Butter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast

Brenda Agnew is co-hosting today's episode with Simona Jellineck. They have the privilege of welcoming Michael Battista to a thoughtful conversation.

With over 30 years of experience practicing immigration and refugee law, Michael is certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Specialist in Citizenship and Immigration Law (Immigration and Refugee Protection). Michael worked with EGALE Canada and the Canadian government to extend the family class to same-sex couples under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and has appeared as a witness before Parliament on issues involving LGBTQ+ immigration, sponsorships, and medical inadmissibility. The breadth of Michael's expertise covers the entire spectrum of immigration and refugee law, with a focus on matters related to sponsorships based on same-sex relationships, HIV, medical and other inadmissibility, and Express Entry applications by people seeking to obtain Canadian permanent residence for them and their same-sex partners.

Michael also leads the firm's corporate immigration practice, involving the transfers of employees to Canada. He has been an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto since 2003 and an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy since 2017. He received the first Teaching Innovation Award from the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy in 2018.

Key Takeaways:

[3:30] Michael shares his motivation to do the work that he does.

[6:30] Michael talks about his life in his twenties and the impact of HIV on his community.

[10:15] Many changes have taken place in the past couple of decades.

[14:54] Simone remembers how difficult advocating for LGBTQ+ rights was in her twenties.

[16:39] Rainbow Railroad is not only happening in Canada.

[18:43] Michael recalls the early times of fundraising for Rainbow Railroad.

[22:30] Brenda, Simona, and Michael address the societal aspect in Canada compared to the US.

[27:05] Michael defines prosecution.

[29:00] Is Rainbow Railroad alone gathering funds for the cause?

[30:01] How does Rainbow Railroad help the people in their initial times in Canada?

[33:14] Michael discusses some of the steps forward and some of the steps back that have occurred in this movement over the years.

[34:05] What role do other organizations like the UN play in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights?

[37:30] Michael highlights the power of certain words.

[38:12] How can people get involved?

[40:02] Does the local Ugandan community in Canada hold the same judgments over the LGBTQ+ community?

[41:37] How many people did Rainbow Railroad help over the years?

[42:30] Michael shares one particular email that got to his heart in 2010.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Michael Battista and visit Rainbow Railroad.

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Brenda Agnew is co-hosting today's episode with Simona Jellineck. As we dive into the month of June, we have an exciting lineup of episodes dedicated to Pride Month. These discussions are not confined to a single day or month, which is why they will remain available on Gluckstein's platform.

In this episode, Brenda and Simona have the pleasure of welcoming Jacq Hixson-Vulpe as a guest. Together, they will engage in an insightful conversation about equity, with a particular focus on the pressing issues affecting the trans community.

Jacq brings 20 years of passion and experience to the role of EDI Strategic Advisor at the Ontario College of Pharmacist. At 15, they started facilitating education and training sessions with TEACH which stands for Teens Educating and Confronting Homophobia, this experience ignited their lifelong passion for education as a key tool to challenging systemic barriers. As a Ph.D. candidate, a registered educator and someone with ten years experience in Social Service and Community Development, Jacq brings their expertise working alongside community to identify and address barriers to their passion of driving systemic change. Jack has authored numerous resources of supporting LGBTQ communities in the workplace as well as having more than five hundred education sessions.

Key Takeaways:

[4:05] Jacq explains what is happening currently in the LGBTQ community.

[8:13] Jacq uses the pendulum analogy to describe the human rights movements that began in the early 90s'.

[14:06] Why is the trans community specifically targeted?

[19:56] Jacq is a big fan of building solidarity, you can't tell people what to think.

[21:47] Brenda wonders why there are supporters of the anti-trans movement.

[27:46] Many trans individuals live below the poverty line.

[29:02] Trans people are not being hired just because they are trans.

[30:36] Are basic human rights of trans people truly protected?

[31:42] Jacq explains why it might seem that trans people are 'hiding' something.

[34:04] What about people who are trying to commit fraud and are legally allowed to change their name?

