All four webinars were well attended with 455 unique registrants signing up for a total of 833 registrations throughout the week. The webinars were recorded and are now accessible to the public on the Faculty of Law’s YouTube channel.

Making Rights Real: A Vision for Providing Accessible Legal Services

Monday, October 27

Through the discussion of real-world based scenarios, this panel of experts with legal and/or accessibility experience, provided suggestions on how lawyers could and should provide accessible legal services.  This session took place over Zoom webinar and had simultaneous ASL translation.

This first panel, hosted by the Manitoba Bar Association’s Equality Section was moderated by Janell Jackson, a third-year law student at the UM Faculty of Law and MBA Equality Section Co-Chair. Panelists included: Darrin Davis [LLB/90], Director Legal Services Branch; Laurelle Harris, K.C. [LLB/01], University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law; Dr. Tess Sheldon, Associate Professor, University of Windsor, Faculty of Law; Dawn Steliga, Law student, University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law; and Peter Tonge [JD/06], Peter Tonge Consulting.

Watch the webinar.

A2J Week 2025: AI and Access to Justice: Promise, Pitfalls, and Practice

Tuesday, October 28

Everyone is talking about AI and how it will reshape our lives, including how we access justice.  Whether you are a lawyer, law student or member of the public, there are key things to understand when using AI for help with a legal matter.  This Zoom webinar explored: 

• A brief overview of generative AI and large language models (LLMs)
• Law Society guidelines for responsible and ethical use
• Practical uses for lawyers and self-represented litigants 
• Potential risks, including inaccuracies, confidentiality issues, and bias

Hosted by the Law Society of Manitoba, this panel was moderated by John Burchill [JD/10], Executive Director of the Manitoba Law Reform Commission. Panelists included: Suzie Dunn, Assistant Professor and interim director of the Law and Technology Institute at the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University; Alissa Schacter [LLB/94], Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, The Law Society of Manitoba; Dr. Katie Szilagyi, Assistant Professor, University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law; and Mary Troszko [LLB/79], Executive Director, Community Legal Education Association.

Watch the webinar.

Access to Justice through Art and Media

Wednesday, October 28

Focusing on podcasting, radio, murals, and graphic novels, this Zoom webinar event highlighted the role of art and media in breaking down legal barriers. Through discussions with creators and advocates, the event demonstrated how these mediums can educate, empower, and connect communities to their rights and the legal system.

Hosted by the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law, this panel was moderated by Quinn Saretsky, Gladue Writer, At the Root Consulting. Panelists included: Jessie Canard, a two-spirit Anishinaabe multi-disciplinary visual artist and law student at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law; Allison Fenske [LLB/07], Clinical Counsel and Director of the UM Community Law Centre at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law; Marc Kruse [JD/15], Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services, University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law; and Kirsten Wurmann a librarian at the Manitoba Law Library and founder of the Manitoba Library Association’s Prison Libraries Committee.

Watch the webinar.

Sentencing Circles, Gladue and IRCA Reports

Thursday, October 30

This Zoom webinar session highlighted the growing use of Gladue Reports, Impact of Race and Culture Assessments and sentencing circles in Canadian courts. Judges and legal experts discussed how these reports provide critical context in sentencing, helping to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous and racialized communities and advance meaningful access to justice.

Hosted by the Manitoba Bar Association Criminal Law Section, this panel was moderated by Wendy Martin White, K.C., a lawyer with Phillips Aiello. Panelists included: The Honourable Associate Chief Judge Lee Ann Martin [LLB/00], Provincial Court of Manitoba; The Honourable Judge Jerilee Ryle [LLB/05], Provincial Court of Manitoba; Melissa Brown, Justice Programs Manager, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.; Dr. Patrina Duhaney, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary & founder of Nasura Consulting Inc.; and Zilla Jones [JD/11], Lawyer, Jones Law Office.

Watch the webinar.

Conference organizers are thankful for the hard work of the Faculty of Law’s Director of Access to Justice and Community Engagement, Natasha Brown [LLB/05], student research assistant Stefan Lewis (3L), the Law Society of Manitoba’s communications lead Deirdre O’Reilly [BComm/07] and digital learning specialist Clayton McKnight, and the Manitoba Bar Association’s Executive Director Michelle Falk.

This award, established in recognition of former Chief Justice of Manitoba Richard J. Scott, honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the rule of law and the legal profession through scholarship, advocacy, mentorship, and leadership.

