Annual Ontario Bar Association awareness campaign focuses on education
Everyone needs a will that is properly drafted. That’s the message the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) and its members will once again be promoting this month as they mark Make A Will Month with nearly 80 free legal information sessions in every region of the province.
Make A Will Month is an annual initiative that promotes members’ expertise and helps inform the public about the need for a properly drafted will. As part of the OBA’s education initiative, throughout November, volunteers will be leading public speaking events in communities across Ontario.
“As the voice of the legal profession, the OBA has been leading the way when it comes to keeping the public informed and educated about the need to have a will prepared by a lawyer,” said OBA President Colin Stevenson. “Our members are helping people make informed decisions, and I’m proud of them for once again stepping up to offer these free sessions in their communities.”
Marital status, online accounts, digital assets, retirement savings and outstanding loans are just a few things that need to be considered when drafting a will. Documents should also be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure wills are up to date.
“In today’s modern world, there are many important and complicating factors that people must think about when making a will,” said Noah Weisberg, chair of the OBA’s Trusts and Estates Law Section. “The importance of a will cannot be understated. We know that wills help provide for loved ones after they pass, and wills need to be drafted in a way that reflects their wishes.”
Quick Facts
- According to a 2018 poll conducted by the Angus Reid Institute, a majority of Canadians don’t have a will. In Ontario, only 46% of people have a last will and testament in place.
- Only one-third (35%) say they have one that is up to date.
For more information, and a complete list of information sessions, visit http://www.oba.org/makeawill
About the Ontario Bar Association
Established in 1907, the OBA is the largest voluntary legal association in Ontario representing over 16,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students. The OBA provides continuing professional development and advocates for improvements to the law in the interests of the profession and public.
For more information:
Michael Speers
Media & Communications Specialist
mspeers@oba.org
416-869-1047 ext. 365