Articles

On April 4, I chaired a program which explored three areas of understanding that are important in interactions with political staffers by both lawyers and non-lawyers: the training and regulation of staffers; the Law Society’s Rules of Conduct that are engaged when lawyers interact with staffers; and political acuity.

Margaret Drent recaps the February 10 OBA Institute program, "Being a Lawyer in Politics".

The federal government appointed the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation in June 2016 and released a discussion paper to inform the work of the Task Force. The report sets out nine public policy objectives, the most important of which is to keep marijuana out of the hands of children and youth, and to keep profits out of the hands of criminals.

In December 2015, the Regional Municipality of York appointed ADR Chambers Inc. as the municipal ombudsman. The appointment followed a procurement process undertaken jointly by the Region and its nine local municipalities. York Region was one of the first Ontario municipalities to appoint an ombudsman pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001.

At the 10th Annual Tom Marshall Award of Excellence for Public Sector Lawyers, the Honourable Howard I. Wetston was recognized for his contribution to public service. This article overviews the event, which included tributes by Chief Justice Paul Crampton of the Federal Court; Murray Segal, Former Deputy Attorney General and Chief Prosecutor of Ontario; and Alan Lenczner, Commissioner of the Ontario Securities Commission.

Lila Amara effectue son stage au ministère du Procureur général de l’Ontario avec le ministère des Finances dans le cadre du Programme de pratique du droit de l’Université d’Ottawa. Elle partage ses expériences mémorables avec le Programme.

A panel of four Ottawa lawyers shared their stories on how they ended up working outside of firms and offered their best advice for young lawyers who are considering an alternative legal career. The panel members included Audrey Barrett (National Judicial Institute), Deborah Bayley (Privy Council Office, Government of Canada), Erin McNamara (Scotiabank) and Stefano Taucer (Rogers Communications). Below is an overview of some of what each shared with those in attendance.

Robin Bates provides an overview of the February 5, 2016 OBA Institute program, “What you need to know about the Ontario Ombudsman’s expanded oversight of municipalities, universities and school boards”.

Jennifer T. Chan provides an overview of this November 16, 2015 program hosted by the Public Sector Lawyers Section, "Confidentiality, Privilege and Disclosure in Investigative and Disciplinary Proceedings for Self-Regulated Professions." The Panel consisted of three lawyers who represent the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario, the Law Society of Upper Canada, and the Ontario College of Teachers, respectively.