Department of Justice

STATEMENT BY MINISTER McLELLAN ON THE
PASSING OF MR. JUSTICE JOHN SOPINKA

OTTAWA, November 24, 1997 -- Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, paid tribute this morning to the late Mr. Justice John Sopinka.

"It was with great sorrow that I learned of the sudden passing of Mr. Justice Sopinka, one of our country's great legal personalities. Renowned for the incisive legal analysis that he brought to his decisions, he will be missed.

"I will always remember the vigourous and enthusiastic manner in which Mr. Justice Sopinka embraced all aspects of life, and I join with the entire legal community in mourning his passing."

Minister McLellan extends her sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Mr. Justice Sopinka.

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