The Arab Canadian Lawyers Association (ACLA) held its third Annual General Meeting at the Campbell House Museum in Toronto.

The keynote speaker was the Attorney General of Ontario, the Honourable Chris Bentley.

Minister Bentley spoke about recent reforms to the province’s human rights system, improvements to criminal and civil law procedures and potential future changes to the legal aid system and family law. Minister Bentley also expressed his desire to build greater relations between the Arab community and his office, as well as encouraged Arab Canadians to continue working within the legal and judicial systems. The keynote address was followed by an engaging discussion with the Attorney General and attendees on issues relating to improving access to justice for Arabs in Ontario.

Other notable guests included Justice Leonard S. Mandamin of the Federal Court of Canada and Professor Reem Bahdi of the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law.