Welcome to another great year of programs, events and blog posts with the OBA-WLF! I am delighted to welcome several new members to the section executive, and thank the hardworking 2015-2016 executive members for all of their passion, commitment and contribution.

A compilation of links to articles, podcasts, and videos that may be of interest to members of the OBA Women Lawyers Forum. Have suggested content for this feature? Email the link to Justine Johnston at justine.johnston@blakes.com.

Andrew Sudano reflects on the experience of his first Charter challenge, raising the issue of the constitutionality of section 31 of the Family Law Act.

Stan comments on the Ontario Superior Court's decision in Swaita v. The Queen (Ministry of Environment ) (2016) ONSC 5785 in which the court dismissed the Ministry's motion to strike a statement of claim arising out of clean up following an oil spill in September, 1990 that the plaintiff knew nothing about until the spring of 2013.

On Friday, October 7, 2016, Ontario's Environmental Review Tribunal released its decision in Wiggins v. Ontario (MOECC) (ERT Case Nos.: 16-036 to 16-042), and for the first time, found that engaging in an approved wind farm in accordance with its approval would cause serious harm to human health, as well as serious and irreversible harm to animal life, plant life or the natural environment.

A proposal for the circumstances in which the Superintendent of Financial Services could appoint or act as a plan administrator; a new Letter of Credit Certificate; proposed amendments to the Canada Pension Plan; and the FST orders costs against a former plan member. Catch up on what you've missed in October!

The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario recently issued a significant decision with respect to family status discrimination. In Misetich v Value Village Stores Inc., the Tribunal indicated its intention to depart from the test for family status discrimination outlined in Canada (Attorney General) v Johnstone and Canadian National Railway v Seeley.

In Schmidt, a former federal government lawyer argued unsuccessfully for greater disclosure of internal Charter risk analyses of draft bills. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association, which intervened in support of Mr. Schmidt, recently recommended that the federal Cabinet be forced to share Charter advice with Parliament and the public. Heather MacIvor argues that this recommendation risks undermining the separation of powers, solicitor-client privilege and Cabinet confidentiality.

Returned to Canada after studying law abroad? Simon Bozzo has some words of advice on how to get your legal career started off on the right foot back at home.