The International Bar Association opened its 2025 gathering in Toronto on Sunday evening with addresses from president Jaime Carey and more than 5,000 attendees. Former Supreme Court of Canada justice Rosalie Silberman Abella received the Benjamin Berell Ferencz Rule of Law Lifetime Achievement Award before delivering remarks comparing contemporary threats to legal principles with historical indifference toward Nazi persecution of Jewish communities.
Abella warned that international enforcement of stated values has weakened to the point where violations occur with minimal consequences, noting that intolerance spreads rapidly across regions and endangers global stability. She called for replacing widespread animosity with collective optimism.
Former Assembly of First Nations national chief Perry Bellegarde addressed indigenous rights challenges, acknowledging recent Canadian recognition while cautioning that insincere implementation would prove meaningless. The ceremony concluded with ceremonial performances by Elder Kevin Myran and The All Nations Juniors.
Abella warned that international enforcement of stated values has weakened to the point where violations occur with minimal consequences, noting that intolerance spreads rapidly across regions and endangers global stability. She called for replacing widespread animosity with collective optimism.
Former Assembly of First Nations national chief Perry Bellegarde addressed indigenous rights challenges, acknowledging recent Canadian recognition while cautioning that insincere implementation would prove meaningless. The ceremony concluded with ceremonial performances by Elder Kevin Myran and The All Nations Juniors.