Over her distinguished 35-year career at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law, Professor Busby has had an extraordinary impact as a teacher, scholar, and advocate. Her academic work spans many critical areas of law, including the legal responses to gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive rights, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, civil procedure, constitutional and administrative law, and the human right to water.

Beyond her extensive scholarship and teaching, Professor Busby’s commitment to the legal community is also reflected in her longstanding editorial leadership of the Manitoba Queen’s Bench Rules Annotated, which has served as an essential tool for civil litigators across the province for nearly three decades.

Throughout her career, Professor Busby has advanced the pursuit of justice and equality in Canada. Her work has been cited by courts across the country and has informed both legal education and public policy.

Read the Law Society of Manitoba announcement.

Justice Scott was the province’s longest-serving Chief Justice, known for his deep intellect and sound judgment, his kindness, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice. A distinguished graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law, Justice Scott began his career as a civil litigator before ascending through the judiciary to lead Manitoba’s highest court.

“Justice Scott’s impact on the law in Manitoba and Canada is immeasurable,” said Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law. “Beyond the courtroom, his legacy of leadership, mentorship, and integrity set a standard to which we all aspire.”

Among his many notable contributions was presiding over the landmark case of R. v. Lavallee, which recognized “battered woman syndrome” in Canadian law—a decision that demonstrated his courage and compassion in the pursuit of justice. Beyond his judicial duties, Justice Scott played key roles in shaping the ethical framework for Canada’s judiciary through his work with the Canadian Judicial Council.

Justice Scott graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts in 1959 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1963. Upon his law school graduation and call to the bar, he became an associate at Thompson, Dilts, Jones, Hall, Dewar & Ritchie (now TDS) where he had worked throughout his law school studies. He later became a partner and in 1976, was made a member of the Queen’s Counsel (now K.C.). He and was appointed to the bench in 1985, and promoted to Associate Chief Justice three months later. In 1990 he was appointed to the Manitoba Court of Appeal as the 10^th Chief Justice of Manitoba. After retiring in 2013 Joined Hill Sokalski Walsh Olson in 2015 as a lawyer conducting arbitration and mediation practice.

Justice Scott continued to serve the profession even after retirement, demonstrating his lifelong dedication to the law and the principles it upholds. The Law Society of Manitoba’s Richard J. Scott Award, established in 2013 in his honour, is presented annually to an individual who advances the rule of law and contributes to a strong and independent legal profession through advocacy, litigation, teaching, research, writing or mentoring.

Faculty of Law professor, Darcy L. MacPherson, interviewed Justice Scott in 2011 (see: “An Interview with Chief Justice Richard J. Scott,”pages 1 to 30) for The Manitoba Law Journal’s Volume 36 Issue 1 titled Five Decades of Chief Justices of Manitoba, published in 2012. The article that follows the interview titled “A Lawyer with a Whistle: The Jurisprudence of Chief Justice Richard J. Scott” (pages 31 to 66) by Michael E. Rice, Melanie R. Bueckert and Ainslie Schroeder, provides an in-depth examination of a number of his most important decisions.

The Faculty of Law extends heartfelt condolences to Justice Scott’s family, friends, and colleagues. His passing is a great loss to the legal community, and he will be deeply missed.

Supporting the Work: How new lawyers are being trained to overcome A2J barriers

Monday’s event, “Supporting the Work: How new lawyers are being trained to overcome A2J barriers”was presented by The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law and the Manitoba Bar Association’s Young Lawyers and Internationally Trained Lawyers sections. Panelists shared what legal supports are now becoming available for clients of diverse backgrounds including cultures, languages and faiths. Representatives from the three host organizations addressed what they are doing to train diverse lawyers who can help these diverse clients.

Panelists included Laurelle Harris, K.C., University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law; Kayleigh Lafontaine, University College of the North; and Ayodeji Olunlade, Restall & Restall LLP  (Co-chair, MBA’s Internationally Trained Lawyers Section) with moderator Mercedes Ayala, Mitousis Lemieux Howard (Co-chair, MBA’s Young Lawyers’ Section).

Watch a recording of “Supporting the Work”.

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Educating and Advocating in Manitoba Prisons

Tuesday’s webinar was on “Educating and Advocating in Manitoba Prisons.” Geared to practicing lawyers and students, this session presented an overview as to what different organizations are doing, parole and record suspensions, resources for clients who are, or may be, incarcerated, and an overview of issues related to prison libraries and literature in provincial prisons.

