Veena’s
practice focuses on civil and Charter litigation, labour law,
international law and human rights. Veena provides practical
advice and advocacy to unions in arbitration and labour matters.
She also acts for individuals in a wide variety of employment
related matters, including wrongful dismissal claims, injunctions,
long-term disability claims, and human rights complaints.
In 2004,
Veena was appointed by Justice O’Connor as Commission
Counsel to the Commission of Inquiry into Actions of Canadian
Officials in relation to Maher Arar. The Inquiry included examination
of the current national security framework and respect for civil
liberties and human rights. As Commission Counsel, she was involved
in all aspects of the Inquiry including the review of thousands
of documents, examination of witnesses, preparation of hearings,
and drafting summaries for the final report.
Veena is
strongly committed to the rights of vulnerable workers, including
migrant, garment, and agricultural workers. She was counsel
for the UFCW Canada in three major constitutional challenges
to give agricultural workers coverage under the Ontario Occupational
Health and Safety Act; to give agricultural workers the right
to collectively bargain in Ontario; and to exempt migrant agricultural
workers from paying premiums under the Employment Insurance
Act when they are not entitled to receive unemployment benefits
under this Act. Veena also gives pro bono legal advice to a
coalition against sweatshops in Canada and abroad. In 1999,
she launched a class action on behalf of female immigrant garment
workers against 5 clothing retailer, manufacturers and a contractor
claiming unpaid wages, overtime premiums and vacation pay.
Veena researched and authored the first comprehensive legislative
and policy review of the Mexican/Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural
Worker Program in Canada for the North-South Institute. Her
final report, "The Mexican and Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural
Workers Program: Regulatory and Policy Framework, Farm Industry
Level Employment Practices, and the Future of the Program under
Unionization", can be found at http://www.nsi-ins.ca/english/pdf/csawp_verma_final_report.pdf.
Veena is
a frequent invited speaker on human rights, national security
law, international law, and agricultural workers’ rights. |
