners with practical, in-demand expertise, she says. 

During the April 24 celebration, industry leaders, instructors and academic experts spoke on the school鈥檚 role in advancing accessible, future-focused education, reinforcing the significance of the new Fall 2025 programs. 

The new programs include: 

• Students will gain hands-on training in artificial intelligence-powered workflow automation, 3D modelling and building information modelling (BIM), preparing them for high-demand roles such as a construction manager, project coordinator or estimator. This program addresses Canada鈥檚 critical need for construction professionals equipped with emerging technologies and project management skills to support productivity and sustainability 鈥� particularly in response to the country鈥檚 housing challenges. 

•  
  As the school鈥檚 first full-time, two-year program, learners will develop practical defensive and offensive cybersecurity skills through hands-on projects that mirror real-world scenarios. Developed in collaboration with industry professionals, this program helps fill the surging demand for cybersecurity experts in Canada鈥檚 growing digital economy. 

• Students will gain experience observing live clinical trials while developing critical data analysis skills, preparing them for diverse roles in clinical research. This program strengthens Canada鈥檚 leadership in clinical trials and addresses the need for professionals skilled in healthcare data management. 

• Delivered part-time, this program offers practical education in ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment and exploit development. Students will acquire skills that translate directly into the workplace, addressing the rising demand for cybersecurity specialists capable of identifying and mitigating digital security risks. 

Expanding the Integrated Year One Program 

The Integrated Year One Program is a model for inclusive academic pathways at 91亚色. Initially launched in partnership with the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), the program allows international students with IELTS (English proficiency) scores between 5.5 and 6.0 (or equivalent) to begin undergraduate studies while advancing their academic English skills. 

Following strong outcomes 鈥� measured through improved student performance, higher engagement and increased retention 鈥� the program is expanding to include the Faculty of Science and the . 

This growth underscores 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to reducing barriers to education, ensuring more international students have access to a supportive, integrated entry into their academic journeys, says Brooks-Cappadocia. By aligning language development with degree progress, the Integrated Year One Program sets students up for long-term success in both their studies and future careers. 

鈥淭en years later, our vision has expanded to address our employer partners鈥� full range of talent recruitment, retention and renewal goals. The school鈥檚 ability to connect the needs of the employer community with educational best practices has the power to transform the Canadian workforce,鈥� says Brooks-Cappadocia. 

The school will continue to evolve, with a focus on becoming a full-cycle solution for organizations ready to build their workforce. Through its growing suite of B2B (business-to-business) solutions, it aims to connect employers with job-ready talent, upskill existing teams and support talent retention. Several new full-time and part-time programs are in development and will be announced later this year. 

To mark its 10-year milestone, 91亚色 alumni are invited to take advantage of an exclusive $300 tuition discount on programs offered by SCS. This special offer includes newly introduced programs designed to help professionals build in-demand skills, take the next step in their careers and invest in continued growth. 

How to use the SCS alumni discount code:

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Simulation is a powerful way of learning in any profession, and in legal education is typically designed around moot court and trial advocacy courses. However, most legal work revolves around client files and client-centred work, which is often overlooked in simulation-based education.

To address this gap, OsgoodePD has partnered with U.S.-based simulation developers Forio to create SIMPLE which offers a form of simulation that is relatively new to Canadian professionals.

Paul Maharg, a consultant to OsgoodePD who created the first instance of SIMPLE in the U.K., led the project. The platform will be used in a range of courses, including the capstone module of the , and will be included in other learning opportunities.

鈥淪IMPLE complements legal learning by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to simulated legal problems and interacting with simulated clients,鈥� says Victoria Watkins Phibbs, executive director of OsgoodePD and assistant dean at Osgoode Hall Law School.

The platform enables instructors to deliver multiple legal problems and "clients" at once, replicating the experience of legal practice. Unlike legal clinic work, it also enables instructors to embed legal problems and ethical issues into their simulations.

鈥淚t is a more structured way of learning lawyering in a low stakes and supportive environment,鈥� says Watkins Phibbs.

