2025 Summer Law Institute highlights
During the last week of August, OJEN welcomed more than 70 law teachers to our annual Summer Law Institute (SLI). Over the two-day conference, teachers attended 9 workshops, heard from more than 20 speakers including the Chief Justice of Ontario, celebrated the exemplary achievements of one of their own and enjoyed networking opportunities with colleagues from around the province. Here are a few words from attendees:
“The resources and networking have been amazing” – 3rd year SLI attendee
“High-profile, relevant information I can see myself discussing with students” – SLI attendee
And most importantly: “Great food!” – SLI attendee
Chief Justice Tulloch speaks to SLI participants
The Chief Justice of Ontario, the Honourable Michael H. Tulloch, addressed teachers attending the second day of the SLI. In his speech, His Honour stressed the importance of a strong civil society grounded in respect for the values of the justice system. He thanked teachers for the critical contribution they made to building a foundation for students to become active and informed citizens, citing his own experiences in school and how he never could have imagined his career, from going to law school all the way to presiding over the highest court in the province, without the guidance of a particular high school teacher. After his speech, the Chief Justice remained to congratulate the recipient of this year’s Hux-Kiteley Exemplary Justice Educator award and speak with SLI participants.
Susan Kasurak receives 2025 Hux-Kiteley Award
Susan Kasurak, a teacher at Western Technical-Commercial School in the Toronto District School Board, was presented with the 2025 Hux-Kiteley Exemplary Justice Educator Award on August 27.
Her nominators referred to her commitment and dedication to her students, which has led to the popularity of her Grade 11 and 12 law courses and the extra-curricular student clubs she supports – the Mock Trial Club and the Equity Club. Read more.
Creating resources from SLI sessions
It is difficult to choose which of this year’s workshops was the most engaging and informative. Each session highlighted a different aspect of law. Each speaker brought their own unique insight and perspective to the issues. Two of this year’s teacher favourites will become the basis for upcoming OJEN resources. Watch for more information in the weeks ahead.
- A Conversation with Megan Savard (Defence lawyer)
Megan Savard presented teachers with a fascinating look into the life of one of Canada’s leading Defence lawyers. She spoke about the early experiences that helped to shape her views on abolition, informed her practice and led her to starting her own firm, and her recent role as Defence counsel on the Hockey Canada trial. The conversation revealed her passion for a justice system that provides quality representation for all defendants.
- Top 5 Cases of the Year
The Honourable Justice Lorne Sossin of the Court of Appeal for Ontario, presented his picks for the 5 legal decisions from the previous year that are of the greatest interest to educators and the public. His choices include: John Howard Society of Saskatchewan v. Saskatchewan (Attorney General), Ontario (Attorney General v. Restoule, Sanis Health Inc. v. British Columbia, R. v. Campbell, and Canada (Attorney General) v. Power.
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“I always love the Top 5 Cases” SLI attendee
“Very compelling [and] relevant workshops…there was great flow in the panels” SLI attendee.