[36:56] 'It could be you some day'.

[40:17] What can people do to help trans rights to be respected?

[44:42] Don't turn a blind eye to injustice.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Jacq Hixson-Vulpe.

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Brenda Agnew and Jordan Assaraf, your hosts, welcome Diana Rockbrune, Marketing Manager at Gluckstein Lawyers, to discuss legal marketing, what it looks like in legal communities, why it is important, what can and cannot be done, and how firms have different approaches in this field.

Key Takeaways:

[2:35] Diana talks about her legal and marketing background and how she became part of the Gluckstein family.

[3:35] Diana explains her role in the previous law firm she worked for.

[6:10] Diana highlights the value of reputation when marketing a law firm.

[7:50] How does Diana see the changes in legal marketing over the past decade?

[10:45] Different practices, different types of marketing.

[12:38] What is the focus of a Marketing Manager?

[14:28] What are some of the challenges that exist in the world of legal marketing?

[18:30] Marketing also allows people to become advocates.

[21:22] Diana talks about her life as a mother.

[24:28] How has COVID affected Legal Marketing?

[30:04] Returning to events after three years of COVID restrictions is nice.

[32:25] Diana discusses the financial aspect of legal marketing and how businesses have changed their ways of operating due to COVID.

[38:35] Diana talks about participating in a Breast Cancer Awareness event.

[42:45] Diana responds to rapid-fire questions.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Diana Rockbrune

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Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Sarah … to today's episode, Sarah and Brenda have collaborated on several enterprises, and most recently, they collaborated on an advocacy workshop for families at a children's treatment center. They talk today about advocacy, where it comes from, and what really means to be an advocate for them.

Key Takeaways:

[4:07] What brought Sarah into the world of advocacy?

[7:14] Sarah shares the moment of meeting with parents that have gone through a similar experience to hers.

[16:15] Brenda and Sarah connect with others through the lessons learned from their experiences.

[18:58] The advocacy work can take longer than you expect.

[22:18] Where does advocacy come from?

[24:12] Advocacy is about information.

[28:37] Sarah shares how the work of advocacy is about finding a way to slowly realize what is in the way for people to change their minds about something.

[33:51] Listen to people who live with disabilities!

[35:28] Sarah shares what she learned from Disability Advocates: Is this about you or about your child?

[39:26] Sarah discusses the importance of networking, consent, awareness, and connection.

[44:32] It is ok to be frustrated.

[50:33] You are not alone; find your people.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Sarah

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Your hosts, Brenda Agnew and Simone Jellinek welcome Eden Dales to today's episode. Eden is an MSW, RSW, a registered social worker with the Ontario College of social workers and Social Service Workers, and a member in good standing with the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Eden graduated with her master's degree in social work in 2001 at Yeshiva University, Wursweiler School of Social Work. Eden works at Eden Dales School of Social Work, a community-based social work practice that provides assessments and counseling services for clients and families recovering from trauma across Ontario in many languages.

Key Takeaways:

[2:25] How did Eden get involved in trauma-informed care?

[4:33] Eden talks about the core principle of the trauma-informed approach.

[8:22] Brenda describes the challenges that face a trauma survivor when entering a law firm.

[9:07] Simona talks about her interest in Trauma Informed response.

[13:40] Eden introduces the concept of "gentle curiosity."

[17:11] Eden explains how the trauma-informed approach promotes resilience and reduces the possibility of retraumatization.

[19:40] Why would a lawyer want to receive trauma-informed training?

[20:34] Simona shares the benefits lawyers acquire as a result of being trained in Trauma Informed.

[25:14] Brenda shares her experience seeing the results of not using the trauma-informed approach.

[30:09] Why is there an immediate hesitation or resistance from lawyers to wanting to learn more and incorporate the trauma-informed approach in their practices?

[33:45] Eden talks about her biggest resistance to using this approach.

[37:10] Our job is not to challenge people's realities.

[40:50] As an individual, why would someone want to have trauma-informed training?

[50:42] Remember that the same brain that has experienced the trauma is the one which you are dealing with today.

