The Charter Project

Charter Project
THE CHARTER PROJECT
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave
Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MEDIA CONTACT
Lama Sabbagh
Media Relations Officer
[email protected]
Thank you kindly for taking the time to review our Media Kit in anticipation of our Launch Event
on Tuesday March 13, 2012, at Osgoode Hall in Toronto at 1PM. Enclosed you will find:
1. Backgrounder
2. Fact Sheet
3. Media Release
4. Media Alert
5. Photographs and Captions
6. Quotes from People Involved with The Charter Project
7. Biographies of Charter Project Advisory Board Members
8. Biographies and Headshots of Key Student Members
9. Past Media Coverage
For more information, please contact us or visit www.JoinTheDiscussion.ca
Thursday, March 8, 2012
– 30 –
THE CHARTER PROJECT
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave
Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
BACKGROUNDER
MEDIA CONTACT
Lama Sabbagh
Media Relations Officer
[email protected]
THE CHARTER PROJECT: CELEBRATING 30 YEARS
The Charter Project focuses on the creative and interactive engagement of Canadians in
discussion about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Founded in Fall 2009, The
Charter Project is managed by 40 University of Windsor Law student volunteers who believe it
is important to take Charter discussion outside of the law school. The Project is run completely
on a part-time, extra-curricular basis.
As our country celebrates the Charter’s 30th Anniversary on April 17, 2012, we want Canadians
to get involved in a dialogue about rights and freedoms. As such, our motto is JOIN THE
DISCUSSION. This national education and public awareness initiative is a registered charity.
Thanks to our partnerships, and seed financing from The Law Foundation of Ontario, our
projects are underway, and with additional support our scope will increase exponentially.
OUR KEY INITIATIVES:
Public Service Announcements (PSAs) Featuring Canadian Celebrities
We have filmed and edited short PSAs featuring Canadian celebrities to turn Canadians' minds
towards The Charter and encourage them to interact at JoinTheDiscussion.ca. We are
discussions with networks/TV conglomerates including CBC, Bell Media, Rogers Media
Television, GlassBox, Shaw Media, and Stornoway Communications to air PSAs. Cineplex Media
will be airing the PSAs for four weeks starting March 16, 2012 in their theatres. Our PSAs
feature the following Canadian celebrities:
• Comedian and TV Personality Rick Mercer
• Actors Paul Gross, Kristin Kreuk, Vanessa Lengies, Sitara Hewitt and Corey Dixon
• Comedians: Howie Mandel, Pardis Parker, Elvira Kurt, and Ron James
• Musicians: Sarah Slean, Alexz Johnson, Kreesha Turner, Wide Mouth Mason, Serena
Ryder and Jill Barber
• Inspirational Paralympian Rick Hansen
• Olympic medalist Hayley Wickenheiser
• Human rights activist Nazanin Afshin-Jam Mackay
• TV personalities Alex Trebek, Adamo Ruggiero, Cabral “Cabbie” Richards, and Mike Holmes
(more)
THE CHARTER PROJECT: CELEBRATING 30 YEARS, Page 2
Education in Canadian Classrooms
We developed engaging classroom workshops for high school students to make Charter
education accessible and interesting to them. Law Day, organized by the Canadian Bar
Association (CBA) is an annual event for the public to learn about the law, the legal profession,
and some of the legal institutions that form the cornerstone of our Canadian democracy. We
are very pleased to be working with the CBA to make our Charter education workshops
available to high school students across Canada in association with Law Day. The theme of Law
Day 2012, to be celebrated on and around April 17, is Access to Justice, with special emphasis
on The Charter’s 30th anniversary. This month, the Ontario Bar Association will distribute
information about the modules to every Ontario high school.