Panelists included Leif Jensen, University of Manitoba Community Law Centre; Marc Kruse, Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services at the Faculty of Law; Liz McCandless, Senior Instructor and Director of Clinical Programming at the Faculty of Law; and Kirsten Wurmann, Manitoba Law Library, Manitoba Library Association. Allison Fenske, Clinical Counsel at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law and Director of the University of Manitoba Community Law Centre acted as Moderator.

Watch a recording of “Educating and Advocating in Manitoba Prisons.”

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Victim Impact Statements and Community Impact Statements

On Wednesday, October 30, the webinar “Victim Impact Statements and Community Impact Statements”featured insights from both Crown and Defense perspectives. This session explored the powerful role these statements play in the justice system, highlighting some examples of how they can be used at sentencing hearings in Manitoba. Participants learned how these statements can give voice to both individual victims and affected communities.

Panelists included Kathrine Basarab, Manitoba Justice, Public Prosecutions; Caleigh Glawson, a criminal defence lawyer with Brodsky Amy & Gould; and Monique St. Germain, Canadian Centre for Child Protection Inc.

Watch a recording of “Victim Impact Statements and Community Impact Statements”.

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Family Law Services: Pathways to Healthy Separation

The final webinar took place on Thursday, October 31, and featured “Family Law Services: Pathways to Healthy Separation.” The panel members represented three different provisions of family legal services and hailed from the Community Legal Education Association, Family Resolution Services and Legal Aid Manitoba. They provided an explanation of the different pathways through the separation process and options available to avoid or at least reduce the conflict and stress of a traditional lawyer / court dispute.   This webinar was of interest to the general public to learn what is involved in the separation process and what alternatives might suit a particular situation.

Panelists included Nina Holatova, Community Legal Education Association; Michael Williams, Manitoba Justice, Family Resolution Services; Peter Kingsley, KC, Executive Director, Legal Aid Manitoba.

Watch a recording of “Family Law Services: Pathways to Healthy Separation.”

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The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law is home to Manitoba’s Access to Justice Hub, which is an extension of the Director of Access to Justice and Community Engagement’s office at the Faculty of Law. The Hub’s blogspace is a central location for existing participants in the A2J network to connect to their community. 

• Monday, October 28, 2024
  Supporting the Work: How New Lawyers Are Being Trained to Overcome A2J Barriers
• Tuesday, October 29, 2024
  Educating and Advocating in Manitoba Prisons
• Wednesday, October 30, 2024
  Victim Impact Statements and Community Impact Statements
• Thursday, October 31, 2024
  Family Law Services: Pathways to Healthy Separation

Supporting the Work: How New Lawyers are being Trained to Overcome A2J Barriers – Monday

Monday’s event will feature panelists from the Faculty of Law and the Manitoba Bar Association’s Young Lawyers and Internationally Trained Lawyers sections who will discuss legal supports are now becoming available for clients of diverse backgrounds including cultures, languages and faiths. The three host organizations will address what they are doing to train diverse lawyers who can help these diverse clients.

Register for Supporting The Work: How New Lawyers Are Being Trained to Overcome A2J Barriers

Panelists:

• Mercedes Ayala, Mitousis Lemieux Howard (Co-chair, MBA’s Young Lawyers’ Section) (Moderator)
• Chidera Anadi-Mbanefo, Cam’s Law Office (Co-chair, MBA’s Internationally Trained Lawyers Section)
• Laurelle Harris, K.C., University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law
• Kayleigh Lafontaine, University College of the North
• Ayodeji Olunlade, Restall & Restall LLP  (Co-chair, MBA’s Internationally Trained Lawyers Section)
• Stephanie Bauch, Mitousis Lemieux Howard (MBA’s Young Lawyers’ Section)

Educating and Advocating in Manitoba Prisons – Tuesday

Tuesday’s event is geared to practicing lawyers and students, and will present an overview as to what different organizations are doing, parole and record suspensions, resources for clients who are, or may be, incarcerated, and provide an overview of issues related to prison libraries and literature in provincial prisons.

Register for Educating and Advocating in Manitoba Prisons

Panelists:

• Allison Fenske, The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law (Moderator)
• Leif Jensen, University of Manitoba Community Law Centre
• Marc Kruse, The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law
• Elizabeth McCandless, The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law
• Kirsten Wurmann, Manitoba Law Library, Manitoba Library Association

Victim Impact Statements and Community Impact Statements – Wednesday

Wednesday’s webinar on Victim Impact Statements and Community Impact Statements, will feature insights from both Crown and Defense perspectives. This session will explore the powerful role these statements play in the justice system, highlighting some examples of how they can be used at sentencing hearings in Manitoba. Learn how these statements can give voice to both individual victims and affected communities.

