Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are issues of critical significance, both in the broader world and within Collaborative Divorce Toronto.
Equity
We acknowledge that people do not experience the same level of access to resources and opportunities; therefore, we strive to adopt practices that enable all CDT members to have an equal voice and standing in the CDT community.
Diversity
We acknowledge that systemic discrimination is pervasive and integrated into every system in Canada. We strive to maximize access to resources and training for all those interested in becoming CDT members.
Inclusion
At CDT, we recognize the importance of meaningful change within our own organization and we are currently implementing EDI programs and policies that increase our competencies and create space for members from diverse communities.
EDI Initiatives
EDI Committee
Our EDI Committee is dedicated to moving us from aspirational goals to concrete action and initiatives that will address and remove impediments and barriers. We strive to have our membership reflect all of the families and communities that we serve.
EDI Consultant
We have engaged an EDI Consultant to further our work to become ever more inclusive and fair to all in order to ensure that our core collaborative values are reflected in all aspects of the work we do. We need to live up to our promise and our potential.
EDI programs and trainings
Our EDI programs and trainings for members create a space for community learning, dialogue and awareness. We are grateful to our CDT members who have participated in these enlightening, sometimes difficult conversations, as we deepen our understanding and grow together.
Scholarship Program in 2023
CDT is also establishing a Scholarship Program in 2023 to support members of diverse communities to participate in the collaborative process by offering a scholarship to 5 successful applicants towards Collaborative Process training and a 1-year free membership to CDT.
For more information, please email: amrit@invictacounselling.ca.
The EDI committee is actively reaching out to diverse communities to seek participation from a greater number of individuals from under-represented and equity seeking groups.
We know that there is still much work to do. We are implementing mandatory EDI training for all CDT members, and we will continue to make equity, diversity and inclusion a regular component of our trainings and programs as part of our pledge to foster meaningful cultural change.
Mahvish Mian
Mahvish is a South Asian family lawyer, who believes in helping clients to craft creative, meaningful and longer-lasting resolutions. She understands that when clients initially come to her, they are overwhelmed with uncertainty and require realistic advice and guidance in navigating a daunting system that often fails to account for nuances and subtleties in their circumstances. This is why she focuses so heavily on alternative forms of dispute resolution, including collaborative family law, which allows parties to resolve their issues in a non-adversarial manner.
Mahvish decided to join Collaborative Divorce Toronto because it is a welcoming community of like-minded practitioners that offers support and mentorship to new members. Mahvish is currently a member of CDT's board and the chair of the EDI committee.
Erick McKinlay
Erick holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts from Middlebury College (Language Schools). He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law. He is a certified family mediator and has completed collaborative training, enabling him to provide comprehensive legal services.
As a member of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee at Collaborative Divorce Toronto, Erick enjoys taking part in projects and events that promote collaborative practice in family law. Erick believes that family lawyers interested in collaborative practice can receive guidance and mentorship by becoming part of Collaborative Divorce Toronto.
Erick is fluent in Spanish, and he is also able to communicate in Italian.
