Record raging fires in Alberta, British Columbia, and California and devastating hurricanes have brought extreme weather to the forefront of public consciousness and concern. Join us on Shabbat, January 20^th, when Dr. Dianne Saxe, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO), delivers the D’var Torah titled, “Climate Plagues: Learning from the Torah as Climate Change Begins” and holds a post-kiddush talk.

Dr. Dianne Saxe

Dianne Saxe is the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO), a tough but fair watchdog over government compliance with the Environmental Bill of Rights. The ECO is a bridge between the public and the government on environmental issues.

Before her appointment, Commissioner Saxe was one of Canada’s most respected environmental lawyers, with 40 years’ experience in environmental and energy law and litigation. After 14 years in the Ontario public service, plus experience in two major Bay Street law firms, she ran one of Canada's top environmental law boutique law firms for 25 years.

A Certified Specialist, Commissioner Saxe was recognized in every Canadian and international legal rating service, and as one of the world’s top 25 environmental lawyers by Best of the Best, 2008. She was Canada’s leading author on environmental law, through her books, columns and envirolaw.com blog, and Toronto’s first Environmental Lawyer of the Year. She received numerous other tributes, including Ontario Bar Association Distinguished Service Award and Osgoode Hall Lifetime Achievement Gold Key.