Register for Victim Impact and Community Impact Statements

Panelists:

• Kathrine Basarab, Manitoba Justice, Public Prosecutions
• Caleigh Glawson, Brodsky Amy & Gould
• Monique St. Germain, Canadian Centre for Child Protection Inc.

Family Law Services: Pathways to Healthy Separation – Thursday

The panel members for this presentation represent three different provisions of family legal services.  Our three presenters from the Community Legal Education Association, Family Resolution Services and Legal Aid Manitoba will provide an explanation of the different pathways through the separation process and options available to avoid or at least reduce the conflict and stress of a traditional lawyer / court dispute.   Members of the public are invited to join us to learn what is involved in the separation process and what alternatives might suit each person’s particular situation.

Register for Family Law Services: Pathways to Healthy Separation

Panelists:

• Nina Holatova, Community Legal Education Association
• Michael Williams, Manitoba Justice, Family Resolution Services
• Peter Kingsley, KC, Legal Aid Manitoba

*Each of these programs offers 1.5 hours of CPD to members of the Manitoba legal profession, all of which may be reported as EPPM (Ethics, Professionalism, Practice Management) hours.

Kruse presented on “Epistemic Injustice” and common foundational principles of Indigenous legal orders. Harris gave a workshop on anti-racism and equity for legal professionals, and the BC Indigenous Justice Centre gave overview of their work and how they have developed their centres with an access to justice and Indigenous perspective.

In addition to the presentations, 24 A2J stakeholders presented organizational updates which may be found in the most recent A2J newsletter.

This Forum marked the first time since the 2021 establishment of the Manitoba Access to Justice website, a joint initiative of the Law Society of Manitoba and the UM Faculty of Law.

A2J organizations represented at this year’s inaugural Forum included the following:

• Manitoba Court of Appeal
• Manitoba Court of King’s Bench
• Provincial Court of Manitoba
• University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law
• Manitoba Law Foundation
• Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs/First Nations Family Advocate Office
• Manitoba Metis Federation
• The Law Society of Manitoba
• The Manitoba Bar Association
• Legal Aid Manitoba
• Public Interest Law Centre (Office of Legal Aid Manitoba)
• Manitoba Justice – Prosecution Service
• Manitoba Justice – Family Resolution Services
• Manitoba Law Reform Commission
• AJEFM/Infojustice
• Healthy Muslim Families
• Community Legal Education Association
• Legal Help Centre
• Community Unemployment Help Centre
• Manitoba Law Library
• Library Hub Project
• Manitoba Council of Administrative Tribunals
• Mediation Services
• Pro Bono Students Canada

Anyone wishing to stay up to date on Access to Justice in Manitoba and future A2J events, check out the Access to Justice Hub and subscribe to the newsletter.

The hybrid event featured a panel discussion with Darla Rettie, Pitblado Law; Yvan Larocque, Clinical Instructor and Supervising Lawyer at the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic; and Heather Berthelette, CEO, Spirit Healthcare Group of Companies.

Discussion centred around best practices when working with Indigenous community business leaders and entrepreneurs. In their conversation, Rettie and Berthelette emphasized that relationship-building was of primary importance.

“We are proud to collaborate with our partners to engage Manitoba’s legal community toward reconciliation,” said Michelle Falk, Executive Director of the Manitoba Bar Association.

“This event and its subject matter couldn’t be timelier,” said Larocque who moderated the panel. “Members of the Manitoba Bar will continue to have opportunities to engage in Reconciliations in their advocacy and representation of clients, and those in attendance gained invaluable knowledge that I’m sure will assist them in their contributions to Reconciliation throughout the Province for years to come.”

On October 2, The Law Society of Manitoba introduced a mandatory Indigenous intercultural awareness and competency training course for practicing Manitoba lawyers. The Path provides a basic foundation of knowledge about Indigenous peoples’ history and experiences essential to lawyer competence when dealing with Indigenous clients.

“This year’s event provided an excellent learning opportunity to hear from knowledgeable and compelling speakers on the topic of economic reconciliation, thanks in large part to the connections this partnership event fosters,” said Eileen Derksen, Director of Continuing Professional Development at the Law Society of Manitoba.

Meanwhile, the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba has been working to answer TRC Call to Action #28 by Indigenizing its curriculum and including mandatory content for all first year law students and a mandatory course for all upper-year students that builds on material and skills learned during first year law courses. The 28^th Call to Action calls upon law schools in Canada to require all law students to take a course in Aboriginal people and the law, which includes the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations.