THUNDER BAY – Dr. Brian J. R. Stevenson, president and vice-chancellor of Lakehead University, is pleased to announce that on April 28, 2011, Convocation Benchers of the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) voted unanimously to approve Lakehead University’s proposed academic program leading to the conferral of a common law degree. The LSUC decision follows approval of Lakehead’s proposed curriculum by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada in February 2011. As a result of this approval, graduates of the program will be able to enter the Law Society of Upper Canada’s Licensing Process.
Lakehead University Law School
Dr. Stevenson says, “The unanimous approval of our proposed curriculum by the Law Society of Upper Canada is, indeed, the final external vote of confidence we needed from Benchers in the Province.
In its April 2011 decision, the Law Society approved the proposed program with certain conditions, including receiving appropriate governmental approval and funding.
Colin Bruce, Chair of the Lakehead University Board of Governors, emphasizes, “Northern Ontario has followed Lakehead’s application for a law school with enormous anticipation. As with most things that will have strategic implications for this region, this has been an intricate and multifaceted process – one which we hope will end satisfactorily for all concerned. We are filled with optimism and enthusiasm.”
Lakehead University’s Senate will be meeting on May 13 to consider a motion to approve the proposed Faculty of Law and law degree program. Pending Senate approval, Lakehead University will be devoting time and effort toward obtaining government approval and funding, the last critical step in the process.
Lakehead University Chancellor Arthur Mauro adds, “There has been strong community support for the proposed law school and what it can mean to this region of Canada. We need the continued support of individuals, groups, and Aboriginal communities to achieve a successful conclusion to this important undertaking.”
For a full report of the Law Society of Upper Canada’s decision, please visit its website at www.lsuc.on.ca.
