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CDL Board Announcement 2024
May 30, 2024CDL has a proud history of supporting Diversity and Inclusion efforts within the Legal Profession, with particular focus on ensuring that CDL’s own network and events are welcoming to all members of Canada’s Defence Bar.
In addition to a thriving Diversity and Inclusion Committee, CDL has raised funds specifically to support low and no-cost DEI Continuing Legal Education Offerings and was the among the first professional associations in the legal community to support the Good Governance Slate of LSO (Law Society of Ontario) Benchers in 2023.
Following today’s election, CDL proudly confirms that the Board of Directors includes individuals from each of Canada’s Equity Seeking Communities: Indigenous Peoples, Racialized Canadians, Disabled Canadians, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities.
The board continues to meet and exceed 50/30 (50% Women, 30% Racialized) targets, and has enhanced Regional Diversity.
CDL’s first ever Indigenous Director, Amanda McBride, Partner, McBride & Sheilds, joins the Board of Directors after serving in various volunteer capacities, including as Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
CDL’s second ever Black Director, Teresa-Anne Martin, Legal Counsel, Attorney General Ontario, joins the Board of Directors after serving in various volunteer capacities, including as Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
CDL enhances Atlantic Regional Representation, with the election of Stephen May, KC, Partner, Cox & Palmer, from St. John’s Newfoundland. Steve joins the board after being honoured with the 2023 Lee Samis Award of Excellence, CDL’s highest honour.
CDL doubles the voice of non-Ontario members on the Executive Committee with the election of Alison Hopkins, Founding Partner, Sound Law LLP from Squamish BC. Alison steps into the role of Treasurer after having served her first three-year term as Director.
Lisa Pool, Partner, Evans, Philp LLP has been elected President and Chair of the Board; John Lea, Senior Council, Aviva Canada, has been elected 1st Vice-President, and Vice-Chair of the Board;
Mouna Hanna, Partner, Whitelaw Twining, has been elected 2nd Vice-President; and Heather Sanderson, Counsel, Sanderson Law is now the Immediate Past-President.
The following Board Members have been Reelected or are Continuing their Terms:
Cynthia Aoki (AB) – Returning for Year 3 of their 1st 3-year Term
Grant Bodnaryk (ON) – Returning for Year 2 of their 2nd 3-year Term
Michelle Friedman (ON) – Returning for Year 2 of their 2nd 3-year Term
Ellen Gowland (ON) – Returning for Year 3 of their 1st 3-year Term
Glen Krueger (BC) – Recommended for Year 1 of their 2nd 3-year Term
Amelia Leckey (ON) – Returning for Year 3 of their 1st 3-year Term
Teri Liu (ON) – Returning for Year 2 of their 1st 3-year Term
David Mackenzie (ON) – Returning for Year 3 of their 2nd 3-year Term
Devan Marr (ON) – Returning for Year 3 of their 1st 3-year Term
Pearl Rombis (ON) – Recommended for Year 1 of their 2nd 3-year Term
Maura Thompson (ON) – Returning for Year 2 of their 1st 3-year Term
Deirdre Wade (NB) – Returning for Year 2 of their 2nd 3-year Term
Canadian Defence Lawyers 2024 Nominating Committee
Each year the Immediate Past-President of the CDL assembles a small group of Past-Presidents to serve as the Nominating Committee, in addition to recommending the slate of Officers and Directors, the committee is charged with selecting the Annual Award Recipients.
In accordance with CDL Policies the following individuals were approved by the CDL Executive Committee to serve as the 2024 Nominating Committee.
Andrea Lim (ON) – Immediate Past President
Heather Sanderson (AB) – President, 2023/2024
Dave Festeryga (ON) – Past President
Max Hufton (BC) – Past President
Jade Spalding (NB) – Past President
Aleksandra Zivanovic (ON) – Past President
Canadian Defence Lawyers
Founded in 1996, CDL is a national bar association with members from coast to coast. We are the voice of the Canadian civil defence bar, drawing from the experience of trial and appellate counsel appearing on behalf of insurers, insured defendants, corporations, and institutional litigants.
Learn More at cdlawyers.org or follow linkedin.com/company/canadian8defence8lawyers/ on LinkedIn.
Contact Information:
Danielle S. Russell, CAE, C.Dir. Executive Director danielle@cdlawyers.org | 647-467-2502