WOMEN GENERAL COUNSEL CANADA QUASI-QUARTERLY Issue No. 8, October 2025
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Une version française suivra dans un envoi séparé
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Falling Into Focus…
After a summer filled with sunshine, stories, and more socializing than our calendars thought possible, we’re trading patio chats for purposeful conversations this fall. The WGCC community is diving into a new season of learning and laughter—tackling crisis management with calm and confidence, sharing insights at our next industry forum event, and keeping our competitive spirits sharp over a few friendly rounds of mahjong.
As the leaves change, so do our opportunities - to connect, reflect, and maybe even perfect our game (in more ways than one). Here’s to a season that’s as strategic as it is social! |
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MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT AND CHAIR | HEATHER MULLEN |
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Dear fellow WGCC members, As we approach the final months of 2025, I want to take a moment to celebrate the energy, creativity, and commitment that our amazing WGCC volunteers have poured into every incredible event this year. |
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This year has truly been a testament to the power of collaboration and community. I’m thrilled to share that we now have the highest number of active members to date — an exciting milestone that reflects the dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved.
We have several exciting events lined up for the final stretch of 2025, so please mark your calendars and save the dates.
Looking ahead to 2026, the excitement is already building. With fresh ideas, renewed momentum, and a growing network of passionate members, we’re poised to take WGCC to new heights.
Thank you for being part of this journey — your engagement continues to shape WGCC’s vibrant future. As always, I welcome your ideas and feedback as we continue to grow together.
Here’s to a strong finish to 2025 and an even brighter and bolder beginning in 2026!
With appreciation,
Heather Mullen
WGCC Board Chair |
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WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO LATELY
This summer may have been low-key, but WGCC made it anything but quiet! We gathered for networking circles that flipped the script on the GC as a value creator, not a cost centre; savoured great conversation (and even better vintages) at a wine-tasting social at Jump; and our BC chapter soaked up the Vancouver sunshine at a mountain-view rooftop party.
In September, we brought together our WGCU alumni for an evening of creativity, camaraderie, and laughter—complete with professional sketches to remember it all.
We closed out the summer with an interactive session on complex internal investigations, where GCs gained useful tips from experts and shared their own insights on navigating sensitive issues through real-world case study analysis and thoughtful discussion. |
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This summer, our July and August networking circles proved that turning legal insight into business impact isn’t magic—it’s strategy (with a dash of WGCC wisdom). Guided by our brilliant Emeritus members, GCs dove into lively conversations on how to transform the legal department from a cost centre into a powerhouse of value creation. From monetizing IP and leveraging litigation wins, to contract sleuthing, risk wrangling, and even data-driven decision-making, no idea was off the table. The takeaway? With the right mix of creativity, courage, and collaboration, legal teams can absolutely move the bottom line - and have a great time discussing how.
Participants earned CPD credits while sharing perspectives and ideas with colleagues in a safe and collegial environment. And similar to our past networking circles, participants were invited to engage in a coffee connection with another member. Coffee Connections are a great way to take networking to the next level by getting to know a fellow WGCC member better one-on-one. It’s an opportunity to discuss pressing issues that you may be facing in your organization with a fellow GC - share best practices, trade war stories and forge new friendships.
Watch your inbox for the next Networking Circles coming up this fall! |
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Summer
Social at Jump: Sipping, Smiling, and a Sparkling Surprise with Alexa
Translations | August 13, 2025 |
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WGCC and Alexa Translations turned up the summer charm at our Summer Social at Jump Restaurant, where members gathered to toast the season with great company, conversation, and a curated wine tasting experience. Between the laughter, clinking glasses, and discovery of a few new favourite vintages, it was an evening that perfectly blended sophistication and fun. |
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The highlight of the night? One lucky guest took home a stunning designer watch as a door prize—just the kind of sparkle every summer soirée needs. A heartfelt thank-you to our generous partner, Alexa Translations, for hosting this memorable event and donating the beautiful prize! |
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Our Vancouver WGCC chapter enjoyed a perfect summer evening on the rooftop patio of the Workshop Building in Mount Pleasant, where members and prospective members gathered to sip wine, share stories, and take in the spectacular mountain views. The event brought together familiar faces and new friends alike, creating a relaxed, laughter-filled atmosphere that embodied the WGCC spirit of connection and community. With the sun setting over the city and glasses raised high, it was an unforgettable night that reminded us how special it is to gather, network, and celebrate leadership under an open sky. |
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The WGCU Alumni September Social, hosted by WGCC in partnership with Torys LLP, brought together an inspiring group of alumni, along with WGCC Board and Emeritus members, for an evening that celebrated community, growth, and leadership. |
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Held at Bar Caña, the event was filled with lively conversation, laughter, and the kind of camaraderie that only comes from shared journeys and milestones. Guests enjoyed cocktails, canapés, and breathtaking skyline views while reconnecting with fellow graduates. A highlight of the evening was the live Martini Art sketch station, where guests took home personalized illustrations - a fitting reminder of a night that blended creativity, conversation, and celebration.
