BackFor the second straight year, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé is among the nominees for Canadian Lawyer magazine’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada. The list, chosen by the magazine’s internal editorial panel, readers and past honourees, recognizes lawyers who have played a significant role in the legal profession in the past 18 months.
“It’s about people who have power and influence the laws, justice system and legal profession in Canada and abroad today,” say the organizers. Mr. Dubé was recognized for his office’s recent work “towards expanding justice reform in corrections and policing,” resulting in significant legislative change, the survey says.
It notes that his 2017 investigation and report on solitary confinement of inmates, Out of Oversight, Out of Mind, “resulted in changes in Ontario’s practices relating to segregation, reflecting a more humane and accountable approach, and reform in the introduction of the Correctional Services Transformation Act, 2018.” As well, Mr. Dubé successfully called for Bill 175, the Safer Ontario Act, 2018, to be amended to address gaps that could hinder effective police accountability, and to require that all police officers be trained in “techniques to de-escalate conflict situations.”
Last year, Canadian Lawyer’s nomination of Mr. Dubé also recognized the impact of his office’s recommendations to improve services for adults with developmental disabilities who are in crisis, all of which were accepted by the government and are in the process of being implemented.
“This honour is once again a reflection of the dedication and hard work of the entire team at Ombudsman Ontario,” Mr. Dubé said. “My congratulations and best wishes to all nominees.”
Mr. Dubé’s term as Ombudsman began as the office’s mandate effectively doubled, to include oversight of Ontario municipalities, universities and school boards, in addition to provincial government bodies. His office handles more than 21,000 public complaints per year, focusing on promoting fairness, transparency, accountability and constructive change.
Canadian Lawyer will choose the top five lawyers in five categories, based on online votes and its internal panel’s choices. Mr. Dubé is one of 39 lawyers listed in the “government/non-profits/associations” category.
For more information, please visit the Ombudsman's website.
Source: Ombudsman Ontario
