THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Today, at a celebration at Lakehead University’s Faculty of Law, University President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson announced that Ontario’s newest school of law would be named the “Bora Laskin Faculty of Law” in recognition of the Thunder Bay son and former Chief Justice’s integrity and contributions to Canadian law.
“An extraordinary man, Bora Laskin was a profound, visionary lawyer and judge who left a lasting influence on Canadian law,” said Dr. Stevenson. “We feel Bora Laskin’s legacy is best honoured by the naming of this faculty after him.”
A large portrait of Bora Laskin was unveiled in the faculty’s main entrance.
“Bora Laskin was instrumental in writing numerous key pieces of Canadian law,” said the Faculty of Law’s Founding Dean, Lee Stuesser. “As a law school making its own unique mark on Canada’s legal landscape, it’s fitting to name this law school for someone who, himself, set precedent-making laws.”
Family of the former Chief Justice (who passed away in 1984) were in attendance for the announcement, including Bora Laskin’s daughter, Barbara Laskin, as well as his nephew, John Laskin.
The naming was officially announced during a Faculty of Law donor reception. The event thanked the many supporters and donors — including those from Thunder Bay’s legal community and friends from across Northern Ontario — who have helped raise three (3) million dollars, to date. Funds have gone to transforming the former Port Arthur Collegiate Institute into Ontario’s newest law school.
Lakehead University’s Faculty of Law first opened its doors in September 2013. Its program focuses on Aboriginal law, Natural Resources-based law, and small and sole practice law.
Lakehead is starting a fundraising campaign in honour of Bora Laskin around the following pillars:
Transform a Student’s Future
Inspire a Generation
Create an Architectural Legacy Endowment
Name the Law School Library
