NEW HIRES AT BLG
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP has boosted its mining department with the hiring of Mark Wheeler, the firm has announced.
Wheeler becomes a partner at BLG’s Toronto office, working with its securities and capital markets and mining groups.
“As one of the country’s top mining lawyers, Mark brings unrivalled expertise in all areas of mining and in securities law,” said Frank Callaghan, managing partner of BLG’s Toronto office.
Wheeler has worked for a number of securities markets participants, developing a focus on mineral exploration and development companies.
“I’m thrilled to join BLG to help the broad base of natural resources clients and assist them in all stages from exploration and development to operations and commercialization,” he said.
Also joining the firm is Neil Guthrie, who becomes national research director and partner after leaving the Ontario Securities Commission.
GREAT DEBATE SCANS AIRPORT SECURITY
The Ontario Justice Education Network will tackle the issue of airport body scanners at its annual great debate this week.
The event, which is part of the OJEN’s Law Week activities, will take place on Tuesday at Convocation Hall at the Law Society of Upper Canada.
Lawyers and educators will discuss the increased security measures faced by Canadians in recent years and the extent to which they’ve impinged on human dignity and personal privacy.
Following the debate, which begins at 5:30 p.m., participants will take part in a question-and-answer session.
BLANEY MCMURTRY WELCOMES NEW PARTNER
Blaney McMurtry LLP has announced that Henry Chang has joined the firm as its newest partner.
Chang is a recognized authority in the field of U.S. and Canadian immigration law and has lectured extensively on the subject in both countries.
DECEASED JUDGE HEADED TOP COURT FOR 25 YEARS
Edward Bayda, the former chief justice of Saskatchewan, died suddenly earlier this month while on holiday in Turkey.
The flags at the provincial legislature were lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect before his funeral.
Bayda spent 25 years in his role as Saskatchewan’s top judge, holding the position between 1981 and 2006, longer than any other person.
Don Morgan, Saskatchewan’s justice minister, said Bayda’s love for the law shone through his judgments.
“Chief justice Bayda was not only a well-respected judge of long standing, he was a friend to many of us.
I appeared before him on occasion when he was still a sitting member of the Court of Appeal and, like other lawyers who had that privilege, remember his consideration to counsel as well as his seemingly limitless patience and courtesy in the courtroom.
He was a gentleman.”
FORMER AFN CHIEF JOINS OGILVYS
Phil Fontaine has joined Ogilvy Renault LLP as a senior adviser.
The former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations will advise clients on First Nations issues, including aboriginal law, energy, and mining.
John Coleman, the managing partner at Ogilvys, said Fontaine was a “tremendous addition” to the firm.
“His respected leadership in working with governments and Canadian and international businesses is second to none. Our clients and the entire firm will benefit greatly from his advice and knowledge,” he said.
For his part, Fontaine said he looked forward to helping “businesses and First Nations work together successfully in deals that benefit both groups.”
