JULIA DMITRIJEVA & ANKITA KAPUR
<Contributors>
The snowstorm on Friday, February 8 did not hamper law and business enthusiasts from attending the 16th annual conference of the JD/MBA Students’ Association, Industrious Elements: At the Intersection of Law, Business, and Mining. Co-chairs Douglas Judson and Geoff Malyk brought together an impressive roster of leaders, practitioners, and professionals at the downtown Courtyard Marriott to explore the interplay of business, law, and public policy in relation to the mining sector. Indeed, the conference’s workshops, panels, and speakers provided a valuable opportunity for delegates to become acquainted with an increasingly dominant Canadian sector that has a significant global impact.
The day commenced with an opening address from Jay Kellerman, Managing Partner of Stikeman Elliott, who stressed the need for lawyers and managers who understand the mining industry, and the importance of the day’s topical sessions for students embarking on careers in law or business. Mr. Kellerman fielded questions from students, providing a wonderful introduction to the day. Welcoming remarks were provided by Hennick Centre co-founder Jay Hennick, and associate deans Poonam Puri (Osgoode) and Markus Biehl (Schulich).
Delegates attended two panel sessions each, which examined the mining industry from a variety of perspectives. First, delegates had a choice between “From the Ground Up: Fundamentals of Mining Finance,” “Heigh-Ho! Off to Work in Mining Law Practice” (sponsored by Fraser Milner Casgrain), and “Regulatory Retooling: Environmental Compliance Post-Budget 2012” (sponsored by Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg). These workshops allowed delegates to gain an understanding of key processes, from financing mines to executing transactions and complying with regulatory requirements. We had the opportunity to attend “Off to Work in Mining Law,” which featured a panel of legal experts who discussed the role that lawyers play within mining transactions. Attendees were captivated by this engaging discussion, which provided a candid overview of the unique challenges that lawyers face with increasingly globalized clients.
Next, delegates attended “Aboriginal Partnership: Models for Success,” “International Issues in Mining” (sponsored by Norton Rose Canada), or “After the Mine: Creating Stable Communities”. These workshops exposed attendees to key social policy issues facing the mining sector. “Creating Stable Communities” was highly insightful, as the panelists explored how mining companies work with stakeholders and communities to ensure sustainable growth. Delegates were reminded that business and law do not operate in a vacuum, and that there are several stakeholders to consider when making decisions.
After lunch (provided by Fogler Rubinoff), the Hennick Medal of Excellence was presented to Sherena Hussain, 2012 JD/MBA graduate and current articling student at McCarthy Tétrault.
Without further ado, keynote speaker Ian Delaney, Chairman of Sherritt International, took the stage. His take on the mining industry in Canada was invigorating and educational. It was truly an honour to hear Mr. Delaney share his lifetime of experience and wealth of insight into the mining industry, corporate Canada, and legal and economic issues. Conference attendees took advantage of this rare opportunity to ask Mr. Delaney difficult questions. The venerable keynote did not shy away from the challenge and whole-heartedly gave his perspective, proposed solutions, and posed issues for further reflection. Mr. Delaney proved to be an excellent choice for a keynote speaker, providing an engaging and thought provoking chapeau to the conference programme.
Overall, the conference was a great success and a testament to the excellence of JD/MBA students and the support of Osgoode, Schulich, and the legal community for personal development outside of the classroom. Everyone who braved the inclement weather gained much value from this unique learning experience!
The Osgoode-Schulich JD/MBA Students’ Association hosts an annual conference on a theme transcending business, law, and public policy, with the support of the Hennick Centre for Business and Law. The leading sponsors of the 2013 conference were Fogler Rubinoff LLP (Platinum), Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (Gold), Norton Rose Canada LLP (Gold), Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (Silver), and the National Post (Media Sponsor). A full list of sponsors and speakers is available at www.jdmbaconference.com.