Experts on Film
We filmed interviews with legal experts who can offer unique historical perspectives on The
Charter, its inception, and how it affects the everyday lives of Canadians. These substantive
interviews will be available on our website in the coming weeks. Interviewees include:
• The Honourable Justice Ian Binnie (former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada)
• The Honourable Justice Frank Iacobucci (former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada)
• The Honourable Roy McMurtry (Former Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Appeal,
and Former Attorney General of Ontario)
• R. Douglas Elliott (counsel at the Supreme Court of Canada on the Reference Re Same
Sex Marriage decision)
• Senator Jerry Grafstein (advisor to Prime Minister Trudeau when The Charter was drafted)
• John Whyte (Constitutional advisor to the Government of Saskatchewan during the
years leading up to the patriation of the Constitution)
• Jean Teillet (Aboriginal rights litigator)
• André Marin (Ombudsman of Ontario)
• Patrick Ducharme (Criminal Lawyer, Ducharme Fox LLP)
• Jill D. Makepeace (Criminal Lawyer, Greenspan Humphrey Levine Barristers)
• Windsor Law Professors: W.A. Bogart, Emir Crowne, Bruce Elman, Laverne Jacobs,
Jasminka Kalajdzic, Richard Moon and David Tanovich
The Public-At-Large
The bilingual www.JoinTheDiscussion.ca is a place to learn about The Charter through video and
written materials, and discuss Charter topics with fellow Canadians. For Canada Day 2011 in
Ottawa, we partnered with the National Capital Commission to set up The Charter Project kiosk
at Major’s Hill Park as a part of the official Canada Day festivities. We successfully provided
information about The Charter, showcased the interviews we produced, and spoke to many
(more)
THE CHARTER PROJECT: CELEBRATING 30 YEARS, Page 3
Canadians about our program. Individuals and families alike enjoyed taking pictures with our
enormous reprint of the picture of Prime Minister Trudeau and Queen Elizabeth II signing The
Constitution Act, 1982.
Legacy in a Social Justice Fellowship
Our legacy goal is to raise enough money to endow a Social Justice Fellowship at the University
of Windsor, Faculty of Law, to provide a law student the opportunity to work for a Canadian
social justice oriented organization of their choice in the summer months (year upon year),
without any cost to the organizations.
For more information, please visit www.JoinTheDiscussion.ca
Thursday, March 8, 2012
– 30 –
THE CHARTER PROJECT
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave
Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
FACT SHEET
MEDIA CONTACT
Lama Sabbagh
Media Relations Officer
[email protected]
THE CHARTER PROJECT AND INITIATIVES
The Charter Project
 Founded in Fall 2009
 Registered charity
 Managed by 40 University of Windsor Law student volunteers
 Motto: Join The Discussion
Purposes
 The Charter Project is a public education initiative that is designed to increase
awareness of the Charter. The first task is to increase awareness of the Charter leading
up to its 30th Anniversary in April 2012
 The Charter Project aims to engage and educate Canadians regarding the history and
contents of the Charter
 The Charter Project has a public education mandate and targets all Canadians,
particularly those who are not trained in law. It aims to create a dialogue about the
Charter and its role in Canadian society
Financial Sponsorships
 Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
 Law Foundation of Ontario
 Law Society of Upper Canada (sponsoring Launch Event on March 13, 2012)
 Greenspan Humphrey Lavine Barristers
 McCarthy Tétrault LLP
 The County of Carleton Law Association
 Multiple personal donors
Partnerships
 Canadian Bar Association
 National Capital Commission
 Fundamental Freedoms Project
 Canadian Civil Liberties Association
(more)
THE CHARTER PROJECT AND INITIATIVES, Page 2
Key Initiatives
 Produce Public Service Announcement Videos featuring Canadian celebrities to be
distributed nationally and lead Canadians to interact at www.JoinTheDiscussion.ca
 Produce interviews with legal experts on the Charter to be available for public
consumption and education at www.JoinTheDiscussion.ca
 Produce engaging Charter workshops for high school students to be distributed on and
around Law Day, April 17, 2012 in partnership with the Canadian Bar Association, and on
an ongoing basis thereafter
 Canada Day 2011: partnered with the National Capital Commission to set up a Charter
Project kiosk at Major’s Hill Park, in Ottawa, to educate the public at large
 Raise money to endow a Social Justice Fellowship at the University of Windsor, Faculty
of Law, to provide a law student the opportunity to work for a Canadian social justice
oriented organization of their choice in the summer months
Thursday, March 8, 2012
– 30 –
THE CHARTER PROJECT
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave
Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
MEDIA RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
Lama Sabbagh
Media Relations Officer
[email protected]
WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS?
LOVE IT, HATE IT, OR JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU THINK, IT’S TIME TO JOIN THE DISCUSSION
TORONTO: As millions today around the world are protesting for basic freedoms, on April 17,
2012, Canadians will mark 30 years with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a document which
seeks to guarantee fundamental human rights, from speech, to religion, to association.
At the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law, the Class of 2012 realized that their graduation
coincided with the Charter’s 30th anniversary and decided to do something to recognize it.
The Charter Project is a nationwide educational and public awareness campaign with a goal to
involve Canadians in a dialogue about their rights and freedoms. The ever-evolving Charter has
an impact on every one of us. The Charter’s anniversary is a great time to recognize that - as a
nation - we have achievements to celebrate, failures to address, and questions to ask about our
Charter thirty years later.
