News Release

For Immediate Release
September 7, 2007

Attorney General Introduces First Executive Director

TORONTO - The new Law Commission of Ontario, first announced by the McGuinty government in November 2006, is open for business, Attorney General Michael Bryant announced today.

"The new Law Commission is a victory for all Ontarians," said Bryant. "As an independent think-tank comprised of some of the brightest legal minds in the province, its work will serve as a catalyst for change and advancement in our evolving justice landscape."

Attorney General Bryant made today's announcement at a plaque presentation ceremony at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, where the Law Commission's office is located. Construction on the office is almost complete and the Commission is expected to start work on September 15.

Bryant also introduced Patricia Hughes as the Commission's first Executive Director. Hughes, a former dean of the University of Calgary's law school, will serve a four-year term.

"I am honoured and extremely pleased to be playing a role in advancing law reform through the Law Commission of Ontario," said Hughes. "I look forward to consulting with interested groups to develop the Commission's agenda and working with the Board of Governors as we ask tough questions, engage in critical analysis and make strong recommendations to improve our legal system."

The Law Commission of Ontario will work with academic institutions, the legal community, the judiciary and the public to generate practical and creative solutions to existing challenges. It will also explore ways to make Ontario's justice system more accessible, for example, by using the Internet to collect and disseminate legal knowledge and research.

The Law Commission of Ontario is a partnership among Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, the Deans of Ontario's six law schools, the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Law Foundation of Ontario.

"I would like to thank all our partners for helping to create a modern, relevant and responsive Law Commission for Ontario," said Bryant. "I would also like to congratulate Patricia Hughes on her appointment. She is an excellent choice to lead the organization through its first years."

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