Committees
Participation on a CDL Committee is a great way to maximize the value of your CDL membership. Whether you choose to volunteer to gain leadership opportunities, build your resumé, increase exposure for you and your firm, or give back to the industry, your willingness to share your time and expertise are needed to help support the ongoing growth and development of CDL across Canada. CDL’s goal is to have volunteers that represent the diversity and experience of Canada's insurance defence community. We welcome motivated and enthusiastic people who enjoy contributing to the vitality and ongoing development of our organization. Contact Randi Glass, Executive Director randi@cdlawyers.org
We are currently accepting volunteers for the following committees:
CLE Committee
Assist with the planning of our continuing legal education across Canada. Each province is unique and we welcome a local perspective. You will have the chance to advance and influence educational content for your region and beyond.
CDL has several Substantive Committees, dedicated to specific fields of practice. Each Committee has specific goals and responsibilities with the CDL structure. Membership is open to any CDL member who is interested - and new substantive committees are welcome.
Accident Benefits: Chair - David Raposo, Dutton Brock; Vice-Chair - Lisa Pool, Sullivan Festeryga
Coverage: Chair - David MacKenzie, Blaney McMurtry; Vice-Chair - Catherine Keyes, TD Insurance
Product Liability: Chair - Taryn Burnett, Gowling WLG; Vice-Chair - George Wray, Borden Ladner Gervais
CDL Women’s Caucus was established in 2016 as the first national women’s legal organization for those in the civil practice, namely civil defence litigators working on behalf of corporations as well as insurers and insureds. It is focused on enhancing leadership skills, engaging professional networks and expanding women’s footprints within our profession and in collaboration with other women’s organizations within Canada and abroad.
The Women's Caucus is governed by a Steering Committee with Regional Chairs spearheading programming across the country.
Women’s Caucus Chair: Heather Vaughan, Benson Percival Brown LLP
Vice-Chair: Lisa Pool, Sullivan Festeryga LLP
Founding Supporter: McKellar Structured Settlements
Founding Sponsors: FDCC Foundation and FDCC
The In-house Counsel Committee was created to meet the needs of CDL members working directly at insurers. The committee members are a broad representation of insurers across the country. This group meets regularly to discuss issues of interest and ways CDL can support their unique needs.
In-house Counsel Committee Chair: Marc Gorbet, Travelers Canada
Vice-Chair: Ellen Gowland, Allstate
Communications Committee
If you like to write, chat, tweet or post in any media this committee is for you. This group reviews contributions to our electronic newsletter Hearsay and assists in the production and review of regular articles for Claims Canada. Members also actively participate in the online Community Forums, encouraging dialogue and engagement across the country.
Diversity and Inclusion Committee
CDL’s diversity and inclusion policy is bolstered through the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. This committee is charged with encouraging diversity and inclusion throughout CDL’s programming and governance structures. The committee works with external organizations that support and embrace the value of diversity and inclusion.
Diversity Committee Chair: Andrea Lim, Dutton Brock LLP