The Charter Project
Transcription
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 – 30 – 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 – 30 –