Statement from the Law Society of Upper Canada on the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Final Report

Toronto — The Law Society of Upper Canada commends the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on the release of its final report today. We are grateful to TRC Commissioners Justice Murray Sinclair, Chief Wilton Littlechild and Dr. Marie Wilson for their tireless and profoundly important work in helping to build understanding of the reconciliation process — and to create a roadmap for the future.

The Law Society recognizes and honours the significant contribution of Residential School Survivors and their families, who bravely came forward to share their experiences.

The Law Society is firmly committed to responding to the TRC’s recommendations. We understand that Indigenous people have unique access to justice needs, and we have been working to address those needs. Through our engagement with First Nation, Métis and Inuit lawyers and paralegals, as well as leaders and citizens, we are determining how best to move forward in our role as regulator.

“The release of this report marks a monumental event for our country. The TRC has provided all Canadians with the opportunity to better comprehend the injustices of the past and the terrible, lasting legacy for Indigenous people. We must now acknowledge this dark chapter of our history so that we can move forward and help build a better future together,” said Janet E. Minor, Treasurer of the Law Society of Upper Canada.

“We know that our justice system has a long history of failing Indigenous people. We all have a role to play in the reconciliation process. I am proud to note that since the release of the TRC Executive Summary last June, there has been much engagement and willingness within our professions to act on the TRC’s recommendations,” added the Treasurer.

The Law Society encourages all of its members to read the final report and the executive summary of the report, released last June.

Further information about the Law Society’s Indigenous initiatives is available online. See also the Law Society’s June 2, 2015 Public Statement on the release of the TRC’s Executive Summary of the Final Report.

-30-

Media Contact:

Susan Tonkin, Communications Advisor – Media Relations,
Law Society of Upper Canada (416) 947-7605 /stonkin@lsuc.on.ca

NT5