Dianne Saxe, Ph.D. in Law
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.
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.
Services
We are in a climate emergency. What kind of help do you need?
Do you need to inform, move and motivate your leaders, staff, customers or other stakeholders? Dr. Saxe gives powerful, inspiring presentations. Browse my collections of climate change presentations and read reviews and testimonials.
Dr. Saxe is no longer in private practice but leaves this website as a resource, including her reports as Environmental Commissioner, many available presentations. and her ECO presentations. Testimonials about these climate change Toronto presentations are also available.
Recent blog posts
Councillor-Elect
On October 24, 2022, Dr. Saxe was elected to become the Toronto City Councillor for beautiful University Rosedale, Ward 11. As a result, she is no longer accepting new clients. Thank you so much for your trust over the years….
Global 50 award!
Thank you so much to SustainabilityX® for naming me #3 in its inaugural Global 50 Women In Sustainability Awards 2022. Amazing to be in such great company! Congratulations to all the award winners, including Helle Bank Jorgensen and Sheila Watt-Cloutier….
Green Economy Heroes
As faithful listeners will have noticed, I took a break from the podcast during the most intense parts of the provincial election campaign, but I have now picked it up again. We posted a new episode in June and one…
Honourary doctorate in Environmental Studies
On June 14, 2022, the Faculty of Environmental Studies at the University of Waterloo awarded me an honourary doctorate. Here is the address I gave to convocation: “When I am six years old, I fall in love with nature. Polio…
International Women’s Day
Hurrah, it is International Women’s Day. Remember the groundbreaking Paris Agreement of 2015? It was women like Christina Figureres, the visionary and collaborative leader of the UNFCCC who made that Agreement possible. Today, I salute all the women leaders who…