LCC Visits London, Ontario

The second session, chaired by Commissioner Elgazzar at London’s City Hall, marked the first time that the LCC was able to bring together representatives from a cross section of community organizations and municipal government. The individuals around the table shared the work they do related to children and youth, refugees, welcome of newcomers, post-incarceration reintegration, elder care, housing needs, Gladue reports, environmental challenges, anti-racism initiatives, and community liaison work. While participants spoke of how important they found the promise, feeling, and culture of “justice”, the lack of legal literacy and limited charitable funding were noted as key barriers to justice across their respective fields.  

“This trip offered the LCC an opportunity to engage directly with law reformers in southwestern Ontario who are thinking creatively, critically, and constructively about law,” said President Van Praagh. “Both Listen & Learn sessions highlighted the challenges associated with comprehension of law and legal literacy, and the LCC looks forward to playing a role to build networks, facilitate connections, and underscore best practices which help address those challenges.”