Summary: Dr. Saxe is one of Canada’s most respected environmental lawyers, with 40+ years’ unparalleled experience writing, interpreting, and litigating Ontario’s energy and environmental laws. An experienced team leader with substantial board experience; a skilled communicator with broad strategic vision. Hard-won expertise in government relations, corporate governance and public consultation. A can-do person always striving to make a difference. Now heading Saxe Facts, a law firm on climate, energy and environment.

Leadership training and experience: 2015 to 2019, Dr. Dianne Saxe was the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. She was appointed unanimously by all MPPs to report to the Legislature on Ontario’s environmental, energy and climate performance, and to be the guardian of the Environmental Bill of Rights. During her term, she improved the effectiveness of the Environmental Bill of Rights, increased public understanding of the urgency of climate change, and delivered 17 reports on environment, energy and climate.

Board Experience: More than 20 years’ experience on public and private boards, including Draxis board and audit committee (public issuer). Non-profit organizations included Secretary of Evergreen, a $10 million/year environmental charity; president and chair of the Windshare renewable energy cooperative; Ontario Bar Association Investment Committee. Extensive professional assistance to boards and board members, especially on issues of personal and environmental liability. Certified “Board-Ready” by Women in Capital Markets. Competent Boards training. Canadian Board Diversity Council Get on Board.

Author: Environmental Protection – Guidance & Recommendations for Boardroom Practice.

Business Experience: 25 years running her own small business, a highly regarded environmental law boutique. A Certified Environmental Law Specialist, Commissioner Saxe was recognized by all major legal rating services, including acknowledgement as one of the world’s top 25 environmental lawyers by Best of the Best, 2008 and as Best Lawyers’ first Environmental Lawyer of the Year for Toronto.

Professional Qualifications: Ph.D. in Law, Osgoode Hall Law School, 1991. Ontario Bar, 1976. LL.B., Osgoode Hall Law School, 1974. Mediator. Doctorate in Environmental Studies (Hon.), University of Waterloo 2022.

Awards: Toronto’s first Environmental Lawyer of the Year, selected by Best Lawyers. One of the world’s top 25 environmental lawyers, according to Best of the Best, 2008. Recognized by Lexpert, Who’s Who Legal, Chambers, Martindale Hubble and other rating agencies. Osgoode Hall Alumni Gold Key for Achievement; Ontario Bar Association Distinguished Service Award. Honourary member of For Our Grandchildren and Women for Nature. Clean50 2017. Law Society of Ontario Medal for exemplary achievement and leadership in environmental law, 2020.

McMurtry Clinical Fellowship holder, Osgoode Hall Law School and Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University, 2019-2020. Senior fellow, Massey College. Adjunct faculty, School of the Environment, University of Toronto.

For bookings, contact Dianne Saxe