(Left: Sketch by Martini Art of Ratika Gandhi - Vice Chair, Sponsor & Partnership Relations Lead, WGCC)
A heartfelt thank-you to Torys LLP for their generous partnership and support in bringing the GCU alumni community together for a memorable occasion. |
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At our final summer program of 2025, WGCC, in partnership with Henein Hutchison Robitaille, hosted a captivating in-person event at Verity, Toronto’s exclusive private women’s club. Members gathered for an insightful and highly interactive deep dive into the inner workings of complex internal investigations. Led by legal investigation experts Danielle Robitaille, Stephanie DiGiuseppe, and Ewa Krajewska, the session walked through real-world case studies touching on issues of privilege, parallel investigations, cross-border and jurisdictional issues, and the delicate balance of independence and reputation management.
True to WGCC form, our “not-so-shy” membership made the discussion come alive—sharing perspectives, asking tough questions, and debating strategies with candour and humour. It was an afternoon that blended substance with spirited exchange, leaving attendees inspired and better equipped to navigate the high-stakes challenges that come with leading from the legal frontlines.
A heartfelt thank-you to Henein Hutchison Robitaille for partnering with WGCC and leading such an engaging and thought-provoking session in a relaxed and comfortable setting. |
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LOOKING AHEAD - MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE FALL AND EARLY WINTER!
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- An Evening of Mahjong at Osler (In-Person): Join WGCC and our friends at Osler on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 for a night of strategy, laughter and a little friendly competition as we dive into the world of Mahjong – the classic tile game enjoyed around the globe! For more details and to register, email info@womengc.ca.
- November Networking Circles (Virtual): Join us this November for a new series of Networking Circles. Further details to follow.
- Industry Forum Event hosted at McCarthy Tétrault on November 24, 2025. SAVE THE DATE and check your inbox for details!
- Crisis Management Session hosted by McMillan LLP | Further information and registration details coming soon!
Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox for updates and registration details for events coming soon!
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CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS | 2026 WGCC SUMMIT PLANNING COMMITTEE
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WGCC is gearing up for the 2026 WGCC Summit - our signature annual gathering that brings together women General Counsel from across Canada for inspiration, learning, and connection. We’re assembling a Summit Planning Committee to help shape the vision, programming, and experiences for this cornerstone event.
From curating thought-provoking sessions to creating meaningful opportunities for networking and collaboration, this committee will play a key role in steering the Summit’s direction and ensuring it reflects the strength and spirit of our WGCC community. If you’re excited about shaping an unforgettable experience for your peers, we’d love to have your voice at the table!
To volunteer, please click on the link below to complete a short form. Let’s build the 2026 Summit together—an event designed by GCs, for GCs! |
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JOIN THE WGCC VANGUARD AWARD COMMITTEE!
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In 2026,
WGCC, in partnership with ZSA Legal Recruitment, is launching the inaugural
WGCC Annual Vanguard Award - celebrating exceptional women General Counsel who
lead with excellence and advance women in law.
We’re
forming an Awards Committee - including WGCC Board and
members-at-large - to review nominations and help select the first recipient.
If you’re passionate about recognizing women’s leadership, we’d love to have
you get more involved!
To volunteer, please click on the link below to complete a short form: |
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SORRY, NOT SORRY: THE APOLOGY ACT IN AUTUMN
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Fall has arrived — the season of cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice, and the occasional workplace blunder. Maybe a client’s delivery gets delayed, a billing error sneaks through, or your quick clarification accidentally creates more confusion than clarity. Your instinct? “Sorry!” But as we heard at the Heinen Hutchison Robitaille luncheon on navigating investigations earlier this September, those little words can take on a different weight when the stakes are higher. Sometimes, even a small “sorry” can shift or complicate how words or actions are interpreted — which is exactly why the law occasionally steps in to lend us a bit of grace.