“Canada is the best country in the world to live in for many reasons, including the fact that we
can have an open discussion about rights without the fear of being persecuted. We’re having a
discussion in an open forum in Canada, while at the same time, other people around the world
are killed for their beliefs,” says Byron Pascoe, The Charter Project Co-Founder and Co-Chair.
“Along with rights come responsibilities. As students privileged to study the law, we have a
responsibility to play an active role in ensuring that all members of our community at large
have access to justice, including education of the law.”
The Charter Project team has produced Public Service Announcement videos starring Canadian
celebrities, such as Rick Mercer, Howie Mandel, Kristen Kreuk, Hayley Wickenheiser, Rick
Hansen, Paul Gross, Sitara Hewitt, Alex Trebek, Mike Holmes, Sarah Slean, Ron James, Lengies,
Alexz Johnson, Nazanin Afshin-Jam Mackay, Jill Barber, Wide Mouth Mason, Adamo Ruggiero ,
Elvira Kurt, Serena Ryderand Kreesha Turner. These PSAs will be distributed across Canada on
TV, Cineplex theatres, online, etc.
(more)
WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHARTER, Page 2
The students have also filmed interviews of legal experts with diverse opinions about the
Charter, such as Supreme Court judges, politicians involved in the drafting of the Charter, rights
advocacy lawyers, and law professors. These interviews will also be available on
www.JoinTheDiscussion.ca, inviting people to comment in the forums and spark discussion.
“It’s not often that legal education takes a viral or multi-media form. From the beginning we
wanted to educate and engage people, so we thought: why not entertain them at the same
time? The public consumes information on multi-media platforms and in interactive ways. We
wanted to make Charter education as accessible and user-friendly as we could,” says CoFounder and Co-Chair Michael O’Brien.
The Charter Project has also created educational workshops which, in partnership with the
Canadian Bar Association, will be distributed to high schools nationally for Law Day 2012 and
beyond. As Michael O’Brien explains, “Education has been a mandate since The Charter
Project’s inception. The workshops that we developed are tailored specifically to high school
students and pertain to various sections of the Charter and how they impact the everyday lives
of Canadians. These workshops are turnkey operations that can be facilitated by teachers
across the country.”
On March 13, 2012, The Charter Project will hold its official Launch Event at Osgoode Hall in
Toronto; the Launch Event is sponsored by the Law Society of Upper Canada. His Honour, the
Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will be providing welcoming
remarks. One of the Charter’s architects in 1982, former Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of
Appeal Roy McMurtry, will also be in attendance.
What do you think about Equality? Where do you stand on Free Speech? Who benefits from
language rights? What are Aboriginal rights, and does the Charter protect these rights? In a land
as diverse as ours, the Charter unites us all as Canadians. It’s our Country. Our Constitution.
What kind of impact has the Charter had on your life? JOIN THE DISCUSSION.
The Charter Project received national coverage when it was featured as an Honourable
Mention on CTV’s Question Period on March 4, 2012.
The Charter Project, a registered charity, is run by 40 Windsor Law student volunteers. The
Charter Project has received financial sponsorship from the Law Foundation of Ontario,
McCarthy Tétrault LLP, the County of Carleton Law Association, and multiple personal donors.
For more information please visit www.JoinTheDiscussion.ca
Thursday, March 8, 2012
- 30 -
THE CHARTER PROJECT
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave
Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
Media Alert – The Charter Project Launch Event in Toronto, March 13, 2012
Windsor, March 8, 2012
What:
The Charter Project launches the 30th Anniversary Celebrations of the Canadian
Charter of Rights and Freedoms, by inviting Canadians to Join The Discussion.
Who:
His Honour, the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
The Honourable R. Roy McMurtry OC, O.Ont, QC
Raj Anand, Bencher of the Law Society of Upper Canada
Hannah Bernstein, Director of Publishing of the Canadian Bar Association
Mark Sandler, Chair, Law Foundation of Ontario, Board of Trustees
Dr. Camille Cameron, Dean of Windsor Law
Michael O’Brien and Byron Pascoe, Co-Founders / Co-Chairs of Charter Project
Windsor Law student volunteers of the Charter Project
When:
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Doors Open
First Public Service Announcement video is played
Opening remarks by various speakers
Second Public Service Announcement video is played
Keynote Address: His Honour the Honourable David C. Onley
Closing Public Service Announcement is played
Reception
12:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
1:05 p.m.
1:20 p.m.
1:35 p.m.
