LCO earns five-year commitments from funders
In a clear show of support from its funders, the Law Commission of Ontario has received the commitments and funding to operate for a second five-year term beginning January 2012. The Law Foundation of Ontario, Ministry of the Attorney General and Osgoode Hall Law School pledged an increase in financial support through to 2017 to reflect the extensive activities and impact of the LCO over its first five years. (At publication, a formal funding decision was still pending from the Law Society of Upper Canada.)
“The trustees of the Law Foundation of Ontario have been delighted to support the important work of the Law Commission,” says Mark Sandler, Chair of the Law Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “We look forward to continuing to do so.”
Since launching in 2006, the LCO has initiated eight projects on the law-related needs of Ontarians, including the 2009 report on Division of Pensions Upon Marital Breakdown, which was reflected in legislation governing how pensions are divided when couples separate and divorce. The LCO’s draft framework for laws affecting older adults is already in play in domestic and international contexts. And the Commission has hosted numerous events, symposia and workshops, from time to time in partnership with law schools and community legal organizations.
“We have developed expertise in the areas of our projects and established excellent relationships, which we plan to continue, with many professional, government and community people,” says Patricia Hughes, LCO executive director.
“The Law Commission has achieved outstanding success with the support of our funding partners, community organizations and dedicated staff,” adds Board Chair Larry Banack. “Future research will respond to some of the most pressing issues facing Ontarians.”
