About the Action Committee

Established by Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin in 2007, the Action Committee on Access to Civil and Family Matters works towards improved access to justice for people in Canada.

Put simply, the current civil and family justice system is complex, slow and expensive, and often doesn’t produce outcomes that meet people’s needs. While many dedicated people work on access to justice, the system has not evolved at the scale that is needed to make it work for everyone. In short, major change is needed.

The Action Committee on Access to Civil and Family Matters brings people from all corners of Canada’s justice system together to propose and examine approaches on this critical issue. It adopted Canada’s Justice Development Goals to align the work of organizations across the country. Progress on the JDGs is published annually. The Action Committee coordinates national metrics on justice and connects people to share innovations throughout the year and at its annual Summit.

A Steering Committee of volunteers coordinate annual events and administer the Action Committee. Committees of Action Committee members plan regional and national activities to advance A2J. 

The Steering Committee includes:

• Beverley McLachlin, Chair
• Élizabeth Corte, Vice-Chair
• Mark Benton, Vice-Chair
• Richard Fyfe
• Patricia Hebert
• Lucie Rondeau
• Trevor Farrow
• Janet McIntyre
• Jill Perry
• Christine O'Doherty
• Doug Fergusen