[52:33] Eden details the first steps when seeking trauma-informed training.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Eden Dales

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Your hosts, Brenda Agnew and Jordan Assaraf are joined by Mike Shoreman. In 2018 Mike was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which left him with several different impediments and a disability. Before contracting Ramsay Hunt Syndrom, Mike was an avid stand-up paddle boarder. Still, this illness did not stop Mike from crossing the five great lakes in August 2022, a fantastic accomplishment he celebrated with fans, friends, and family.

Key Takeaways:

[4:56] Mike talks about his life before 2018 until he was diagnosed, and a new journey began seeking healing.

[9:40] What did Mike feel when he was diagnosed?

[13:03] Mike shares what he did to make himself feel better.

[16:31] Did anyone recommend Mike to seek counseling or social work?

[21:36] Mike found the motivation and inspiration to get back on the paddle board after going through a mental breakdown.

[28:37] Mike shares how it felt to be back on the board and how he gradually started to get accustomed to being on the water again.

[32:55] How did Mike think about crossing the five great lakes?

[36:20] The pandemic changed everything, and Mike realized they needed an event that brought attention from the press.

[41:05] Mike wants to go through all the great lakes.

[41:47] Who is on Mike's team? What expertise does each person bring?

[44:46] Mike talks about the Accessibility Awards.

[45:31] Mike shares the most demoralizing defeating moment of his life.

[49:06] What is Mike doing now?

[53:55] People are more willing to support people with disabilities.

[54:45] Mike talks about the documentary that is about to be launched.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Mike Shoreman's achievements.

Follow Mike on Twitter

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Brenda Agnew, your host, is joined by Aaron Lightstone, founder of an organization called Music Therapy Toronto. Aaron Lightstone RP, MMT, MTA is an award-winning musician, composer, psychotherapist, music therapist, and educator.

In this episode, Aaron and Brenda talk about the amazing benefits of Music Therapy and who could benefit from this therapeutic approach that has been growing and expanding to help people heal and improve joyfully.

Key Takeaways:

[2:13] Aaron introduces himself

[3:56] Aaron talks about his work with patients rehabilitating from brain injury.

[5:48] Brenda shares how she found a new way to connect with her son in music.

[7:08] What is music doing for people struggling after an injury?

[11:40] Brenda highlights the importance of setting different goals for different people.

[14:07] The goals set for music therapy accelerate the goal set for physiotherapy, speech, and occupational therapy.

[19:18] Music therapy is enjoyable.

[24:16] Music therapy creates so much more than therapeutic benefits, the educational and cognitive advantages are substantial.

[29:20] What are the recent changes in the Music Therapy industry and approach?

[35:50] Music therapy is not as popular as it should be.

[37:06] Aaron talks about an initiative from two colleagues researching the benefits of music therapy in rehabilitation contexts called the Music and Health Science Research Collaboratory.

[40:56] Aaron shares his role in assisting clients who suffered a brain injury.

[49:55] Many people of different ages can benefit from music therapy.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Aaron Lightstone

Music and Health Science Research Collaboratory

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Brenda Agnew, your host, is joined today by three fantastic guests Jane Malkovich, from the DNA Genetic Detective, Elaine Kicknosway, and Colleen Cardinal, both co-founders of the Sixties Scoop Network and survivors.

In today's episode, they talk about the Sixties Scoop, its work and initiatives, and the progress made in the last decades in reuniting families and raising awareness about it.

Key Takeaways:

[2:48] What is the Sixties Scoop and why is it so important?

[5:01] Elaine shares how she found out about the 60s Scoop.

[7:33] There only are estimated numbers in regard to the 60s scoop survivors, it is believed that they are around 20,000.

[8:38] They took children from their homes, and the government framed it as a benevolent act.

[10:32] Many children were taken outside of Canada, making it very difficult to find them.

[14:19] There are 109 recommendations that range from cultural sensitivity to the maintenance of family ties.

[15:40] There is not enough written about the loss of cultural identity, community, and land.

