The Indigenous Bar Association is pleased to endorse Julian Falconer in his candidacy as a Bencher with the Law Society of Upper Canada. Julian is committed to Aboriginal Justice and supporting diversity among the bar. Julian is an advocate for change and access to justice. It is a pleasure and an honour to endorse Julian Falconer.

Please consider casting your vote for Julian Falconer in the Bencher Election. I am a great admirer of Julian’s career, and his pursuit of social justice. We have served as benchers together for four years, and I have been deeply impressed by the many ways in which he has helped to forward equality issues. The legal profession would do well to send him to Osgoode Hall as our representative for another term.

The Women in Criminal Law Committee encourages everyone to vote for Julian Falconer so we have a strong voice supporting PLAP and other initiatives to retain and promote diversity in the profession. Julian Falconer was instrumental in ensuring the continuation of the Parental Leave Assistance Program (PLAP). He worked tirelessly to ensure that the motion put forward to Convocation to end the program was defeated. He is keenly aware of the issues facing sole practitioners generally. He understands the challenges, financial and otherwise, facing those who leave practice for a period of time to start a family. PLAP will be back on the LSUC agenda during the next Bencher term.

As president of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association of Ontario, I have had the privilege of discussing our issues with Julian and I have carefully followed his progress as a Bencher. Julian has always advocated for the Bar generally. He has supported the Defence bar through his Bencher work particularly by being a strong proponent of programs such as parental leave, Legal Aid, and with innovation as the Chair of the Challenges Faced by Racialized Licensees Working Group. I strongly recommend him for re-election. I count on him and you can too.

Over the years Julian Falconer has been an advocate for Nishnawbe Aski Nation on a variety of issues. In his role as a Bencher, he has established an important bridge between us and the Law Society. Mr. Falconer has helped to create real, purposeful change by challenging the status quo; using his voice to get important issues, especially those affecting Indigenous populations, onto the radar in order to advance the fight for a more just society. He is a fierce and tireless advocate, who holds those in positions of power accountable, and by doing so, creates a more even playing field and increases access to justice for all.

I support Julian Falconer for Bencher because he is a strong and respectful voice for our Indigenous communities. As a Past President of the Indigenous Bar Association and a legal practitioner for the last seventeen years, I have experienced firsthand Julian’s style of advocacy in respect of Indigenous justice issues. Julian has been at the forefront on key Aboriginal justice issues both provincially and nationally including the Iacobucci Inquiry into Justice Issues in the North and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission litigation regarding residential school survivors. In his capacity as Co-Chair of the Equity and Aboriginal Issues Committee Julian has proven to me that he listens and he values the input of the Aboriginal bar. I have no doubt that he will continue to bring a strong voice to issues for Indigenous peoples at Convocation.

I am voting for Julian Falconer for Bencher and I urge you to vote for him. Here is why: I have been a Bencher continuously for the last twenty-five years and became a life bencher in 2007. For the last five years Julian has been a progressive voice at Convocation on a number of important issues. Given the nature of Julian’s practice he has naturally been a voice for small firms and sole practitioners. He has also taken a very strong stand on important social justice issues.

I have known Julian for about 20 years. I have always known him to be supportive of all communities and of issues dealing with equity and fairness. He is committed and is also a fearless champion for the voiceless. I fully support Julian Falconer for Bencher.

As Chair of the Equity Advisory Group, I’ve worked closely with Julian, who co-chairs the Equity and Aboriginal Issues Committee. Julian has championed the Equity Advisory Group, diversity, and indigenous issues. He is an inclusive and progressive leader who seeks and listens to input from diverse sources for a full appreciation of the issues. As a Bencher, Julian has brought fresh and innovative ideas to the Committee and to Convocation. Julian has my full support for re-election.

I am proud to have been a friend and colleague of Julian’s for 25 years. I am supporting Julian as a Bencher for several reasons, including his commitment to fearless advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities, his dedication to developing the law and institutional structures to change our society for the better, and his commitment to his work as a Bencher in the last five years.

I support Julian Falconer for Bencher.  I was an elected Bencher for fourteen years, and served as Treasurer from 2008-2010.  I have worked with Julian on files including the Ipperwash Inquiry (2004-2007) and the Jury Roll Challenge in the North.  Julian is passionate and committed to equity and diversity in the profession and to serving and ensuring access to justice for all Ontarians.  He brings his compassion and commitment to his work as a Bencher.