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Jun 17, 2019
Diversity & Inclusion on the Commercial List

In 2018, the Commercial List Users’ Committee (“CLUC”) established a Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee. CLUC is comprised of members of the bench who sit on the Commercial List from time to time, members of large and small firms who practice regularly before that Court, representatives of professional organizations, and representatives of the Court Administration. CLUC makes policy and practice recommendations to the Commercial Court.

What is the D&I committee's mandate?

The Subcommittee mandate is to consult with the judiciary and bar, research issues of inclusion and diversity before the Court, and make recommendations to the Users’ Committee on how to better promote inclusion and diversity before the Commercial Court.

Does the Commercial List have an expressed commitment to D&I?

The commitment to diversity and inclusion on the Commercial List is expressed as: "Where the bench and bar promote an environment at the Commercial List that advances the participation by advocates irrespective of race, gender, indigeneity, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual identity or orientation, (dis)ability or any other characteristic not relevant to advocacy, in a civil and inclusive manner."

How has this commitment been implemented?

In March 2019, CLUC sought applications to fill ten (10) spots on the Committee. In soliciting expressions of interest, the Nomination and Renewal Subcommittee specifically stated: “In selecting members, the Nominations Committee and CLUC will consider applicants' experience in matters before the Commercial List, and leadership in and contributions to the legal community. CLUC seeks to be representative of the legal profession, and to have a diversity of voices at the table. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups, and lawyers with ten years of call or fewer, to apply.”

In addition, the Request for Expressions of Interest was circulated to RODA, SABA, CABL, FACL, WLAO and CHBA, among many others.

What's next?

The Subcommittee has drafted a report which is currently being reviewed by the Superior Court’s Regional Senior Justice Council. The Subcommittee expects to release its initial report and recommendations in the coming months.

Who are the members of the D&I subcommittee?

The subcommittee consists of members of CLUC and ad hoc members:

  • Shara Roy (Head), EY Canada
  • Atrisha Lewis, McCarthy Tetrault LLP
  • Pam Huff, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
  • Robin Dodokin, Dodokin Law & Conflict Resolution
  • Monique Jilesen, Lenczner Slaght LLP
  • Eric Block, McCarthy Tetrault LLP
  • Shaun Laubman, Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP
  • Michael Fenrick, Paliare Roland LLP
  • Breanna Needham, Cassels Brock LLP

How can I become involved?

Support and allyship are always welcomed. Please contact Shara Roy if you would like to be involved.