[17:34] What is the goal behind starting the 60sScoope network?

[20:41] Jane shares how she joined the 60sScoope network.

[25:01] Most people don't know how to read a genetic mapping.

[26:40] They are providing the genetic kits for free.

[28:30] How can people help?

[31:30] Some nonindigenous people came to them to find out if they were indigenous.

[34:21] Jane addresses the fear of reconnecting with biological families.

[39:10] Brenda recognizes and thanks Colleen and Elaine for their work helping other survivors in the way they do.

[41:16] Colleen, Jane, and Elaine share their messages with the audience.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about The Sixties Scoop

Donations

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Brenda Agnew and Jordan Assaraf, your hosts, welcome Charles Gluckstein to today's episode to talk about 2022's highlights. They talk about how Gluckstein has grown through several mergers during this year, which has enriched their experience and improved the quality of the service that clients are receiving. Charles is proud of all the outstanding work and collaboration the Gluckstein family has done in 2022. Listen to today's episode, learn about the best of 2022, and what is on the horizon for Gluckstein Lawyers.

Key Takeaways:

[2:26] Brenda shares the highlights of one year of hosting this amazing legal podcast.

[8:50] Charles calls 2022 a 'transformative year" for the Gluckstein family.

[9:50] Gluckstein has become one of the leading firms in Sexual Abuse across the country.

[10:25] Class action and mass torts were two other areas where Gluckstein Lawyers dove deep this past year.

[13:50] Charles talks about technology and the changes involved with staying updated.

[17:56] It is imperative to be ready to transform yourself.

[19:01} Charles talks about the Trauma-Informed Approach.

[21:28] Charles talks about the crucial importance of Brenda's role as a former client in Gluckstein lawyers.

[22:28] Jordan talks about the merges that happened at Gluckstein in 2022.

[27:16] What is on Charles' mind for the next year and beyond?

[34:43] Brenda talks about the world of accessibility that has opened up.

[42:55] Charles talks about the feeling of being at the start line.

[46:38] Charles gives advice to listeners.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Charles Gluckstein

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Brenda Agnew, your host, is joined by Diana Harris and Simona Jellinek who have been working with Supporting Survivors, where they have been focusing on advocating for victims of sexual abuse and assault among other issues. They usually receive the first inquiries through a phone call, where they hear devastating stories (experiences that are often voiced for the first time), they have the privilege of becoming these survivors' companions, listening to their stories, assisting them legally and also helping them navigate the system for them to find as many supporting resources as possible.

Key Takeaways:

[2:40] Simona talks about what kind of clients she sees and what she does to support them.

[4:03] Most of the sexual assault survivors who come to Gluckstein Lawyers have never spoken to anyone about the events before.

[8:16] Supporting survivors of sexual assault requires a specific approach.

[10:50] Diana reassures: "Trauma is trauma".

[12:14] Simona talks about how her background experience is transferable to her work supporting survivors of sexual abuse.

[13:15] What a Trauma Centre Approach actually looks like.

[16:30] Simona emphasizes the impact that each interaction can have on a person and how someone can be able to best serve that person.

[17:25] Trauma Informed Training is going to be another way of caring for the clients in a better way.

[18:36] Clients tend to call back Gluckstein's Lawyers since they felt better after being listened to.

[21:38] Diana talks about how they help people navigate the system.

[22:55] Finding resources available for survivors can be challenging (especially for men survivors of sexual abuse).

[24:39] Why do male survivors of sexual abuse have less access to support?

[27:10] What is the financial piece of having to seek out support?

[31:15] Brenda talks about her experience with mental health services.

[33:38] How does someone from a marginalized community find support resources?

[36:10] Simona shares how the first communications with the clients are.

[39:06] Sometimes just knowing more gives the clients the sense of getting their power back.

[40:04] How can anyone encourage someone to pick up the phone to find out more about his/her case?

[43:40] You can't fake genuine interest, Simone explains what it means to represent survivors.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Simona Jellinek and Diana Harris.

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