The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) has mandated Indigenous cultural competency training for lawyers across the province. The LSO explained that the new cultural training course would help to ensure licensees—who are increasingly working with Indigenous clients and legal issues—have the baseline competence they need for their work. When it launches in Spring 2026, the course will be available online and at no cost; it will also count toward licensees’ annual continuing professional development requirements. The Indigenous Bar Association issued a statement commending the LSO for taking action that would “strengthen the legal profession’s understanding of Indigenous peoples, laws, and experiences” in the justice system. “Cultural competency is not simply a professional requirement, it is also a significant part of the broader responsibility lawyers hold in advancing justice,” said Indigenous Bar Association President Ajay Winterburn.