SIMPLE comprises two elements: a case management system and a simulation engine. The case management system enables learners to practise 鈥渢ransactional learning,鈥� where learners can be immersed in cases that range from very straightforward client actions (such as writing a single letter to a client) to representing a client in a complex case with multiple fictional players and nested tasks, and can span several weeks or longer. The simulation engine makes the simulation work under the hand of a facilitator. It also helps simulation authors to create a simulation, upload resources, test the simulation, run it, archive it and retrieve it for future use. 

SIMPLE enables learners to work individually or in virtual firms to: practise legal transactions; discuss the transactions with supervisors, other professionals or each other; obtain feedback; and be assessed on their work in an environment that is safe from malpractice and negligent representation. It can also be used with other forms of simulation, such as simulated clients.

The platform鈥檚 simulation engine allows authors and designers the flexibility to work on multiple transactions simultaneously, and a simulation designer can plan these across a span of time, from a few days to a few months. This helps learners gain experience in pacing a transaction, while learning the value of case review, preview, client communications and managing the arc of a transaction. Student lawyers working in virtual firms learn the values of collaboration, and the need for trust among the group of lawyers. 

Watkins Phibbs says SIMPLE can also be used to help firms train articling students and associate lawyers, using simulations developed specifically for individual firms. With the emergence of artificial intelligence, many of the tasks done by new lawyers will be done by technology. Firms will need to develop new training tools for new lawyers to take on more complex tasks, more quickly.

鈥淚t is a big leap from 鈥榥ew lawyer鈥� to 鈥榯rusted advisor鈥� and we believe that simulation will have an important role in that process,鈥� says Watkins Phibbs. 鈥淥sgoode graduates who experience SIMPLE will be better prepared for practice.鈥�

With files from Paul Maharg

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The partnership has led to the creation of a blended program designed specifically for associates in the firm鈥檚 civil litigation and labour and employment practice groups. The program pairs self-paced, interactive e-modules with live training to allow associates to quickly gain new skills.

鈥淚t鈥檚 unlike anything else we鈥檝e done at Osgoode, so it鈥檚 kind of groundbreaking,鈥� says Dana Shamlawi, program lawyer at OsgoodePD. 鈥淲e鈥檙e focusing on associates in years one to five and walking them through the practical and strategic aspects of the civil litigation process.鈥�

Each module consists of self-paced asynchronous activities, followed by two live sessions led by Miller Thomson partners, providing them with an opportunity to talk with associates about firm-specific practices, values and priorities.

The live trainings are conducted in each of Miller Thomson鈥檚 offices, allowing associates to receive personal coaching and support from colleagues and senior partners.

Adam Stephens, Chair of the Advocacy Practice Group at Miller Thomson, sees the development of the program as a demonstration of the firm鈥檚 commitment to attracting and retaining top legal talent.

鈥淥ne of the things that we hear from associates is that they really want their law firm to show an interest in their career development and skill advancement,鈥� says Stephens, who also sits on Miller Thomson鈥檚 executive committee. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why the opportunity to work with Osgoode to develop this kind of hands-on litigation training made tremendous sense to us.鈥�

Although Miller Thomson places a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development for young lawyers, Stephens says their individual experiences can be a little uneven.

鈥淣o matter what practical file work people are doing, there鈥檚 always a chance that certain skills will be missed in the early years, depending on the mix of work people are doing,鈥� he explains, adding that the program developed with Osgoode will smooth out the process and fill in any gaps for young lawyers in the advocacy practice group.

For Stephens, one of the program鈥檚 most attractive features is the way modules are tied together by scenarios from real-life cases.

鈥淚t allows associates to work through a case from the initial client interview all the way to the conclusion of a trial,鈥� he says.

Stephens says he and his colleagues in leadership positions at Miller Thomson were already familiar with Osgoode鈥檚 extensive continuing legal education offerings, including the long-running , where attendance has become something of a rite of passage for early-year associates in the firm鈥檚 civil litigation practice group.

