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. 

 

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Diversity & Inclusion Committee Executive Members

The Diversity & Inclusion Committee is made up of the following executive members:

Chair: Teresa-Anne Martin, Aviva Trial Lawyers

Vice Chair: Teri Liu, Dutton Brock LLP

Past Chair: Christina  Cook, Intact Insurance

 

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  

Lida Moazzam, Dutton Brock LLP

Sonya Katrycz, Zarek Taylor Grossman & Hanrahan

Camille Walker, Telus

Laura Boyd, Cox & Palmer

Cynthia Aoki, Clyde & Co

Amanda McBride, McBride & Shields

Shernaz Cyrus Patel,O'Donnell Robertson & Partners

Lazina Khan, Intact Insurance 

Kristal M. Low, Guild Yule Vancouver 

Lawrence Conmigo, Intact Public Entities

Katie Plante, DGIG

Lawrence Conmigo, Intact

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 2022 Status Report of the Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee HERE

Read a 2021 Status Report of the Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee HERE

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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 

Publication Version 2018

• Communicating Effectively with Indigenous Clients, an Aboriginal Legal Services Publication

• The Anti-Racism Bookshelf of variety of texts compiled by the Barristers’ Society of Nova Scotia 

• Ayisiyiniwak: A Communications Guide, by the City of Saskatoon, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) and Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC). 

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 

Tino Kasi, Kasi Law

Talaal Bond, Matthews Abogado LLP

Heather Kawaguchi, Kawaguchi Krajden, LLP 

Joseph Lin, Intact Insurance