1:55 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
Where:
Barristers Lounges, Osgoode Hall
130 Queen St. West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N5
Why:
Anniversary gives us something to talk about. We have achievements to celebrate,
failures to address, and questions to ask. As Canadians, the Charter affects us all –
and part of our civic responsibility is to be informed and engaged. 40 Windsor Law
students produced a nationwide educational and public awareness campaign.
Photo Opportunities:
 Speeches: Honourable Roy McMurtry, Dr. Camille Cameron, Raj Anand,
Mark Sandler, Hannah Bernstein, Michael O’Brien and Byron Pascoe
1:00 p.m.
 Keynote Address: His Honour the Honourable David C. Onley
1:35 p.m.
 Attendees available for interviews and photographs
2:00 p.m.
– 30 –
For further information:
Lama Sabbagh, Media Relations Officer, Charter Project ([email protected])
THE CHARTER PROJECT
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave
Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
THE CHARTER PROJECT SPARKS DISCUSSION ON CANADA DAY 2011
The Charter Project is a Windsor Law student-run initiative promoting awareness and
discussion of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, in light of the Charter’s 30th
anniversary this April. The official Charter Project Launch will be on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at
the Barristers Lounge, Osgoode Hall, Toronto. For Canada Day 2011 in Ottawa, The Charter
Project partnered with the National Capital Commission to set up a kiosk at Major’s Hill Park
and engage the public at large by providing information and showcasing interviews produced.
www.JoinTheDiscussion.ca
– 30 –
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Contact:
Lama Sabbagh
Media Relations Officer
[email protected]
THE CHARTER PROJECT
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave
Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
THE CHARTER PROJECT SPARKS DISCUSSION ON CANADA DAY 2011
The Charter Project is a Windsor Law student-run initiative promoting awareness and
discussion of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, in light of the Charter’s 30th
anniversary this April. The official Charter Project Launch will be on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at
the Barristers Lounge, Osgoode Hall, Toronto. For Canada Day 2011 in Ottawa, The Charter
Project partnered with the National Capital Commission to set up a kiosk at Major’s Hill Park
and engage the public at large by providing information and showcasing interviews produced.
www.JoinTheDiscussion.ca
– 30 –
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Contact:
Lama Sabbagh
Media Relations Officer
[email protected]
THE CHARTER PROJECT
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave
Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
THE CHARTER PROJECT SPARKS DISCUSSION ON CANADA DAY 2011
The Charter Project is a Windsor Law student-run initiative promoting awareness and
discussion of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, in light of the Charter’s 30th
anniversary this April. The official Charter Project Launch will be on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at
the Barristers Lounge, Osgoode Hall, Toronto. For Canada Day 2011 in Ottawa, The Charter
Project partnered with the National Capital Commission to set up a kiosk at Major’s Hill Park.
People lined up to take pictures with the enormous picture of Prime Minister Trudeau and
Queen Elizabeth II signing The Constitution Act, 1982. www.JoinTheDiscussion.ca
– 30 –
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Contact:
Lama Sabbagh
Media Relations Officer
[email protected]
THE CHARTER PROJECT
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave
Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
CHARTER EDUCATION IN CANADIAN CLASSROOMS
Charter Education Workshop with high school students during the Ontario Justice Education
Network (OJEN) Windsor Law Day on Friday January 13, 2012. The Charter Project is a Windsor
Law student-run initiative promoting awareness and discussion of the Canadian Charter of
Rights and Freedoms, in light of the Charter’s 30th anniversary this April. The Charter Project
will be working with the Canadian Bar Association to make engaging Charter education modules
available to high school students across Canada on Law Day, April 17, 2012.
– 30 –
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Contact:
Lama Sabbagh
Media Relations Officer
[email protected]
THE CHARTER PROJECT
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave
Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
QUOTES FROM PEOPLE INVOLVED
MEDIA CONTACT
Lama Sabbagh
Media Relations Officer
[email protected]
“Canada is the best country in the world to live in for many reasons including the fact that we
can have an open discussion about rights without the fear of being persecuted. We’re having a
discussion in an open forum in Canada, while at the same time, other people around the world
are killed for their beliefs. Along with rights come responsibilities. As students privileged to
study the law we have a responsibility to play an active role in ensuring that all members of our
community at large have access to justice, including education of the law.”
– Byron Pascoe, Co-Founder and Co-Chair
“It’s not often that legal education takes a viral or multi-media form. From the beginning we
wanted to educate and engage people, so we thought: why not entertain them at the same
time? The public consumes information on multi-media platforms and in interactive ways. We
wanted to make Charter education as accessible and user-friendly as we could, hence the web
materials, the short interview clips, and the PSAs.”
