The Honourable Don Brenner QC Feted at Tribute Dinner
On Thursday, January 21, 2010, nearly 500 distinguished guests, including the Chief Justice of Canada, The Rt. Honourable Beverly McLachlin, and dozens of judges from across Canada, gathered at Vancouver’s Four Seasons Hotel to celebrate the achievements of the Honourable Don Brenner QC ('70), recently retired Chief Justice of the British Columbia Supreme Court.
The evening, which was jointly presented by The Canadian Bar Association, The Law Society of British Columbia, UBC Law Alumni Association, and the Vancouver Bar Association, was organised as a benefit for several groups whose work deeply resonated with Brenner’s decades-long commitment to promoting access to justice: Pro Bono Law of BC/Western Canada Society to Access Justice and the Justice Education Society.
The former Chief Justice’s dedication to this cause was acknowledged by all of the evening’s speakers, including Justice McLachlin, who also spoke at length about Brenner’s leadership in bringing modern technology to Canadian courtrooms.
Other speakers included the event MCs, current Chief Justice of the BCSC, the Honourable Robert J. Bauman, and George Macintosh, QC; as well as Chief Justice of British Columbia, the Honourable Lance Fitch (’62); forestry executive and Vancouver Canadians co-owner Jake Kerr; John Hunter, QC; and Brenner himself.
In his reply, Brenner recognised the importance of a strong and independent Bar, which represents clients to the highest ethical standards. He also thanked its members for their unstinting support over the years. The focus of his remarks, however, was access to justice. He beseeched the members of the legal profession to double and redouble their efforts "to serve those in our communities who need our support the most."
Notwithstanding the seriousness of this issue, the tenor of the proceedings was tempered by warm wishes and numerous funny anecdotes. In particular, attendees were treated to an uproarious 'tribute' video - in the vein of This Hour Has 22 Minutes - presented by Justices of the Courts of Nova Scotia, led by Chief Justice Michael MacDonald.
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