Access to Justice in Action: What Works, What's Next - free programming open to legal professionals and the public during Access to Justice Week, October 26 to 30

TORONTO, Oct. 26, 2026 /CNW/ -- This morning, Law Society of Ontario Treasurer Shalini Konanur launched the 11th annual Access to Justice Week (A2J) in Ontario with a sunrise ceremony led by Indigenous Elder Myeengun Henry.

Together with provincial and national partners, Access to Justice Week (October 26 to 30) features a diverse offering of virtual programming for legal professionals, the broader justice sector and the general public, free of charge.

This immersive week of educational programming will focus on this year's theme "Access to Justice in Action: What Works, What's Next." This theme focuses on practical, people‑centred approaches to access to justice, highlighting successful initiatives, lessons learned and emerging opportunities to strengthen justice outcomes.

"Access to justice has been at the heart of my work throughout my career. I have seen first-hand what it means when people facing poverty, discrimination, violence or other barriers cannot get the legal help they need, and the profound difference it makes when they can. Access to justice is not an abstract principle; it is about whether people can understand their rights, be heard, and find meaningful solutions when the law touches their lives," said Treasurer Konanur. "I am deeply proud that the Law Society of Ontario, together with our partners across the justice sector, is using Access to Justice Week not only to talk about the challenges, but to highlight what works, learn from communities and push ourselves toward what comes next."

Access to Justice Week 2026 features a robust schedule of programs including sessions about:

• the Guided Pathways – developed with the Ministry of the Attorney General – to help court users navigate forms and understand next steps
• the barriers faced by young people without immigration status and how recent policy changes affect their rights and well-being, led by the Childhood Arrivals Support and Advocacy Centre
• how Pro Bono Students Canada's Family Justice Centre supports self-represented family law litigants through free virtual legal services
• women's advancement in the legal professions and the impact of leadership, technology and workplace change
• strengthening access to justice in both official languages through collaboration, skills development and innovative approaches inspired by the National Consortium for Justice training.

Visit TAG: The Action Group on Access to Justice for more details on these programs.

Legal professionals from across Canada, members of the public and media are welcome to attend programming, free of charge. Advance registration is recommended.

Ontario's A2J Week is hosted by TAG: The Action Group on Access to Justice in collaboration with the Law Society of Ontario and justice sector partners. TAG was established by the Law Society of Ontario in 2015 to facilitate better coordination and collaboration across the justice sector. With support from the Law Society of Ontario and the Law Foundation of Ontario, TAG works with a range of justice stakeholders to develop meaningful, public-centred solutions that advance systemic change.

The Law Society regulates lawyers and paralegals in Ontario in the public interest. The Law Society has a mandate to protect the public interest, to maintain and advance the cause of justice and the rule of law, to facilitate access to justice for the people of Ontario and to act in a timely, open and efficient manner.

Members of the media: please confirm your attendance at any of the sessions in advance by contacting the media contact below. Thank you.

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SOURCE Law Society of Ontario