鈥淲e knew we were in good hands partnering with Osgoode on this project because of its stellar reputation for building continuing legal education programs and specifically because of its emphasis on practical learning,鈥� Stephens says. 鈥淲e wanted to harness some of that power in-house.鈥�     

With the first few years of practice traditionally serving as a training ground for young lawyers, Shamlawi says law firms have always been interested in exploring new ways to effectively and efficiently transform their law grads into legal professionals. However, the recent emergence of generative artificial intelligence technology, which threatens to cut the volume of learning opportunities for fledgling lawyers, has only increased the urgency to develop fresh training methods.

This program was created in collaboration with practitioners who emphasize the strategic and practical aspects of civil litigation, rather than just the rules. Osgoode also consulted with legal education pioneer and OsgoodePD consultant Professor Paul Maharg, a scholar who is renowned for his work in the field of technology-enhanced learning. The result is an e-course packed with interactive elements.

鈥淔or the upcoming module on examinations for discovery, we are creating original videos in-house to demonstrate good and bad practices that associates can dissect and discuss,鈥� Shamlawi says. 鈥淲e want to make sure that we鈥檙e reaching learners in the most effective way, which is why it鈥檚 so important that we鈥檙e using cutting edge e-learning methodologies and techniques.鈥�

Miller Thomson鈥檚 civil litigation program is unlikely to be Osgoode鈥檚 last e-course collaboration, according to Shamlawi, who sees the potential to customize programs for other law firms and individual practice groups.

鈥淲e鈥檙e learning as we go,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 kind of unlimited, the creativity that we want to use in engaging associates.鈥�

Those interested in a more tailored approach to learning can learn more about OsgoodePD鈥檚 in-house and custom programs on the .

With files from OsgoodePD staff

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The six-story, 9,012-square-metre, 50-classroom building, which earlier this year for its sustainability and occupant wellness features,  on 91亚色 U鈥檚 Keele Campus. Its twisted appearance is meant to symbolize the school鈥檚 twist on the traditional mission of continuing studies 鈥� that is, to solve Canada鈥檚 most pressing labour challenges by connecting employers to a highly skilled talent pool through its unique program offerings.

"Our new building has been purpose-built to give our learners and instructors what they need to thrive," said Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, assistant vice-president of continuing studies, "whether that鈥檚 excellent teaching and learning spaces, a place to feed your baby, a prayer room, gathering spaces or, most critically, community that welcomes and celebrates your growth."

For the third annual Architecture & Interiors Awards, a three-person jury of U.S. industry experts spent hours reviewing the nearly 200 submissions received from commercial architecture and design firms around the world to determine the 34 winning projects. The School of Continuing Studies Building emerged a standout, with one juror noting its "subtle singularity" and "understanding of the site and relationships."

"This award is a recognition that this is good design for both the physical environment but also in career-focused education," said Brooks-Cappadocia. "We are thrilled to celebrate this win with Perkins&Will and our community of learners and employers."

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Benjamin Richardson broke new ground when he co-taught Osgoode Hall Law School鈥檚 first Climate Change Law course for juris doctor students back in 2008, when he was a full-time professor here. Now based at Australia鈥檚 University of Tasmania, he recently returned to OsgoodePD as an adjunct professor and was pleased to see how teaching on the topic has evolved.

鈥淭here is still a place for standalone climate change law courses,鈥� Richardson says, 鈥渂ut there is now a recognition that they need to be supplemented by embedding the climate change issue across the curriculum, because it has become such a pervasive, ubiquitous issue.鈥�

In his Corporate Social Responsibility course, part of OsgoodePD鈥檚 , Richardson鈥檚 students look at several intersections of climate and commerce, including corporate disclosure and potential greenwashing, developments in the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as how businesses can adapt to global warming for their future survival. 

Considering OsgoodePD鈥檚 particular focus on skills development for lawyers and other working professionals in practice, he says it is natural for the curriculum to contain many classes that could be characterized as climate change law courses.

