McBryan v. A.G. (Aug 11, 1997)(Q.B.)(9703-13147) Successful judicial  review of denial of social assistance benefits & subsequent appeal hearing before Edmonton Social Allowance Appeal Panel (Sept 26, 1997) & subsequent  hearing before Panel Sept 26, 1997 & Oct 3, 1997

Theresa gifted this work of art to Shirish with a handmade card,

"Dear Shirish
Words are totally inadequate sometimes...thank you." 
                                                                                                                                                             Theresa McBryan

​Theresa McBryan is an artist from Alberta.  Shirish helped her pro bono. 

Human Rights Legal CommunityFeedback from Consultations:

During the Winnipeg consultation, I was impressed by both the conduct of the consultation and the work of the Tribunal as presented.  Ms Chotalia was open to constructive criticism.  She was genuinely concerned about the needs of Canadians, and how she could make the justice system more accessible to them.  She implemented the new access to justice model with
the support of lawyers and human rights advocates, such as myself.  She also obtained the support and congratulations of
administrative and employment law groups across Canada, and that of Deans of Law and law professors in Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec.  Her customized access process is designed to
provide the parties with emotional closure to their cases with significantly less legal costs than under the old system.  .....Ms.  Chotalia, it was apparent to me, was motivated profoundly to serve the best interests of Canadians.  I value the hard work she did and hope that this work will continue to serve Canadians."

                                                                                                                            Human Rights Lawyer - David Matas
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​First Nations Elder - Elder Gordon Williams
Gordon E. Williams (Nanakawus) Cree Elder Peguis First Nation Manitoba
"I had the distinct pleasure of working with Madam Chotalia in 2010 and 2011 and travelled across Canada to inform First Nations that section 67 of the Human Rights Act that excluded them from the application of the Human Rights Act would no longer be in effect.  First Nations would now come under the authority of the Human Rights Act that could see significant changes on how First Nations did their business in their communities as of June 19, 2011. 

Madame Chotalia took the lead in going directly to First Nations in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.  In every case, Madame Chotalia took the lead and I was there for support as required.  The meetings were well attended by the leadership in every one of those First Nations.

Madame Chotalia showed courage and a sincere will to do the very best that she could do to prepare First Nations for the pending changes that would ensue once the Human Rights Act applied to First Nations.

I was also very impressed with the manner she employed to keep her staff and colleagues informed of the progress the Human Rights Tribunal was making under her leadership.  Madame Chotalia held lunch meetings on several occasions and I witnessed them.  Birthday celebrations were morale builders for the staff as well.  I believe that Madame Chotalia demonstrated a real interest in developing a solid team for the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.....

I had the pleasure of working in a variety of roles during the course of my career and I would put my work with Madame Chotalia as one of the my best experiences."
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Ms. Chotalia supports Pro Bono Law Alberta

CHRT Members"It is my pleasure to have known and worked with Shirish Chotalia at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal for almost three years.
When Shirish became Chair of the Tribunal, she made a point of reaching out to all of the part-time members, including myself, to form a personal and professional relationship.  She has been very supportive in encouraging me and my colleagues at the Tribunal to provide her with our insights, advice and support.  Reciprocally, she has provided us with her support, loyalty, encouragement and guidance.

Shirish has worked tirelessly as Chair to improve the Tribunal.  Her efforts in connecting with various groups across the country to inform them about the Tribunal and to receive their feedback has produced  a number of positive results.  Her efforts to improve the mediation process in order to streamline and expedite cases, cut costs and restore relationships has led to the successful early conclusion to many cases that would have otherwise dragged on with unproductive, costly, fractious and uncertain outcomes for the participants.  Above all, her efforts to provide enhanced access to justice for Canadians seeking redress through the Federal human rights process has also resulted in many successes that are documented in the Tribunal's annual reports.   

I will always fondly remember her efforts to bring all of the members of the Tribunal from across the country together last October for an educational and social gathering.  Shirish graciously provided her own home to the members and personally prepared a sumptuous brunch before we had a very productive and successful meeting.  She arranged for an official swearing in of members, including myself, with inspirational commentary.  The meeting was fun, informative and educational...."

Ed Lustig, Part-Time CHRT Member (Aug 3, 2012)