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2026 CPD in Saint Maarten

Date: January 15-20, 2026

We are pleased to announce the 2nd CLA CPD event outside of Canada! We are hosting this conference, January 15-20, 2026 in the beautiful Saint Maarten. We have TWO ALL INCLUSIVE venue options that both connect to the main conference site. We chose an adults-only option and a child-friendly option. Conference attendees are welcome to bring their families and children (just not to the actual conference sessions).

The conference will not be recorded or live streamed as attendance must be in-person. Conference attendees will have plenty of time to enjoy the sun and local activities after the breakfast sessions are completed.

CPD PENDING

CONFERENCE LOCATIONS:

  1. Sonesta Ocean Point Resort (adults only) – only 30 rooms available in block and must be booked by March 15, 2025, Chic and sustainable, the all-inclusive Sonesta Ocean Point Resort embraces a uniquely designed contemporary Caribbean style. The spectacular 130 suite “resort within a resort” features an array of pools, bars and dining experiences including at the signature Azul Restaurant as well as 24-hour room service, wellness treatments and fitness center, exemplary service from a personalized concierge and butler service in the top category suites. A dazzling all-inclusive entertainment program engages guests with our team of talented performers creating a sense of community and connection. Vibrant live music, unique in-resort experiences, a wellbeing and fitness program, and the island’s largest gaming emporium Casino Royale, all culminates in the most sophisticated holiday retreat in Saint Maarten. 1A Rhine Road, Maho Bay, SXM 00000

  2. Sonesta Maho Beach Resort (all ages), Enjoy the all-inclusive, fun-for-all-ages Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa in Sint Maarten, located minutes from the airport overlooking famed Maho Bay. The 420-room resort is set on a ten acre beachfront property offering a variety of accommodations, first-rate amenities, and stellar personalized service for singles, couples, families and groups. The resort features the Oasis Pool with swim-up bar, Beach House Kids Club and Aqua Park, five restaurants and a pizzeria, five bars, Serenity Spa, fitness center, and complete meeting and weddings facilities. A dazzling entertainment program with live music, daytime and evening activities, and a fitness and well-being. 1 Rhine Rd., Maho Bay, SXM 00000

STEP 1: BOOK YOUR STAY – HOTEL RATES IN USD

The Group’s guests are required to make their reservation requests online through the applicable website address noted below for each resort using the Code: LAW26. Each of the Group’s guests must identify themself online as part of the Group by inserting the Group identification code in the Group/Meeting Code field or by using the link(s) below or by calling 1 (800) 223-0757 and using the same code. A valid credit card is required for all reservations. All reservations must be received 60 days prior to arrival date in order to guarantee block space and to guarantee the group rate, based on the resort’s availability. At 60 days prior to group arrival date all unused block rooms will be released back to the resort’s general inventory and any reservations requests received after are subject to resort’s availability. All reservations must be made under the group agreement in order to be considered part of the group block.

TO BOOK AT Maho Beach:

https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=12606&Chain=5157&arrive=2026-01-15&depart=2026-01-20&adult=2&child=0&group=LAW26

  • Rates are quoted per person, per night, all-inclusive based on 2 persons in the room. Individual reservations will be quoted fo rooms with more or less than 2 people at the time of booking.
  • Rates are quoted in US Dollars NET-non-commissionable
  • 21% tax (tax, utility & service charge) is included
  • No refunds will be given on unused features or services.
  • An additional adult (3rd or 4th person) in the room is charged $250 per person per night including taxes
  • Maximum occupancy in rooms; 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children (children are 13 and under)
  • Children five years old or younger are free of charge. Children 6 to 12 years old are $45 per child per night. Children 13 years old anD over are considered as adult.
  • 15% discount on spa treatments of 50 minutes or more for all participants (advance reservations required)
  • Private check in with complimentary welcome drink when checking in as a group
  • Free Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public areas.

