Press Release
Students soon will be able to study and practice law in Northern Ontario.
Ontario is helping Lakehead University in Thunder Bay establish the first law degree program in Northern Ontario.
The new program will begin in September, 2013 with a strong focus on aboriginal law, legal issues relevant to practice in rural and remote communities, and law relating to natural resource management.
It also will support economic prosperity and help to attract a wider range of opportunities for Northern Ontarians.
Increasing student spaces at colleges and universities is an important element of “Putting Students First,” the McGuinty government’s plan to build a highly-skilled and educated workforce, giving Ontario the competitive edge in securing a strong economy for the future.
“Ontario is putting students first by opening up access to students in the north to study law, and develop expertise needed to meet the needs of Northern Ontario,” said Training, Colleges and Universities minister John Milloy.
“Lakehead’s law school will enable more students to learn closer to where they live, and go on to successful careers in their communities,” he added.
“I am very pleased that the McGuinty government is supporting the first law school in Northern Ontario,” echoed Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle.
“This announcement aligns with the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario as it will provide training, education, and employment opportunities for northerners and aboriginal people.
“The law school will provide benefits for all of Northern Ontario for generations to come,” he enthused.
“I want to thank the McGuinty government for their unwavering support for the faculty of law at Lakehead University,” said Brian J.R. Stevenson, president and vice-chancellor of Lakehead University.
The new Lakehead University Juris Doctor (JD) law degree program expects to have an enrolment of 55 students beginning in September, 2013.
