This has indeed been a watershed year. A time when news reports flash pictures of destruction and potential war. The spotlight is on the lives of the women of the world, particularly those of Afghanistan where women are denied the right to enter schools and workplaces, receive inadequate medical care, and can be jailed or killed for partaking in the day to day activities we perhaps sometimes take for granted – especially before September 11, 2001. It has perhaps never been a more important time for women to meet together to reaffirm that we cannot become complacent.

This year was a busy and involved year for Women’s Law. We were privileged to have an inspiring speech from Madame Justice Wailan Low at our annual Festive Dinner and participated in International Women’s Day events in partnership with the Law Society, CBAO (OBA) and CAWEE (Canadian Association of Women Executives and Entrepreneurs). The Ottawa Chapter gave President’s awards to Madam Justice Reed, Janice Payne and Chantal Tie at a glittering dinner on a beautiful Ottawa evening. The London Chapter continues to be active and has informative and “fun” events. We continued our networking programs, partnering with the Advocates’ Society and CAWEE, co-sponsoring events including an unforgettable speech by Heather Reisman of Indigo/Chapters fame at an event co-sponsored with CAWEE. Women’s Law actively participates at the Equity Advisory Group at the Law Society and at COLA (Council of Ontario Law Associations).

At this time it is important to acknowledge the many hours of volunteer time donated to ensure that WLAO is a viable and dynamic organisation. Thanks to the Ottawa Chapter for their hospitality at the Ottawa Awards event and for London’s on-going support. Particular thanks must be extended to Vice-President Elissa Gamus for her on-going enthusiasm and creativity, and to Corinne Korzen for her hard work as Treasurer, a job that can be time consuming and stressful. Jane Caskey has done a phenomenal job with the Newsletter, patiently cajoling us for our contributions and tirelessly working to perfect the final product. Elisabeth Sachs has been a terrific secretary, somehow making sense of our sometimes boisterous meetings. Abby Bushby brings the voice of history and well-reasoned thought to her roles as Executive member and Trust Fund Coordinator. Martha Drassinower - Program Coordinator and WLAO representative at COLA, Marinela Mostic – Membership Coordinator, and Karen Or – Networking Initiative Coordinator are to be thanked for the hours they have spent arranging events and liaising with other individuals and groups. Sandhya Kohli – Archivist, must be thanked for her hard work and vitality. Special thanks must again be extended to Past-President Barbara Hendrickson for her continuing counsel. Barbara packs more into one day than some of us can accomplish in a week. Members-at-large Suzette Blom and Linda Wolanski continue to make valuable contributions. Vicki Vanderburgh for her work with the WLAO website.

Women’s Law Association suffered a sad loss this year upon the untimely death of Deb Snead, a member of the Toronto Executive. Deb was instrumental in founding and organizing the Golf and Curling events and we miss her very much. We wish to express our sincere sympathy to her family and friends and can advise that a Memorial to her is in the planning stages. We also remember with sadness the death of Ottawa lawyer Catherine McLean and note that a memorial fund in her name has been established at the University of Ottawa.

We would like to express special thanks at this time to our tireless Project Coordinator Kathryn Noxon who has retired to pursue other endeavours through the Volunteer Lawyers Program. We wish the best of luck to Kathryn and hope that she will stay in touch. We welcome Patty deLaat as Project Coordinator, effective September 2001.