CANADA | Ontario Ombudsman nominated as one of Canada’s top lawyers

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin has been shortlisted as one of the nominees for Canadian Lawyer Magazine’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada. The list recognizes lawyers "who have power and influence the laws, justice system, and legal profession in Canada today." Online voting for the Top 25 is open until June 3 and results will be announced in August.

"As one nominator put it, '[Marin] is fearless in the face of stonewalling, sidestepping, and double speak in every investigation he takes on,'" reads the website for the competition. "This past year, Marin looked into the issue of closed-door meetings in many Ontario municipalities, a role that put him at odds with those who essentially hired him to oversee them. Marin continues to push the boundaries in efforts to ensure Ontarians are treated fairly and their tax dollars are not wasted. His latest push is to have the embattled air ambulance service Ornge come under the purview of his office."

"The Ombudsman represents our office, and it’s an honour to see him nominated as part of this prestigious group of lawyers,” said Barbara Finlay, Deputy Ombudsman.

Last August, he was honoured by the Canadian Bar Association for excellence and public sector law, and he was also recognized last year by the Ontario Bar Association for his contributions to the legal profession and achievement of significant law-related benefits for the residents of Ontario.

Canadian Lawyer will choose the top five lawyers in five different categories, through a combination of online votes and internal judging. Mr. Marin is one of 25 lawyers nominated in the government and non-profits category.

Source: Office of the Ontario Ombudsman