When I stepped into the role of OBA President last year, my focus was crystal clear. Above all else, I wanted to promote and advance equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the profession. Now, a year later, I find myself reflecting on the progress we have made as a profession.

Recently the OBA Foundation add four new video titles to its library covering Family Law, Bankruptcy, Employment Law and Real Estate.

Over the past few months, I have been moved in more ways than one by the sheer excellence that exists within our profession.

This has been a tumultuous year, globally, nationally and provincially. This is a time of reconciliation, a time that is seeing cultural shifts across borders and across industries. The OBA will continue to be part of these conversations and we look to you, our members – and our peer associations – for your valued input.

After more than a decade in service to the Association, the OBA is saying so long to Executive Director and Counsel JSA (Steve) Pengelly, who has announced his intention to retire in early 2018.

There are so many great reasons to get involved with this annual program. We asked OBA member Ella Aiaseh of Hummingbird Lawyers LLP why she will be participating again in the 2018 Law Day program.

Inclusion and unconscious bias are issues that the OBA has been involved with in many ways in the past – but we’ve by no means reached the finish line.

With 38 different practice areas and special interests to choose from, as an OBA member you have the opportunity to join an exclusive network of peers whose experiences and passions align with your own.

For the first time in history, there are more seniors than children living in Canada. That is why a group of lawyers in Ontario, with the support of the OBA and its many Sections, established the first ever Elder Law Section this year.

On November 22, the OBA will be pleased to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Peter Griffin by awarding him the 2017 Award of Excellence in Civil Litigation.