Lakehead University Senate Approves Proposed Law Curriculum and Faculty of Law
The Lakehead University Senate approval is the final step before submitting a proposal to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for funding support.
Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson, Lakehead University president said, "I am pleased that the Lakehead University Senate has given its stamp of approval for the proposed law school curriculum and Faculty of Law. Our final hurdle is to obtain funding support from the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The proposed curriculum addresses real needs in Northern Ontario in terms of access to appropriate legal counsel for many communities, and we have had the endorsement of numerous stakeholders who continue to demonstrate their support for Lakehead's proposed Faculty of Law. Our curriculum is unique and will effect significant change for Northern Ontarians, particularly First Nations populations."
A news conference is being planned on May 18 to announce the Chancellor's Task Force as well as next steps in the process. Lakehead University Chancellor Arthur V. Mauro, a vigorous proponent of a Faculty of Law for Lakehead University, said, "It is important that we now move forward on the last leg of our law school journey. Canada needs a law school dedicated to the North and I know that many organizations, councils, and citizens are poised to help bring this project to fruition."
If approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Lakehead's law degree program will be the first new law school in Canada in 36 years, and the first in Ontario in 42 years.
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Media: To arrange for media interviews, please contact Janine Chiasson, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177, 807-630-2510 or at commun@lakeheadu.ca, or Director of Communications, Eleanor Abaya, at 807-343-8372, eabaya@lakeheadu.ca
About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,280 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.