“Education has been a mandate since The Charter Project’s inception. Our education team is a
highly dedicated group of over 10 Windsor Law students that includes two former teachers and
a Political Science Professor turned law student. The workshops that we developed are tailored
specifically to high school students and pertain to various sections of the Charter and how they
impact the everyday lives of Canadians or speak to the Canadian experience. These workshops
are turnkey operations that can be facilitated by teachers across the country.”
“Ultimately, we just want people to engage in discussion about rights and freedoms. Where
have we fallen short? Have we gone too far? We’re privileged to be able to talk openly about
these things. The 30th Anniversary is timely, it’s an age of maturity. Plus, it’s an Olympic year,
why not talk about something uniquely Canadian?”
– Michael O’Brien, Co-Founder and Co-Chair
(more)
QUOTES FROM PEOPLE INVOLVED, Page 2
“Throughout the development of Charter Project, Windsor Law students have shown
remarkable dedication, leadership and perseverance. The ambition and success of Charter
Project is a powerful testament to the strong character of Windsor Law students and the lasting
impact of their legal education training.”
– Robert Onley, President of the Students’ Law Society at Windsor Law
Thursday, March 8, 2012
– 30 –
THE CHARTER PROJECT
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave
Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
BIOGRAPHIES OF ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
MEDIA CONTACT
Lama Sabbagh
Media Relations Officer
[email protected]
Nathalie DesRosiers
Ms. Des Rosiers has been General Counsel of Canadian Civil Liberties Association since July 1, 2009. She was
previously Dean of the Faculty of Law – Civil Law Section of the University of Ottawa from 2004 to 2008 and
President of the Law Commission of Canada from 2000 to 2004. She was named one of Canada’s 25 most
influential lawyers in 2011 by the Canadian Lawyers Magazine; One of Canada’s 10 Nation Builders in 2010 by
the Globe & Mail; she received the Médaille de l’Université Paris X in 2007; the Association of Professional
Executives of the Public Service of Canada (APEX) Partnership Award in 2004; the Medal of the Law Society of
Upper Canada in 1999; and the Order of Merit from AJEFO in 2000.
R. Douglas Elliott
Mr. Elliott is a founding partner in Roy Elliott O’Connor LLP, with a litigation practice that is increasingly
focused on class actions. He is rated by his peers as one of the Best Class Action Lawyers in Canada through
“The Best Lawyers in Canada”. His peers have also recognized him as an expert in public law through Lexpert.
“Who’s Who in Canada”, published by the University of Toronto, has also recognized him. In 2010, the Law
Society of Upper Canada awarded Mr. Elliott the Law Society Medal, granted each year by to a select group of
lawyers whose careers "represent the highest level of achievement and commitment to serving society and
the profession." Mr. Elliott has received numerous awards for his legal work and community service,
including the Lawyer of the Year Award, presented by Advocacy Resource Centre for the Handicapped, the
Community Service Award of the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, the Founders Award of the
Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, the SOGIC Hero Award of the Canadian Bar
Association, the Distinguished Service Award of the Association of Lesbian and Gay Psychiatrists, the Salah
Bachir Award for Community Service, the Leadership Award of the Canadian AIDS Society and The Lifetime
Achievement Award from Pride Toronto. The Canadian AIDS Society has also awarded Roy Elliott O’Connor
LLP the Corporate Leadership Award, the first time a law firm has been so recognized.
Bruce Elman
Professor Elman is currently a Visiting Professor at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law. Professor Elman
served as Dean of Law at the University of Windsor from 2000 to 2011. Previously, Professor Elman was
Belzberg Professor of Constitutional Law and Chair of the Centre for Constitutional Studies at the Faculty of
Law, University of Alberta. He joined Alberta in 1975 and attained the rank of Professor in 1985. In 1985-86,
Professor Elman was Walter S. McCalla Research Professor at Alberta. From 1991-1994, he served as
Associate Dean of Law. Professor Elman has been Visiting Professor of Law and Canadian Studies at the
Hebrew University of Jerusalem on two occasions, 1988 - 1989 and 1995 - 96. He continues to serve as a
member of the Academic Advisory Committee for the Halbert Centre for Canadian Studies at Hebrew
University. He has also been a Visiting Scholar at Stanford Law School (1981 - 82) and a Visiting Professor at
Niigata University in Japan (1994). Professor Elman was the recipient of the Tevie H. Miller Award for
Teaching Excellence (1999). He also received a teaching award from Hebrew University (1996). He has
published numerous works on criminal law, evidence, constitutional law, freedom of expression, law and
religion, and multiculturalism.
