Diversity & Inclusion Committee
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee is a strong supporter of initiatives undertaken by provincial law societies and external organizations to provide resources relating to wellness, mental health and other issues of concern for lawyers.
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Executive Members
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee is made up of the following executive members:
Chair: Christina J. Cook, Intact Insurance
Vice Chair: Teresa-Anne Martin, Aviva Trial Lawyers
Past Chair: Andrea Lim, Dutton Brock
Members at Large:
Aleksandra Zivanovic, SGI Canada
Susan Gunter, Dutton Brock LLP
Debbie Orth, Bertschi Orth Solicitors & Barristers
Heather Sanderson, Sanderson Law
Rabjeet ‘RJ’ Wallia, Swadden & Company
Timothea Leung, Gilbert Kirby Stringer
Caroline Meyer, Strigberger Brown Armstrong
Sonya Katrycz, Zarek Taylor Grossman & Hanrahan
Amanda McBride, McBride & Shields
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Initiatives
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee was established in the fall of 2017, however, CDL’s Diversity Policy has been in existence for over a decade and features prominently on its website. In less than three years, the size of this steering committee has almost tripled, with representatives from across Canada This growth has allowed for targeted community involvement, promotion of D&I ideals, and expanded awareness of the importance of D&I initiatives throughout CDL membership and beyond.
The committee mandate and duties are:
• To ensure a culture of diversity and inclusion is supported and encouraged throughout CDL programming and public submissions.
• Provide cross-representation on CLE Committee, CDL Women’s Caucus, Young Lawyer Committee, and In-house Counsel Committee.
• Ensure issues of community interest are shared with CDL membership
Read a 2018 Status Report of Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee Committee HERE
Read a 2021 Status Report of the Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee HERE
Below is a list of some cultural competency resources gathered by members of the committee:
- Barristers’ Society of Nova Scotia has a variety of free, online videos https://nsbs.org/legal-profession/your-practice/practice-support-resources/equity-access-resources/#1-cultural-competency-
- CBABC currently offers an online course: “THE PATH – Your Journey Through Indigenous Canada” offered by the CBABC https://www.cba.org/ThePath?_ga=2.263665932.1812806913.1606323873-1028106366.1600720187
- Indigenous Perspective Society offers Indigenous Cultural Competency training https://ipsociety.ca/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvKH5652e7QIVicDICh2tAQTpEAAYASAAEgJIFPD_BwE
- University of Alberta offers a FREE on-line 12 module course “Indigenous Canada” https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html
- University of Toronto offers a FREE course (14 hours) “Aboriginal Worldviews and Education” https://www.coursera.org/learn/aboriginal-education?ranMID=40328&ranEAID=D8u8CTDRU0o&ranSiteID=D8u8CTDRU0o-Tpa3.DoBjDxF8KvXgXAc7A&siteID=D8u8CTDRU0o-Tpa3.DoBjDxF8KvXgXAc7A&utm_content=10&utm_medium=partners&utm_source=linkshare&utm_campaign=D8u8CTDRU0o
- University of Calgary offers a course (for a small price) “Indigenous Relations” https://www.ucalgary.ca/student-services/writing-symbols/community/indigenous-relations
- Law Society of Saskatchewan has a variety of CPD recordings - currently available https://www.lawsociety.sk.ca/initiatives/truth-and-reconciliation/
- Guide for Lawyers Working with Indigenous Peoples, A joint project of: The Advocates’ Society The Indigenous Bar Association The Law Society of Ontario (2018) https://www.advocates.ca/Upload/Files/PDF/Advocacy/BestPracticesPublications/Guide_for_Lawyers_Working_with_Indigenous_Peoples_may16.pdf
- Communicating Effectively with Indigenous Clients, an Aboriginal Legal Services Publication: https://1juibf12bq823l3a7515u1i5-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Fadden-ALS-2017.pdf
- The Anti-Racism Bookshelf of variety of texts compiled by the Barristers’ Society of Nova Scotia https://files.constantcontact.com/3744a7b8601/c9449692-79fa-43e3-8879-eca77f62aace.pdf
- Ayisiyiniwak: A Communications Guide, by the City of Saskatoon, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) and Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC). https://www.lawsociety.sk.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/communications-guide.pdf
We are pleased to show you profiles of current CDL members each one offers a unique experience:
Olivier Guillaume, Aviva Trial Lawyers
Suzanne Clarke, Zarek Taylor Grossman Hanrahan LLP
Talaal Bond, Matthews Abogado LLP
Heather Kawaguchi, Kawaguchi Krajden, LLP
Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair: Christina J. Cook, Intact Insurance, Vancouver