TORONTO, Sept. 7 /CNW/ - The new Law Commission of Ontario, first

announced by the McGuinty government in November 2006, is open for business,

Attorney General Michael Bryant announced today.

     "The new Law Commission is a victory for all Ontarians," said Bryant. "As

an independent think-tank comprised of some of the brightest legal minds in

the province, its work will serve as a catalyst for change and advancement in

our evolving justice landscape."

     Attorney General Bryant made today's announcement at a plaque

presentation ceremony at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, where the Law

Commission's office is located. Construction on the office is almost complete

and the Commission is expected to start work on September 15.

     Bryant also introduced Patricia Hughes as the Commission's first

Executive Director. Hughes, a former dean of the University of Calgary's law

school, will serve a four-year term.

     "I am honoured and extremely pleased to be playing a role in advancing

law reform through the Law Commission of Ontario," said Hughes. "I look

forward to consulting with interested groups to develop the Commission's

agenda and working with the Board of Governors as we ask tough questions,

engage in critical analysis and make strong recommendations to improve our

legal system."

     The Law Commission of Ontario will work with academic institutions, the

legal community, the judiciary and the public to generate practical and

creative solutions to existing challenges. It will also explore ways to make

Ontario's justice system more accessible, for example, by using the Internet

to collect and disseminate legal knowledge and research.

     The Law Commission of Ontario is a partnership among Osgoode Hall Law

School at York University, the Deans of Ontario's six law schools, the Law

Society of Upper Canada, the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Law

Foundation of Ontario.

     "I would like to thank all our partners for helping to create a modern,

relevant and responsive Law Commission for Ontario," said Bryant. "I would

also like to congratulate Patricia Hughes on her appointment. She is an

excellent choice to lead the organization through its first years."