(more)
BIOGRAPHIES OF ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS, Page 2
Jean Teillet
Ms. Teillet is a partner in the firm of Pape Salter Teillet with offices in Vancouver and Toronto. Ms. Teillet
specializes in Aboriginal rights litigation and negotiations, with a particular emphasis on Métis rights. As a
founding member of the Métis Nation of Ontario, founding president of the Métis Nation Lawyers
Association and former treasurer and vice-president of the Indigenous Bar Association of Canada, she has
freely devoted her time and efforts to the Aboriginal Community. In 2002 Ms. Teillet became the first
recipient of the Law Society of Upper Canada's Lincoln Alexander Award for her work "as a mentor and
teacher and her commitment to advancing Aboriginal issues". The 2005 Aboriginal Justice Award was
presented to Jean Teillet by the Aboriginal Law Students' Association, Faculty of Law, University of Alberta "In
Recognition of Service to the Aboriginal Community" and for her "Outstanding Contributions to the
Development of Aboriginal Justice".
Raj Anand
Mr. Anand is a partner at Weirfoulds LLP, where he practises in the areas of human rights, constitutional and
administrative law, labour relations, civil litigation, professional negligence and discipline. He is a former
Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission and presently acts for complainants and
respondents in internal investigations and Ontario and federal applications. He has acted as a Board of
Inquiry under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Police Services Act, as Co-Chair of the University of
Toronto Tribunal and as counsel to a number of administrative tribunals. In 1997, Mr. Anand was the first
recipient of the Advocates' Society Award of Justice. In 2003, Mr. Anand received the Law Society Medal, the
highest honour awarded by the governing body of the legal profession in Ontario, and in 2007 he was elected
by the profession to a four-year term as a bencher of the Law Society. In June 2007, he was awarded
Professional Man of the Year by the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. In April 2008, he was appointed by
the Province of Ontario as the first Chair of its Human Rights Legal Support Centre. In 2010 Mr. Anand
received the award for Distinguished Career from the South Asian Bar Association.
Dale B. Pope
Mr. Pope is Counsel and Mediator at Locarno Group. Previously, Mr. Pope was a senior member of Davis
LLP’s Litigation, Alternate Dispute Resolution, and Public Affairs Practice Groups. He has practised in litigation
throughout his career, appearing at all levels of courts in British Columbia, Alberta and the Yukon, as well as
making appearances in the Federal Trial and Appeal Court and an occasional appearance in the Supreme
Court of Canada. In June 2010, Mr. Pope was appointed as a member of the Property Assessment Appeal
Board to adjudicate disputes between the Assessment Authority and property owners in B.C.
Arun Krishnamurti
Mr. Krishnamurti is an associate in the Business Law section at Fasken Martineu's Toronto office. He has a
broad corporate/commercial practice. Mr. Krishnamurti was seconded to the Department of Justice, Crimes
against Humanity & War Crimes Section. Mr. Krishnamurti graduated from the University of Windsor, Faculty
of Law, in 2010 and served as President of the Students’ Law Society.
William Trudell
Mr. Trudell attended the University of Windsor, first graduating class and was called to the Bar in 1973. From
1973 - 1976, he practiced law with Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt in Toronto. Since 1977, he has been in private
practice in Toronto. He is certified as a Specialist in Criminal Litigation and represents lawyers before the Law
Society of Upper Canada regarding matters of Discipline, Admission and Re-admission. Mr. Trudell is a
frequent lecturer and media commentator on Criminal Justice issues in Canada. He is also a frequent
contributor to the Criminal Lawyers’ Association’s newsletter For the Defence and Law Times.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
– 30 –
THE CHARTER PROJECT
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave
Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
BIOGRAPHIES AND HEADSHOTS OF KEY MEMBERS
MEDIA CONTACT
Lama Sabbagh
Media Relations Officer
[email protected]
Michael O’Brien, Co-Chair and Co-Founder
Michael will graduate with a J.D. from the University of Windsor Law School this
year, after which he will article with McCarthy Tétrault LLP in Toronto. Michael’s
primary legal interests lie in the area of civil litigation. He has been involved in
numerous student initiatives at Windsor Law and currently serves as the VicePresident Academic of the Students’ Law Society. Prior to attending law school,
Michael obtained his B.A. and M.A. in English from the University of Waterloo.
He is also the former Assistant Director of Camp Ekon, a summer camp for
children in Ontario’s Muskoka region.