鈥淢ainstream Canadian law firms are increasingly demanding climate-literate lawyers who can advise their clients on these issues,鈥� he explains. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not enough just to know what the legislation says. You need a grounding in the economic, political, and ethical issues that affect how businesses and other stakeholders consider climate change.鈥�

As one of three program directors for OsgoodePD鈥檚 part-time , Bruce McCuaig, who has been involved with the program for the past 10 years, has noticed a significant shift in the way climate change is discussed.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a much more mature theme and topic now,鈥� he says. 鈥淭he conversation is no longer about the science of climate change or how it鈥檚 actually occurring, but more about potential action and execution.鈥�

According to Jim Whitestone, McCuaig鈥檚 colleague, it鈥檚 no surprise that climate change law courses are on the upswing, considering the past decade has seen some of the field鈥檚 more consequential developments.

The ripple effects of the 2015 Paris Agreement 鈥� at which almost 200 national governments agreed to ensure the globe warms by no more than two degrees Celsius this century to avoid the worst effects of climate change 鈥� are still being felt in particular as signatory nations grapple with the consequences of the net-zero emissions targets they have set for themselves in response.

Whitestone鈥檚 own history in the field goes back much further, having served as Ontario鈥檚 assistant deputy minister responsible for climate change and environmental policy. In his Climate Change: International Governance, Mitigation and Adaptation course, Whitestone focuses on the Paris Agreement and other international legal and policy frameworks now in place to address the climate crisis.

鈥淲e鈥檙e updating all the time as standards change and agreements come into place,鈥� he says.

Domestic and international standards also feature heavily in the 鈥� an intensive, five-day program designed for lawyers and other working professionals in a variety of industries where ESG risk has become a critical business priority.

As a law professor concerned with the movement of people and goods from one place to another, Didem Light says there can be few subjects more directly affected by the physical and legal implications of climate change than the one she teaches in International Transportation Law, a course offered as part of OsgoodePD鈥檚 Energy and Infrastructure LLM.  

鈥淐limate change is going to have a very big impact,鈥� says Light, 鈥渘ot just on manufacturers of vessels, cars, buses, trains and other modes of transport, but also the people who use them and the associated infrastructure: things such as ports, airports, train stations, roads and bridges.鈥�

In other courses, the environmental links are not so obvious. At first glance, International Business Law LLM faculty member Emilio Dabed says casual observers may not make the connection between his course on Business and Human Rights and climate change. However, Dabed explores the governance gap that has traditionally allowed transnational corporations to escape effective environmental regulation, thanks to a combination of weak domestic laws and 鈥渟oft law鈥� 鈥� mostly non-binding international guidelines and standards.

In recent years, Dabed says these soft-law frameworks have been hardened by legally binding domestic law initiatives, the adoption of these guidelines by governments and the intervention of courts and tribunals, which have proven increasingly willing to hold transnational companies to account for their voluntary commitments in relation to human rights and the environment.

鈥淲hat the course tries to convey to students is this strong link between the economic activities of transnational corporations and human rights and climate change, and how to develop a model that somehow reconciles the need for economic growth on the one hand, and the fulfillment of commitments to protect human rights and the environment on the other,鈥� he explains.

Vanisha Sukdeo, who has a forthcoming book looking at the impact of climate change on workers, teaches a Business Associations course in OsgoodePD鈥檚 International Business Law LLM that is a popular choice with internationally trained lawyers seeking to requalify in Canada. She welcomes the global perspective her students bring to discussions, as she encourages them to think more deeply about the ideas that are frequently portrayed as solutions to the climate crisis in the western world 鈥� the electric vehicle revolution, for example.

鈥淓lectric vehicles might be reducing pollution in North America, but a lot of the mining that is needed to produce batteries is taking place on the African continent, generating more pollution there,鈥� she says. 鈥淗as that really reduced emissions or just shifted them? That鈥檚 something for us to explore.鈥�

As climate change has gone from an abstract concept to a reality of our daily lives, threatening to severely impact our collective future, academic institutions have been tasked with training future agents of change to tackle the threat head-on. Evidently, OsgoodePD has accepted that challenge.

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