Catherine Rhinelander

Catherine Rhinelander is an Assistant Crown Attorney at the Ministry of the Attorney General in the Guns and Gangs Unit in Toronto. There, she oversees teams of Crown attorneys prosecuting individuals charged with organized crime including trafficking in firearms and drugs, human trafficking, and homicide. These large-scale prosecutions rely primarily on wiretaps, search warrants, and production orders. She also sits on the Death Investigation Oversight Council that ensures death investigations are performed in a transparent and accountable manner. Prior to joining the Crown’s office, Catherine began her career as a defence counsel with a large criminal law firm in Toronto before opening her own practice in 1996.

A member of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Catherine was a member of the Joint Inquiry Team that represented Ontario at the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Inquiry. She currently volunteers with grassroots organizations focused on healing, land-based art, and bringing awareness to the public of MMIWG loved ones. Throughout her career, she has been committed to acknowledging the rights of Indigenous Peoples and working towards reconciliation, including assisting in the development, design and delivery of the Indigenous Justice Crown school course that educates Crown attorneys across Ontario. Catherine is currently a course director for Confronting Racism, Bias, and Diversity, and a member of the Ontario Crown Attorney’s Association Committee on Diversity and Inclusivity.

Catherine was awarded an LL.B. from Dalhousie University.

Contact Catherinet at catherine.rhinelander@ontario.ca