Byron Pascoe, Co-Chair and Co-Founder
Since graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Business
Administration degree, Byron has focused on adding value to media-related
entrepreneurial ventures. At Windsor Law he’s concentrating on corporate
commercial, intellectual property, and technology law related courses. Byron cofounded Windsor Law’s Entertainment Law Society, is active in the business
school’s entrepreneurship organization SIFE, and participated in the Rotary club.
Outside of school, he works with others to develop and produce TV and digital
content projects, and co-manages a start-up digital marketing company. Byron will
be returning home to Ottawa where he will be articling at the business law firm
BrazeauSellerLLP.
Vanessa Playtis, Vice President Development
Vanessa is completing her final year at Windsor Law, upon completion she is
articling at Moussea DeLuca McPhereson Prince LLP in Windsor, Ontario. Prior to
law school, Vanessa completed a double Major in Sociology and Criminology
(Honours) at the University of Windsor. Vanessa has extensive community
involvement in such areas as the Canadian Cancer Society, and Restorative
Justice Programs. She was honoured by the Canadian Cancer Society and the
community, for her extensive efforts and commitment to the cause.
(more)
BIOGRAPHIES AND HEADSHOTS OF KEY MEMBERS, Page 2
Heather McMahon, Vice President Awareness
Heather is completing her final year at Windsor Law. In the spring she’s off to pursue her career in
Vancouver, BC. In addition to her work with The Charter Project, she leads a Constitutional Law tutorial
for first year students, and has a budding affinity for recreational soccer. After completing her
undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Criminology, Heather spent time living and working in Galway,
Ireland. Heather has worked with the litigation team of a not for profit organization and plans on
furthering her litigation experience.
Noah Schein, Vice President Finance
Noah is completing his final year at Windsor Law and plans to pursue a career in
corporate law in Toronto. Prior to attending law school, Noah completed his
Bachelor of Business Administration at the Schulich School of Business at York
University. Working at an international accounting firm, Noah earned a
designation as a Charted Accountant while managing accounting and tax matters
for a wide range of clients. Noah has been a director in the not-for-profit sphere.
Gord Akilie, Vice President Public Relations
Gordon is a Queen's Commerce graduate who specialized in Labour Relations and
International Business. Later, he received a post-graduate certificate in Public
Relations and Corporate Communications from Humber College. As part of this
program he interned with the Corporate Division of National Public Relations, one of
the largest PR firms in Canada. He contributed PR strategy and wrote material for
diverse accounts, including the Canadian Cancer Society, Home Hardware, Nestle
Canada and FedEx.
Lama Sabbagh, Media Relations Officer and VP: Human Resources
Lama is completing her final year at Windsor Law, after which she will article with
McCarthy Tétrault LLP in Toronto. Lama’ primary legal interests lie in the area of
corporate law. She is currently serving as the Vice President of Finance of the
Students’ Law Society. Prior to law school, Lama completed her Master in
Business Administration with a focus in Strategy and Entrepreneurship. She has
also obtained her Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) at the University of Windsor,
majoring in Finance and Marketing with a double minor in Political Science and
Economics. Lama has work experience in the banking industry and as a
consultant and enjoys volunteering at various organizations in the community.
Evan Bawks, Social Media Coordinator
Evan is currently in his second year at Windsor Law. Prior to entering law school, Evan attended Carleton
University where he graduated with a Bachelor Degree (Hons.) in Political Science and Concentrating in
International Relations. He is also involved in photography, doing small personal projects and using this
skill for The Charter Project and other campaigns, like the Movember fundraising effort at Windsor Law.
He has a strong interest in political issues and is looking forward to continuing this interest in his future
career.
(more)
BIOGRAPHIES AND HEADSHOTS OF KEY MEMBERS, Page 3
Robert Onley, Public Relations Officer
Robert is finishing his Juris Doctor degree at Windsor Law and plans to pursue a
career in international law with the federal government. Robert is currently serving
as President of the Students’ Law Society at Windsor Law. Prior to law school,
Robert completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Toronto,
graduating with a Specialist in Political Science and International Relations. Robert is
actively involved with international youth diplomatic efforts, having twice
participated in the G8 & G20 Youth Summits, and is the current Vice Chair of
YouthCan for International Dialogue. Robert enjoys writing and has been published
in a wide variety of newspapers in Canada and around the world.
