Gwenyth Stadig
Biography
Gwenyth Stadig serves as a trusted advisor, helping charities, not-for-profits, and other tax-exempt entities, as well as First Nations, Inuit, Metis, and Indigenous organizations, governments, and individuals with their respective compliance obligations. She is passionate about empowering her clients to navigate complex legal and regulatory frameworks, providing innovative solutions to the real-life challenges they face today and might encounter in the future. Working with a wide range of clients, Gwenyth has extensive experience advising not-for-profits and registered charities, which include, among others, colleges, universities, religious organizations, agricultural and heritage organizations, humane societies, and complex trade organizations, on matters related to tax, trust and corporate compliance. She has particular experience assisting clients navigate the compliance obligations with the Canada Revenue Agency and the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee in Ontario. Gwenyth also works with First Nations, Inuit, Metis, and Indigenous organizations and governments with tailored tax and trust planning advice. She helps these entities work collaboratively to create customized trusts and tailored legal structures involving a variety of key stakeholders. Gwenyth's approach to her clients is characterized by kindness, personal attention, direct communication and a commitment to practical solutions. She understands that each client has unique needs and goals, and by dedicating herself to learning about their individual circumstances and plans for future growth, she provides tailored legal advice that supports their objectives while efficiently and effectively communicating with their stakeholders and internal teams. Prior to entering law Gwenyth lived in Nunavut and focused her Master’s research on community-directed questions relating to Indigenous youth health outcomes. Beyond her current legal practice, Gwenyth is also actively engaged in the legal community, serving as a member of multiple committees within the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) and the Canadian Bar Association (CBA). Notably, she is the current past chair of the Charity & Not-for-Profit Law section for the OBA, where she plays an important role in advocating for the interests of charities and non-profit organizations throughout Canada.
Alexandra S. Tzannidakis
Biography
Alexandra Tzannidakis is a specialized and experienced practitioner of charity & non-profit law, currently serving as a Director of Legal & Compliance at the MasterCard Foundation. She is a long-time member and past Chair of the OBA Charities and Not-for-Profit Section Executive.
Lynne Westerhof
Biography
Lynne is an associate lawyer at Gardiner Roberts LLP, practicing in the area of non-profit and charity law. She is able to assist with incorporation, continuance, charitable registration, dissolution, and general commercial services, as well as governance matters, by-laws, and taxation and regulatory compliance.
Terrance S. Carter
Biography
Terrance Carter is Managing Partner of Carters Professional Corporation. Mr. Carter practices in the area of charity and not-for-profit law, and is counsel to Fasken Martineau on charitable matters. Mr. Carter is recognized as a leading expert in Canada by Lexpert and Best Lawyers in Canada in the area of charity and not-for-profit law. Mr. Carter is also a frequent author and speaker in the area of charity and not-for-profit law across Canada and internationally.
Michelle Wen Xiao Kang
Biography
Michelle Wen Xiao Kang is a lawyer at Yang Wang Law Professional Corporation, specializing in estate planning, litigation, and elder law. She is a designated Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP) by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Michelle’s planning practice includes drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advising clients on overall succession planning objectives. Her litigation practice include will challenges, dependant’s support claims, powers of attorney challenges, passing of accounts and guardianship applications. Michelle is a native Mandarin speaker and services the community both locally and abroad with her expertise in Ontario estates law. Outside of work, Michelle co-founded a local non-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting traditional arts and music in the community. She also serves on the board of a national non-for-profit organization focused on mental health awareness and elder abuse prevention in immigrant communities, including support for international students and visiting seniors.
Sylvie C. Lalonde
Biography
See bio at: https://www.blg.com/en/people/L/Lalonde-Sylvie
Theresa Man
Biography
A partner with Carters Professional Corporation, Ms. Man practices in the area of charity and not-for-profit law and is recognized as a leading expert by Lexpert, Best Lawyers in Canada and Chamber and Partners. In addition to being a frequent speaker, Ms. Man is co-author of Corporate and Practice Manual for Charitable and Not-for-Profit Corporations published by Thomson Reuters. She is a member and former chair of the CBA Charities and Not-for-Profit Law Section, a former member of the Technical Issues Working Group of Canada Revenue Agency's Charities Directorate, and a member and former chair of the OBA Charity and Not-for-Profit Law Section. Ms. Man has also written on charity and taxation issues for various publications.