A Law That Lets You Be Polite
Enter Ontario’s Apology Act, 2009, a surprisingly heartwarming piece of legislation that says you can apologize without accidentally confessing to wrongdoing. An “I’m sorry” under the Act isn’t an admission of fault, doesn’t affect insurance coverage, and, with few exceptions, can’t be used against you in court. It’s the legal world’s way of acknowledging that empathy isn’t evidence. Sometimes a “sorry” just means you have good manners — not that you’ve breached a contract.
So this fall, if you send the wrong draft to a client, a service issue leaves a customer frustrated, or a conversation takes an unexpected turn, remember that Ontario’s Apology Act exists and may come in handy for moments like these. It recognizes that expressing regret doesn’t necessarily mean admitting fault - and that sometimes, an apology can be both good manners and good strategy. In a season that’s all about reflection and gratitude, it’s a timely reminder that even the law leaves room for a little humanity - and perhaps a cinnamon latte while you think it over.
**Note: this article is for general information only - even if it sounds confident and smells faintly of cinnamon. For actual legal advice in a sticky situation, please contact your friendly neighbourhood lawyer (preferably before you say “sorry”). |
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🎃 The Great Canadian “Sorry” Map |
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The original “sorry-safe zone.”
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Yeehaw, you can say sorry too.
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🌾 Saskatchewan & Manitoba
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Prairie-friendly politeness.
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Politeness coast to coast.
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May carry legal weight - Best offered with care (and maybe café au lait)
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We’re excited to welcome our newest WGCC members to our community of over 200 talented, driven, and future-focused women leaders! We can't wait to get to know you better - and to learn from all the expertise and fresh perspectives you bring! |
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Carolyn Frost | Red River College Polytechnic
Danielle Townley | Building Ontario Fund
Nina Moritsugu | Canada Workday ULC
Rima Shouli | Reckitt Benckiser
Rita Villanueva | Sherritt International Corp
Tracy Darling | Nokia |
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At WGCC, nothing makes us happier than sharing hacks, tips, and must-know recommendations. Whether it’s a brilliant speaker for your next event, a legal app that could save the day, a can’t-miss book or podcast, or celebrating someone who has recently won an award, we’ve got you covered. |
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Have you had an amazing speaker, service, podcast, resource or tool that your fellow GC's may benefit from? If so, please share and contribute to our curated recommendations for WGCC members! Whether it's announcements, awards, or upcoming speaking engagements, allow WGCC to amplify your news and spread the word by emailing: info@womengc.ca! |
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Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers
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WGCC is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our accomplished members who were among those named to Canadian Lawyer’s 2025 Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada. Special congratulations to Carole Dagher, Pam Hrick and Shara Roy for their well-deserved recognition!
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This year’s list highlights that true influence in the legal profession stems from mastery of the craft, adaptability, creativity, and strong relationship-building.
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We’re excited to share that our Chair, Heather Mullen, will be one of several (!) WGCC members speaking at the upcoming Quorum Club happening December 1st at the National Club in Toronto. She will be joined by fellow WGCC members, Alena Thouin, Shara Roy and Kamika McLean. This promises to be an inspiring day of ideas and conversation — and as valued members of WGCC, you’re invited to attend at a special discounted rate. Don’t miss your opportunity to connect with fellow legal leaders! |
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Exclusive Member Benefit | Preventative Health Assessments with TELUS Health
WGCC, in partnership with TELUS Health, is pleased to offer exclusive pricing on Preventative Health Assessments (PHAs) for all members and their guests. These comprehensive assessments are designed to support both physical and mental well-being—because maintaining optimal health is key to sustained performance, sound decision-making, and long-term success.
With increasing strain on our public healthcare system, proactive, preventative care may be something you’re considering for yourself and your loved ones. Visit our webpage for details on how WGCC members—and their friends and family—can take advantage of this special offer. |
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Women Get On Board (WGOB) | Upcoming Events & Member Discounts
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WGOB is proudly celebrating 10 years of getting women on boards! With a growing network of over 1,000 members across Canada, WGOB continues to champion the next generation of women leaders—one board seat at a time. They stand by the power of three: one woman in the boardroom is a token, two is a presence, and three is a voice.
Looking ahead to a busy and exciting fall, WGOB is pleased to share a lineup of upcoming events and programs—along with exclusive discount codes available to WGCC members. Don’t miss these opportunities to learn, connect, and take your board journey to the next level! |
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WGOB Membership Discount | $50.00 off
Click here for more details and to apply, click here |
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OUR SINCEREST GRATITUDE TO OUR VALUED SPONSORS & PARTNERS
WGCC would like to thank its generous sponsors and partners for their ongoing support of the women general counsel community! |
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