Jennifer Graham, Education Co-Manager
Jennifer is finishing her third year at Windsor Law and is looking forward to
pursuing a career in criminal law in Toronto. She has been serving as the comanager of the education branch of The Charter Project since her first year at
Windsor. Prior to law school, Jennifer graduated with a Specialized Honours
designation in the Global Political Studies program at York University and has also
obtained her Bachelor of Arts at York University, majoring in Psychology. Jennifer
has extensive experience working for the criminal defence bar in Toronto and that
led to her passion for individual rights and curiosity about the Canadian Charter.
She also enjoys working with youth both in a teaching and coaching capacity.
Sara Nagalingam, Education Co-Manager
Sara is completing her final year at Windsor Law and plans to obtain her Legum
Licentiatus from the University of Ottawa next academic year. Before starting law
school, she attended the University of Western Ontario, where she studied
business management and criminology. Prior to her undergraduate studies, she
lived and studied in Sicily, Italy. Since starting law school, Sara has developed
interests in constitutional, labour/employment, and comparative law. As she is
also interested in social justice issues, she has worked at various legal clinics in
Windsor and Montreal, serving clients in both English and French. Sara
contributes her time to working with the Rotary International network, assisting
them with their youth exchange program and charitable projects.
Scott Buchanan, PSA Creative Director
Scott is in his second year at Windsor Law and the University of Detroit mercy.
Apart from working on The Charter Project he volunteers as a Caseworker with
Community Legal Aid. He is also a junior member of the Moot Court Board of
Advocates at the University of Detroit Mercy. Before attending law school Scott
earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Windsor in Drama and
Communication Studies. He then took a few years off from school to work at a
Hospital and volunteer on independent and student film projects.
(more)
BIOGRAPHIES AND HEADSHOTS OF KEY MEMBERS, Page 4
Michael Knez, PSA Distribution Manager
Michael is in his final year at Windsor Law and plans to pursue a career in civil
litigation in Toronto. Currently, he serves as the Vice- President of the Ontario
Trial Lawyers Association- Windsor Student Chapter. He is also an active
volunteer with Community Legal Aid and Pro Bono Students Canada. Prior to law
school, Michael completed an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Justice
Studies along with a diploma in Law and Security Administration from the
University of Guelph-Humber.
Jennifer Grensewich, Celebrity Recruitment Manager
Jennifer is completing her final year at Windsor Law and plans to pursue a career her legal career in the
Kitchener-Waterloo area. Prior to law school, Jennifer completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with a
major in legal studies and a minor in psychology at the University of Waterloo. Jennifer has previously
worked with youth in an addictions treatment centre; she also enjoyed volunteering in a Federal
Penitentiary for women and currently volunteers at a Windsor Hospital.
Josh Knox, Government Relations Manager
Josh is currently in his section year of the Dual JD Program at the University of Windsor and University of
Detroit Mercy Law Schools. Prior to law school, Josh completed his Masters in Political Studies at
Queen's University and worked as a staff member to former Minister Jim Prentice and Member of
Parliament Ben Lobb in Ottawa. He has also obtained his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science
and History from the University of Toronto. Josh is currently a research assistant for Professor Bruce
Elman and last year volunteered for the University of Windsor's Mediation Clinic in downtown Windsor.
Chelsea Rasmussen, Corporate Sponsors Manager
Chelsea is completing her final year of law school at the University of Windsor and
plans to pursue a career in corporate law in Toronto. Prior to law school, she
obtained an Honors Specialization in Political Science and a Minor in French from
the University of Western Ontario. While at law school, Chelsea has served as CoChair of the External Outreach Committee, Co-Chair of the Windsor Law Charity
Fashion Show, and as a Litigator for Community Legal Aid. She has also been
actively involved in the community, volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club of
Windsor and the Windsor Downtown Mission.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
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THE CHARTER PROJECT
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave
Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
PAST MEDIA COVERAGE
MEDIA CONTACT
Lama Sabbagh
Media Relations Officer
[email protected]
Honourable Mention – Charter Project
(CTV’s Question Period, March 4, 2012)
Rock star Justice breaks down Charter of Rights
(The Lance, February 7, 2012)
http://issuu.com/uwindsorlance/docs/lance84-21/5
Law Day 2012 Marks 30th Anniversary of the Charter
(Canadian Bar Association BarTalk, February 2012)
http://www.cba.org/bc/bartalk_11_15/02_12/events.aspx
Windsor Law students talk up the Charter during Canada Day in nation’s capital
(Windsor Law News, July 14, 2011)
http://www.uwindsor.ca/law/news/windsor-law-students-talk-up-charter-during-canada-dayin-nations-capital
Thursday, March 8, 2012
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