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Appointee Biographies

Legal Aid Ontario

JAMES STEPHEN PENGELLY

Steve Pengelly is a lawyer living and working in Greater Napanee. He is a former Interim C.E.O. of the Canadian Bar Association, former Executive Director and Counsel at the Ontario Bar Association, former Chief of Staff to the Premier of Ontario, former Chief of Staff to the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance in Ontario, and Managed two Departments at what was then Ontario Hydro’s head office. Steve’s prior voluntary activities include Board positions with the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Providence Continuing Care/St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital, a past Member and Chair of the Ontario Safety League, and was a founding member of the Community Policing Advisory Council of Ontario. Steve has also served as a Member and Chair of the Kingston Police Services Board and as a Member of the Napanee Police Services Board.

JENNIFER GOLD

Jennifer Gold is a Partner of Wood Gold LLP in Brampton, where she practices family law with a focus on settlement. She’s experienced in achieving consensus, negotiating agreements, de-escalating conflict, and representing clients in mediation and arbitration. In 2021, Jennifer was appointed as a Dispute Resolution Officer for the Superior Court of Justice to assist in early resolution of family law cases. She has completed a Certificate in Family Mediation and, in keeping with her professional commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, has also completed the University of Alberta’s course, Indigenous Canada. She is Past President of the Board of Directors of the Women’s Law Association of Ontario and is a Board Member of Pro Bono Ontario. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Legal Aid Ontario where she chairs the Audit and Finance Committee, and is a member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Council, representing the Central West region. To support the next generation, Jennifer is a mentor in the Women’s Law Association of Ontario’s mentorship program and York University’s Advancing Women program. Her efforts to create alternatives to the traditional law firm, with a better work-life balance in a diverse workplace were featured in The Toronto Star. Jennifer is the 2021 recipient of the Ontario Bar Association’s Award of Excellence in Promoting Women’s Equality and a 2017 Lexpert Zenith Award celebrating the advancement of women in the legal profession. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from York University and was awarded an LL.B. from Osgoode Hall at York University.

DEBORAH MORIAH

Deborah Moriah is a Toronto-area paralegal. She was licensed by the Law Society of Ontario in 2016. Deborah has worked in several areas of law including Immigration, Small Claims, Social Justice Tribunals (Human Rights, Social Benefits, Criminal Injuries Compensation) and Consumer Protection. She also holds a degree in Professional Writing and Communications Studies from York University. In 2020, she co-founded the Ontario Association of Black Paralegals (OABP), an association committed to providing improved and increased access to justice to racialized Ontarians, helping Black legal professionals navigate systemic discrimination, and educating all legal professionals on the importance of recognizing, denouncing and combating systemic discrimination. Deborah currently serves as chair and president of the OABP Board of Directors.

PETER JOHNSON

Peter Johnson is a retired lawyer who practiced in the area of immigration. He holds a Bachelor in Arts and Master in Arts from Western University and a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School (York University).

BRYN GRAY

Bryn Gray is a partner at McCarthy Tetrault LLP and specializes in corporate/commercial disputes and Aboriginal law. He has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court, and all levels of court in Ontario and previously served as a Ministerial Special Representative on consultation and accommodation for Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. He is actively involved in McCarthy's Tetrault's pro bono and diversity and inclusion initiatives and is a member of McCarthy's National Pro Bono Committee and the National Chair for its Pride Action Group. Bryn previously served on the Board of Directors of Casey House, a specialty hospital providing care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.

SARA WISKING

Sara Wisking, of Seaforth, is a lawyer with Frank A. Cameron Law Office. Her community involvement includes serving as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors with the Huron Women's Shelter.

ERIN BETTS

Erin Betts is a Partner at Epstein Cole LLP. Her practice is exclusively devoted to the resolution of family law matters. She is a contributor to various continuing legal education programs and she represents children in family law matters as a member of the Office of the Children's Lawyer Panel in Ontario. Ms. Betts holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Windsor. She is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Family Law Section of the Ontario Bar Association, and the Advocates' Society.

CHRISTINE SIMUNDSON

As Director of Corporate Relations and Team Development at Rubicon Strategy, Christine is renowned for her ability to devise and execute winning strategies for her clients. As a dynamic leader her expertise shines through her extensive research, data analysis and insight into the political and legislative landscape. With a background in law and commitment to fostering positive societal changes, Christine excels at the intersection of business and government. Living in Peel Region, Christine’s personal interests include actively contributing to the betterment of her community.

BROOK DYSON

Brook Dyson, of Collingwood, is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. His community involvement includes serving as a Legacy Cabinet member for the St Andrew's College Foundation.