THANKS TO EVERYONE who supported my campaign!
With the results now in, I am sorry to say I did not gain the honour of election. However, I am proud of the campaign, and pleased with the results, which include the election of many other fine new Benchers, and the return of many incumbents, who will serve our profession very well for the next four years.
Phil Tunley says “HST on lawyers’ bills should be directed to Legal Aid”
I am a candidate for election as Bencher of the Law Society of Upper Canada. My campaign is now endorsed by the Criminal Lawyers’ Association, L’Association des juristes d’expression francaise de l’Ontario, as well as a growing number of lawyers in Ontario.
I want to build on recent improvements in the regulation of our profession in a way that respects and strengthens the growing diversity of legal practice today. I ask for your support to address these issues:
- Representation: I bring an understanding of more than just big firm private practice, to better represent those of you who are currently under-represented in Convocation.
- Access to Justice: I want to press provincial party leaders to direct the recent HST windfall on lawyers’ bills to Legal Aid and other access to justice initiatives.
- Last year’s extension of provincial HST to legal billings was a major retrograde step.
- I will work with Convocation to press provincial party leaders to commit the proceeds of this regressive tax to the Legal Aid Plan and to new access to justice initiatives.
- Your support will strengthen that lobby in the coming provincial election.
- Standards of practice: I want to improve our articling system, our fledgling mandatory CLE requirements, and the Society’s specialist certification designations, to be more relevant to the diverse needs of lawyers in Ontario today.
- Discipline: I believe our profession deserves an exemplary discipline process, and I can make an immediate and effective contribution in this core area.
- Discipline Committee work is a significant part of the time commitment expected of all Benchers.
- Having acted for both prosecution and defence, and as independent legal counsel to discipline tribunals before various professional bodies, including work as discipline counsel for the Society, I am well equipped for this task.
- Diversity: I will support those in Convocation seeking practical ways to address diversity and disadvantage in our profession.
- Transparency: I will also support those already pressing for greater financial transparency, accountability, access to information in both official languages, and member involvement in the work of the Society.
Please read my full “Statement” on these important issues.
Read more “About” the experience and commitment I can bring to this mandate.
Join those who already “Support” my campaign.
DOWNLOAD A COPY OF MY BROCHURE HERE
Most important, “VOTE” in the coming election.
