Department of Justice

MINISTER OF JUSTICE STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT OF MR. JUSTICE G.V. LA FOREST FROM SUPREME COURT OF CANADA

OTTAWA, August 26, 1997 -- The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, expressed regret at the announcement of the retirement on September 30, 1997 of the Honourable Gérard V. La Forest from the Supreme Court of Canada.

"Mr. Justice La Forest has served the Supreme Court and the people of Canada with the highest distinction and dedication over the past twelve and a half years. Since his appointment to the Court in 1985, he has been a key figure in the development of the law on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The breadth of his expertise in this and many other fields of law will be sorely missed."

Ms. McLellan continued: "On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish to express our deepest appreciation to Mr. Justice La Forest for his singular contribution to the law, in teaching, in public service and in the judiciary."

Ref:  Johanne Senécal
      Minister's Office
      (613) 992-4621