CFB ESQUIMALT, BC, Oct. 25, 2018 /CNW/ - The outstanding accomplishments of Canadian prosecutors were recognized by the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Heads of Prosecutions Committee at an awards ceremony held last night. The award program, instituted in 2006, honours professional excellence, exemplary service, and outstanding achievements.
The following prosecutors were chosen for their contributions to advancing and promoting the role of prosecutors within the Canadian criminal justice system:
The Commitment to Justice Award 2018 was awarded to the Honorable David Labrenz, Q.C., former Crown Prosecutor with the Appeals, Education and Prosecution Policy Branch of Alberta Justice, and to Mr. Paul Adams, General Counsel and Ms. Suhanya Edwards, Crown Prosecutor, both with the Atlantic Regional Office of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC).
Justice Labrenz was recognized for his tremendous effort in prosecuting countless high profile cases that frequently generated media scrutiny and in subsequently sharing his wide-ranging experience with law enforcement professionals at various learning events and conferences, as well as for his work on improving justice for women, girls, and victims of sexual assault.
Mr. Adams and Ms. Edwards were recognized for their tireless work and dedication in prosecuting a high profile case under the Canada Labour Code involving the RCMP amidst considerable media interest. Faced with a number of legal and practical challenges, they worked diligently to influence PPSC policies to ensure that the fundamental principles of justice were met.
The Courage and Perseverance Award 2018 was awarded to Barry McLaren, General Counsel with the PPSC's Nunavut Regional Office. In his career, Mr. McLaren earned an enviable reputation as a prosecutor and prosecution leader with the PPSC in Nunavut and previously with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service and as a Legal Aid lawyer. His skills as trial counsel, legal educator, manager and mentor have served the community well over a considerable period of time, in a difficult environment where most of the work is to fly-in communities with uncomfortable and inadequate amenities, weather delays, and significant societal challenges.
The FPT Heads of Prosecutions Committee brings together the leaders of Canada's prosecution services to promote assistance and cooperation on operational issues relating to criminal prosecutions. The Committee also provides the prosecution perspective to Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers and Deputy Ministers Responsible for Justice.
(Version française disponible)
SOURCE Public Prosecution Service Canada
Robert P. Doyle, Secretary, FPT Heads of Prosecutions Committee, 613-952-0267
Share this article