Program Directors
Patrick Case
Former Assistant Deputy Minister, Education Equity Secretariat, Ontario Ministry of Education
Ruth Goba
Executive Director, Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund (LEAF)
Eligible for:
Your chance to hear from some of Canada’s leading experts at a time when addressing human rights has never mattered more.
Interpreting and applying human rights legislation presents a complex and often unique set of challenges. The Osgoode Certificate in Human Rights Theory & Practice, now in its 14th year, was designed specifically for lawyers, human rights and human resources professionals, and will give you the knowledge to correctly apply the appropriate regulatory framework to protect your organization, your employees and yourself.
The heightened global focus on human rights has underscored the importance of not only understanding but also effectively applying human rights principles in today’s rapidly changing.
What You’ll Learn
Theories of rights and theories of discrimination
The objectives and administration of human rights laws in Canada
The duty to accommodate in relation to gender, disability, religion/creed, family status and other human rights grounds
The interplay between human rights legislation and other related legislative regimes
Addressing competing rights
Strategic decision-making to resolve complaints through informal or formal processes
The role of human rights agencies (Commissions, Tribunals,
Advocacy Centres) and the Courts
Identifying and resolving ethical issues and issues of fairness in human rights matters
Remedies
Dealing with the aftermath of a human rights complaint
Plus! Don’t miss this highly interactive in-person program, and your chance to network with your peers and our stellar faculty.
Who Should Attend
Human Rights Professionals
Human Resources Professionals
Human Rights Lawyers
Employment and Labour Law Practitioners
In-House Counsel
Trade Union Representatives
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Professionals
Consultants in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Legal Aid Lawyers
Faculty
Program Directors
Patrick Case
Former Assistant Deputy Minister, Education Equity Secretariat, Ontario Ministry of Education
Ruth Goba
Executive Director, Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund (LEAF)
Advisory Board
Antonella Ceddia
Toronto Catholic District School Board
Shelagh Day
Former President & Senior Editor, Canadian Human Rights Reporter LLP
Fo Niemi
Executive Director, Centre for Research Action on Race Relations (CRAAR)
Dora Nipp
Former Human Rights Education & Change Specialist, Ontario Human Rights Commission
Susan Ursel
Ursel Phillips Fellows Hopkinson LLP
Instructors
Manju Varma
Executive Director of Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion, Nova Scotia Community College
“Great speakers with a variety of knowledge. I liked the way the topics covered different perspectives and went beyond Ontario. ”
Agenda
Please Note
The information below is from the 2026 iteration of this certificate. A detailed agenda for the upcoming program will be available soon.
Register
May 3-7, 2027
$3,595 + TAX
Time
9:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)
Printable Registration Form
If a downloadable form is required, please contact osgoodepd@osgoode.yorku.ca.
“Is financial assistance or funding available?”
As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:
Certificate Requirements
To receive an Osgoode Certificate, you must attend all program modules and successfully complete a post-program multiple choice online assessment by June 6, 2027.
Lisa Highgate
Senior Human Rights Advisor, Western University
“The program was packed with excellent content, and excellent, accomplished and diverse faculty. …Overall left feeling inspired and informed. Thank you.”
CPD and Accreditation
Please Note
Final CPD accreditation has yet to be confirmed. The hours below are for the 2026 iteration of the program and should be used as an estimate only. Confirmed hours will be available soon.
OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the LSO, the Law Society of BC and NY CLE Board. Select your location to view the eligible hours you may claim.
| Substantive | 27h 15m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 1h |
| EDI | 3h 15m |
| Total | 31h 30m |
Are you reporting hours from a previous date?
View our CPD & Accreditation page to see previously calculated hours for this course.
Deeper Learning Opportunities
LLMs
Are you a law graduate or an executive/senior professional with at least 5 years of specialized experience? Consider a full-time or part-time LLM degree.
Part-time LLMs Full-time LLMsSingle Course Enrollment
Do you have an LLB/JD? Consider taking a single LLM course for deeper learning in a specific area of practice – all credits will apply towards a Professional LLM.
Explore LLM coursesFrequently Asked Questions
Client and Technical Support
Have questions? Get advice in person, by email or over the phone.
Program content questions
David Thomas, Program Lawyer
dthomas@osgoode.yorku.ca
Registration questions
Technical support