Alberta Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Appoints New Public Representatives to Law Society Board

CALGARY, Jan. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - The Alberta Minister of Justice and Solicitor General has appointed two new Public Representatives to sit on the Law Society of Alberta's Board of Directors. Glen Buick and Robert Dunster will join the Board for a three-year term, replacing Larry Ohlhauser, MD and Wayne Jacques, CA, both of whom have been vital members of the Board since 2007. Amal Umar, MA will continue to serve as Public Representative, as her appointment has been renewed for three years.

Don Thompson, QC, Executive Director of the Law Society of Alberta, says, "Public Representatives who sit on our Board are a vital link between the Law Society and the public it serves. They bring a unique perspective to the table and we value their participation." Their role, like that of the lawyers who serve on the Board, is to assist the Law Society of Alberta to protect the public interest and preserve the fundamental principles of justice. In total, four positions are reserved for members of the public on its 24-member Board of Directors.

The Law Society wishes to express its gratitude to Dr. Ohlhauser and Mr. Jacques for their many years of dedicated service. Their contributions have made a significant impact and their good work will continue to assist the Law Society in fulfilling its vision of being recognized as a model regulator.

The Law Society thanks all applicants and those involved in the selection process.

Glen Buick has served in a variety of roles with both the provincial and federal governments throughout his career, including Former Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Development and as Canadian Ambassador to Chile (1978-82). Additionally, he has sat as Ministerial representative on several boards in the arts community in Alberta. Since retiring in 1994, Mr. Buick has chiefly devoted himself to family and volunteer activities. He is a recipient of an Alberta Centennial Medal and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Mr. Buick obtained his B.A. from Queen's University.

Robert Dunster was a senior executive with the Provincial government for nearly thirty years, including working in the departments of Attorney General, Solicitor General and Justice. Following his retirement in 2005, Mr. Dunster served on the Edmonton Police Commission, the Board of the Canadian Association of Police Boards and is currently the Director and Secretary of the Edmonton Council for Safe Communities (Reach). Mr. Dunster received his B.A. from the University of Manitoba. 

Since 1907, the Law Society has been serving the public interest by maintaining and strengthening an independent legal profession, which, alongside an independent judiciary, is the cornerstone of a free and democratic society.  Our mission is to promote a high standard of legal services and professional, ethical conduct and competence on the part of all those seeking admission to the legal profession and practising law in Alberta.

www.lawsociety.ab.ca

SOURCE: Law Society of Alberta

Ally Taylor 
Manager, Communications 
[phone] 
[email protected]