Learning by Serving a key access to justice theme

For the third consecutive year, the University of Manitoba and the Manitoba Law Foundation co-hosted Manitoba’s Annual Access to Justice (A2J) Forum, held from May 21st to May 22nd, 2026. This year’s theme, Learning by Serving, centred on the importance of community engagement and experiential learning, and their broader impacts on access to justice in Manitoba communities.

The Forum featured presentations from Robert Hotomani (Knowledge Holder, Sagkeeng First Nation); Sarah Buhler (University of Saskatchewan, Faculty of Law) and Gemma Smyth (University of Windsor, Faculty of Law); Marc Kruse (Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services); Laurelle Harris, K.C. (Director of ITL, Equity, and Transformation); Elizabeth McCandless (Executive Director of Clinics); Mary Shariff (Associate Dean of Graduate Studies; Director, Master of Human Rights Program); Allison Fenske (Clinical Counsel); Nick Slonosky (Supervising Lawyer, L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic); Tarik Daoudi (L'Association des juristes d'expression française du Manitoba (AJEFM/Infojustice); Kirsten Wurmann (Manitoba Law Library); Janine Bramadat (End Homelessness); and Dallas Gillingham (3L, Coordinator for Pro Bono Students Canada).

The Forum was also honoured to welcome Manitoba’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Matt Wiebe, who delivered remarks and joined participants as a special guest. In addition, representatives from all three levels of Court provided updates on behalf of their respective courts.

Focus on Experiential Learning

Hotomani spoke about the importance of spirituality and culture, as well as the lasting impacts of colonization that continue to create barriers to self-discovery and reconnection. Building on these themes, Kruse highlighted two Faculty of Law initiatives—the wills and estates clinic and the newly established report-writing clinic—which draw on Indigenous legal approaches to support and strengthen First Nations communities and in which law students gain practical experience.

Buhler and Smyth presented on clinical legal education, highlighting its value not only as a means of developing practical legal skills, but also as a powerful tool to advance access to justice. Harris, K.C., reflected on the successes and impacts of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law’s first ITL cohort. McCandless discussed the various experiential learning programs offered at Robson Hall, while Shariff spoke about the graduate programs offered. Fenske spoke about student-led case management and gap-filling initiatives. Slonosky discussed the Business Law and Arts clinics, as well as the opportunity for students to gain experience with AI-powered client management systems. Gillingham concluded by highlighting the meaningful learning opportunities that Pro-Bono Students Canada provides while helping to address community needs.

During panel discussions, Dauodi, Wurmann, and Bramadat reflected on the valuable contributions students have made to their respective organizations. The panel discussions also featured student testimonials from Ashley Allen (AJEFM/Infojustice) and Ege Kaymaz (Manitoba Law Library), who shared key takeaways and perspectives on their placements.

Growing Access to Justice services

Natasha Brown, Director of Access to Justice and Community Engagement at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law, provided updates regarding the new Manitoba Access to Justice website. Set to launch soon, the website will serve as a hub for collaboration among A2J partners and organizations. Brown also announced the new Manitoba Access to Justice LinkedIn page, which will support and complement the website’s initiatives.

Following the organizational updates presented by A2J stakeholders, which will be included in an upcoming A2J newsletter, attendees participated in small group discussions on a range of topics exploring how clinics and community-based learning can respond to unmet legal needs while supporting meaningful student learning.

Forum participants

Representatives from the following A2J organizations attended the 2026 Forum:

• Manitoba Court of Appeal
• Manitoba Court of King’s Bench
• Manitoba Provincial Court
• Law Society of Manitoba
• Manitoba Law Foundation
• Manitoba Government - Department of Justice
• Manitoba Law Library
• Manitoba Bar Association
• University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law
• University of Saskatchewan, Faculty of Law
• University of Windsor, Faculty of Law
• Manitoba Law Reform Commission
• Manitoba Justice - Prosecution Services
• Manitoba Justice - Legal Services
• Manitoba Justice - Family Resolution Services
• Robson Hall Rights Clinic
• Manitoba Eco-Network
• Nii Gaanii Asin @ At the Root Consulting
• Community Unemployed Help Centre
• Ochekwiwanasowewin Restorative Justice
• Manitoba Bar Association
• Legal Help Centre
• Healthy Muslim Families
• Onashowewin Justice Circle
• Manitoba Council of Administrative Tribunals
• Community Legal Education Association
• End Homelessness Winnipeg
• Legal Aid Manitoba
• Legal Information for Incarcerated Manitobans (LIIM) and Prison Libraries Committee (PLC)
• L’Association des juristes d’expression française du Manitoba (AJEFM/Infojustice)
• Manitoba Law Library
• Mediation Services
• First Nations Family Advocate Office
• Marrow Law/Kiwetinohk Consulting
• Manitoba Métis Federation
• Bilal Community and Family Centre Inc
• MIIC - A Welcome Place
• Public Interest Law Centre (PILC)
• Pro Bono Students Canada - University of Manitoba Chapter