JONES WINS ABORIGINAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Roger Jones has won the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for law and justice.
Jones, who currently works as a legal adviser to the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa, was the founding president of the Indigenous Bar Association. The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation honoured him for his work on behalf of Aboriginal Peoples during a long career.
He played a key role in the development of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and has served on the board of the Canadian Bar Association’s native law section.
Jones will pick up his award at the NAAA’s 18th annual ceremony on March 11 in Edmonton, where he will be one of 14 aboriginal Canadians recognized at the event.
LFO SHUTS DOWN APPLICATIONS EARLY
The Law Foundation of Ontario has announced an earlier-than-scheduled close date on applications to its national Access to Justice Fund.
LFO chairman Mark Sandler put the move down to extremely strong demand in the first seven months after the fund’s launch. Letters of intent must be received by the LFO on or before Feb. 28 in order to be considered for funding.
“We knew the ATJ Fund provided an opportunity to better meet some pressing needs, but the response has been even bigger than we expected,” said Sandler.
“We have a significant amount still to disburse, but given the number of pending applications and the rate at which new ones are being received, an earlier deadline will enable us to make the most equitable and effective decisions.”
By the end of 2010, the fund had already received about 120 applications. It was established with $14.6 million in proceeds from a cy pres award relating to a class action settlement.
Funding is available nationally for law-related projects with a connection to one or more of five themes: linguistic minorities and people living in rural and remote areas, Aboriginal Peoples, individuals without legal representation, family violence, and consumer rights.
The fund will be reopened in the event of future cy pres awards, and will continue to accept applications in the meantime.
SAXE RECEIVES RARE HR HONOUR
A Toronto-based partner at Baker & McKenzie LLP has been named Fellow Certified Human Resources Professional.
Stewart Saxe became just the sixth person to receive the honorary award from the Human Resources Professionals Association in its 75-year history, after he was nominated last summer.
“Stewart’s accomplishments and contributions are many and we are thankful to him for all that he does for our association and our profession,” said Antoinette Blunt, chairwoman of HRPA’s board of directors. Her organization regulates human resources professionals in Ontario and is the largest human resources association in Canada.
The award promotes best practices in the human resources profession and is reserved for those who have made an “exemplary contribution to the human resources management profession.”
Saxe has authored more than 50 papers and articles, plus at least 60 more publications on labour and employment issues, which have become standard texts in the industry for disseminating human resources knowledge.
He was also involved in amendments to the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Employment Standards Act, the Labour Relations Act, Bill 168, and, most recently, Bill 14: Access to Justice Act.
“We congratulate Stewart on this prestigious award,” said Charlie Dodds, chairman of Baker & McKenzie’s global employment practice group.
“To have received such a rare commendation is truly an honour and is reflective of the firm’s commitment to providing clients with high-quality service.”
MCCARTHYS ADDS TWO PARNTERS IN LONDON
McCarthy Tétrault LLP has added two new partners to its London, England office. Richard Temple and David McLeod Smith have both joined the firm, practising with the business law group.
“With Richard and David on our team, we will be better able to serve our clients’ growing international business needs, particularly when advising our energy, mining, and infrastructure clients,” said Robert Brant, managing partner of McCarthys’ London office.
“They each have many years’ experience, as well as formidable reputations in their sectors, so we are excited about their arrival.”
Temple is internationally recognized in oil and gas, infrastructure, and broader energy practices. His corporate practice focuses on investments and acquisitions in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
“I am delighted to have joined such a vibrant firm and team,” Temple said.
McLeod Smith’s diverse practice encompasses mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and general corporate work. He also has experience in the mining and metals sectors in central and eastern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.
“The challenges faced by corporate clients, and in particular those involved in mining, are varied and continually changing,” McLeod Smith said. “Helping them navigate these challenges, with the benefit of McCarthy Tétrault’s platform and approach to serving clients, will be hugely rewarding.”
