The Alberta Law Reform Institute (ALRI) is thrilled to welcome Debbie Klein to its Board of Directors. Debbie Klein has worked in the delivery of free community-based legal services since 1990—at the Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired (now SAGE), at Credit Counselling Services of Alberta (now Money Mentors), and as the Executive Director of the Edmonton Community Legal Centre since 2008. She grew up on a mixed farm in southeast Saskatchewan, and has lived [...]

The Alberta Law Reform Institute (ALRI) is excited to welcome Donald Scott K.C. to its Board of Directors. Currently serving as the Board Chair for Keyano College, Don is also the Executive Director for McMurray Metis. Don pursued his legal studies at the University of New Brunswick and obtained a master’s in law from Cambridge University. While in England, he was an Assistant Solicitor for the Bloody Sunday Inquiry. Having established roots in Fort McMurray [...]

The Alberta Law Reform Institute [ALRI] is seeking 2 students for employment between May and August 2025.  Students should be completing their second year of law and have strong writing skills to support the presentation of their research in new issues in the law. The Research Assistants will work directly with ALRI lawyers to follow project plans and research new legal policy.  This work provides students with direct feedback from our lawyers and valuable experience [...]

The Alberta Law Reform Institute [ALRI] is seeking applications for three positions on our Board of Directors. For over 50 years, ALRI has provided independent comprehensive recommendations to the Government of Alberta to improve the laws of Alberta. As a member of the ALRI Board, individuals will have the opportunity to provide input into recommendations that will have a positive impact on the lives of people living in Alberta. Past ALRI recommendations have resulted in [...]

The Alberta Law Reform Institute (ALRI) honors the life and contributions of Donald R. Cranston K.C. For eight years, Donald brought his wisdom, experience, and steadfast dedication to the Institute’s mission of advancing just and effective laws. Whether serving as a board member or as chairman, his commitment to fairness in Alberta's justice system was reflected in ALRI’s work since 2016. Donald was a thoughtful advocate who consistently sought to bring humanity into the realm [...]

ALRI extends its heartfelt thanks to Don Cranston, K.C. for his service as Board Chair. Don joined the ALRI Board as the nominee of the Law Society of Alberta in 2016. After his term as LSA President, Don continued on the ALRI Board as a member at large and was unanimously elected as chair in 2018. ALRI Executive Director, Sandra Petersson, K.C., states "It has been an honour to work with Don. He is an [...]

The Alberta Law Reform Institute is excited to announce that current Board member Deirdre McKenna K.C. will serve as Chair of ALRI's board of directors. Since Ms. McKenna joined ALRI's board in 2018, the Institute has benefitted from her expertise and contributions with several of its law reform projects being implemented into legislation. Her commitment to improving the laws of Alberta made her the natural choice for Chair of ALRI's board. ALRI wishes outgoing Chair [...]

Take a few minutes to meet ALRI student researcher Rachel Poznikoff. Rachel is a law student going into her third year at the University of Alberta. She has a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Psychology from Simon Fraser University. While at Simon Fraser University, she assisted on research relating to children’s memory in forensic settings. In law school she has volunteered with the Student Legal Services Wills Project, Do-Your-Own-Divorce Clinic, and Trans-ID Clinic. In [...]

Take a few minutes to meet ALRI student researcher Sawyer Nessel! Sawyer Nessel is a law student at the University of Alberta who will be starting her third year of law school in the fall. Sawyer has a Bachelor of Commerce from MacEwan University. Prior to joining ALRI, Sawyer worked in a variety of industries, including law, parks maintenance, customer service, road construction, and more. In her free time, Sawyer enjoys visiting family and friends, [...]