The Law Society of Upper Canada presented an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree to uOttawa law professor Ed Ratushny at its Call to the Bar ceremony on July 12, 2006. Ratushny, who most recently served as senior counsel to the Lamer Commission of Inquiry, was recognized for his tireless efforts to promote access to justice, particularly in constitutional and administrative law.
Ratushny has served as a member of, or counsel to, several governmental boards, commissions and task forces in the areas of human rights, environmental law and immigration law. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1991. He was also awarded the CCAT Medal by the Council of Canadian Administrative Tribunals in 2004, and the Justice Award by the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice in 1999.
The Law Society annually awards an honorary doctorate to a distinguished person who exemplifies the values held in esteem by the legal profession. In his keynote address, Ratushny encouraged graduating candidates to “look beyond your usual workshop for simple opportunities to treat others with dignity, respect and kindness.”
