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.
CDL has launched an EDI FUNDING DRIVE to support CDL’s complimentary programs for members
A huge thank you to the firms that have already committed to contributing to the EDI Funding Drive: Blaney McMurtry LLP; Zuber & Company LLP; Sound Law LLP; Snowden Law PC; Evans Philp LLP; CBM Lawyers LLP; Dutton Brock LLP. These contributions will ensure that our members can continue to experience effective and informative programs into the future. Encourage your firm to participate and show our CDL community that you support these important initiatives.
Contribution to this sponsorship fund is based on the number of lawyers at your firm. Click here for the payment form.
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Executive Members
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee is made up of the following executive members:
Chair: Teresa-Anne Martin,
Vice Chair: Teri Liu, Dutton Brock LLP
Past Chair: Christina Cook, Intact Insurance
Members at Large:
Susan Gunter, Dutton Brock LLP
Debbie Orth, Bertschi Orth Solicitors & Barristers
Heather Sanderson, Sanderson Law
Rabjeet ‘RJ’ Wallia, Swadden & Company
Timothea Leung, City of Toronto
Lida Moazzam, Dutton Brock LLP
Sonya Katrycz, Zarek Taylor Grossman & Hanrahan
Amanda McBride, McBride & Shields
Shernaz Cyrus Patel,O'Donnell Robertson & Partners
Kristal M. Low, Guild Yule Vancouver
Lawrence Conmigo, Intact Public Entities
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 2023 Status Report of the Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee HERE
Read a 2022 Status Report of the Diversity & Inclusion Steering 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. Click HERE to view
- CBABC currently offers an online course: “THE PATH – Your Journey Through Indigenous Canada” offered by the CBABC
- Indigenous Perspective Society offers Indigenous Cultural Competency training. Click HERE for more info
- University of Alberta offers a FREE on-line 12 module course “Indigenous Canada”
- University of Toronto offers a FREE course (14 hours) “Aboriginal Worldviews and Education”
- University of Calgary offers a course (for a small price) “Indigenous Relations”
- Law Society of Saskatchewan has a variety of CPD recordings. Click HERE
- Guide for Lawyers Working with Indigenous Peoples, A joint project of: The Advocates’ Society The Indigenous Bar Association The Law Society of Ontario:
Publication Version September 29, 2022
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