Who we are
The people behind The Institute for Ethical Use (IEU).
Jordan W. Charness D.C.S., B.A., L.L.L., Barrister and Solicitor
President and Founder
Listed in Canadian Who’s Who, he has been practicing law since 1985. Now senior partner of one of Canada’s oldest multi-generational law firms, Charness Charness and Charness LLP founded by his grandfather in 1925. The firm specializes in commercial law. Based in Quebec, the firm provides legal services right across Canada and employs lawyers licensed to practice in every province in the country.
He is a member of both the Bar of Québec and Law Society of Ontario and currently oversees a law firm numbering over 75 people.
He has experience on the boards of several major institutions and currently is serving as Emeritus Member of the Board of the Shriners Hospital for Children, where he was cochairman of the finance committee. He has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Receivable Management Association of Canada where he chairs the Government Affairs Committee.
He was on air legal analyst appearing live at the anchor desk of both CBC and CTV television. He gave legal advice live on his top-rated show the Legal Hour on several Montréal radio stations. For 21 years he wrote a weekly column in The Montreal Gazette, Canada’s oldest daily newspaper and is the author of hundreds of published articles and a bestselling book.
Meet the team
Colin Cummins
Board Member
Colin is a Partner at Hiloma Inc., with over 20 years of experience in technology leadership, cybersecurity, and strategic risk management. His expertise spans digital transformation, AI governance, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on helping organizations embrace innovation while managing risk and maintaining accountability.
Beyond his professional work, Colin serves on multiple boards and advisory committees across the education, nonprofit, and private sectors, bringing a strong commitment to governance, strategic leadership, and community engagement.
Peter Sorrentino
Board Member
Peter Sorrentino is a Canadian entrepreneur, business executive, and industry leader with more than 35 years of experience in accounts receivable management, financial technology, payment processing, and business process outsourcing. Peter is also the co-founder of People First Credit Corporation, a debt acquisition business with more than $1 billion under management; General Billing Solutions Inc., a payment-processing technology company; and FREESTYLE Telecom Technologies Inc., where he serves as President and CEO. FREESTYLE operates a global workforce and customer engagement platform supporting more than 8,000 users across 24 countries, combining human agents, artificial intelligence, and omnichannel communications.
Patrick Dion
Treasurer
Patrick Dion is a government relations professional, recognized for helping clients solve strategic issues and enhancing their reputation and brand with federal, provincial and municipal governments. Patrick was appointed as Ontario's representative on the Board of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, serving as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Commission's Audit and Finance Committee. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a degree in Electrical Engineering Science and from Rotman School of Management's Directors Education Program (DEP38).