TO BOOK AT Ocean Point – must book at by March 15, 2025:

To book the Junior Suite King, please go to https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=62488&Chain=5157&arrive=2026-01-15&depart=2026-01-20&adult=2&child=0&group=LAW26. If individuals want larger suites (Swim out Junior or Rooftop Butler Suite), please email cmelo@sonestastmaarten.com for more information and to book.

  • Rates are quoted per person, per night, all-inclusive based on 2 persons in the room. Individual reservations will be quoted for rooms with more or less than 2 people at the time of booking.
  • Rates are quoted in US Dollars NET-non-commissionable
  • 21% tax (tax, utility & service charge) is included
  • No refunds will be given on unused features or services.
  • 15% discount on spa treatments of 50 minutes or more for all participants (advance reservations required)
  • Private check in with complimentary welcome drink when checking in as a group
  • Free Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public areas.

REGISTER NOWSTEP 2: REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION (CDN)*:
Note, to get preferred rates, please be sure to book your stay at one of the two resorts first as you will need to enter your booking number to get the preferred conference registration rate.

Early Bird – on or before June 1, 2025

Late – register between June 2, 2025 and January 15, 2026 (space permitting)

* You should speak to your own tax professional about the potential to “write-off” this conference trip.

Register online by going to https://members.criminallawyers.ca/event-5905704

CONFERENCE AGENDA:

January 15, 2026: Informal networking from 6 to 8 p.m. at La Fontana Bar.

January 16, 2026: Royal Pavillion Terrace, 6 to 8 p.m.

January 17, 2026, 8 to 10:30 a.m., Royal Islander Room

  1. Frank Addario – Preparing and Delivering Oral Submissions at the Supreme Court of Canada (8 to 8:40)
  2. Breana Vandebeek and Maija Martin – Appellate Writing and Leave Applications (8:50 to 9:50)
  3. Danielle Robitaille – Advanced tactics to solve Criminal Cases (9:50 to 10:30)

January 18, 2026, 8 to 10:30 a.m., Royal Islander Room

  1. Daniel Brown and Naomi Lutes – Creative Applications and Arguments for Defending Sexual Assault Cases (8 to 9 a.m.)
  2. Liam O’Connor – Calling your own Client (9:10 to 9:50 a.m.)
  3. Anil Kapoor – Advanced Privilege Issues; Dealing with Privilege Issues in your criminal cases (9:to to 10:30 a.m.)

January 19, 2026, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Royal Islander Room

  • Justice David Watt – Advanced Legal Writing Workshop [20 person limit – sponsors each get 2 spots priority]

January 19, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m., Village Tavern – Informal networking and conference closing.

CANCELLATION DEADLINE:

Please note we do not offer a one-day rate. There is no sharing of registrations. Cancellations will be accepted in writing if received by 12 noon (ET) on or before December 1, 2025. Cancellations are to be sent to support@criminallawyers.ca. A $50 admin fee will apply. No refunds will be accepted on or after December 2. The substitution of registrants is not accepted unless emailed to support@criminallawyers.ca by January 10.  The CLA reserves the right to alter or cancel, without prior notice, any of the arrangements relating directly or indirectly to an event, for any circumstances beyond the CLA’s reasonable control. If the CLA cancels the event, registrants will be offered a full refund. Should circumstances arise that result in the postponement of an event, registrants will have the option to either receive a full refund or transfer registration to the same event at the new, future date. In the case of inclement weather, unless otherwise notified by CLA, the event will still take place. When an event proceeds as planned, there will be no refunds should attendees not be able to attend as a result of weather. The CLA will also not be liable to refund registration fees should the event be impacted by a transit strike, strike lock-out, accident, civil disturbance or any other cause whatsoever beyond their control.

The CLA is not liable for ensuring attendees have appropriate travel documentation. Please check with your travel provider to confirm you have the necessary documents prior to travel. Please make sure you have a valid passport for 2026. We also recommend reviewing https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/sint-maarten