The Cullen Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering began Monday, February 24, with opening statements from several participants, including the Law Society. The Law Society’s opening statement can be found here.
The Law Society is one of many organizations participating in the fight against money laundering. As regulator of the legal profession in the province, the Law Society’s mandate includes working to prevent lawyers from involvement in any dishonesty, crime or fraud – including money laundering – committed by clients or anyone else. It fulfills this mandate through rules and enforcement, law firm audits, investigation and discipline, and education of the legal profession.
The Cullen Commission is conducting hearings and is scheduled to issue its interim report in November 2020, with its final report expected in May 2021. The Law Society will continue its participation in the commission and is committed to working collaboratively with other organizations and the Commission and to supporting the public inquiry process.