The late Owen Smith, Q.C. to be honoured for excellence in insurance law
Sudbury, ON – Northern Ontario lawyer, Owen Smith, Q.C., will be posthumously recognized this week at a special celebration for his contributions to insurance law, which have greatly benefitted the regional community.
The New Liskeard-based lawyer formerly of the firm Smith McBride Ducharme is remembered as a champion for the well-being of rural communities in the north and as one of Canada's leading insurance law lawyers.
Smith was named winner of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) regional Award of Excellence in Insurance Law last March and will be honoured at a reception in Sudbury this Thursday.
The prestigious award recognizes outstanding OBA members for their accomplishments in the development of law, leadership in the profession, professionalism and enhancement of the community's well-being.
"The OBA is proud to celebrate Owen's illustrious career," said OBA President Orlando Da Silva." Owen’s skill and dedication to his profession and his community will no doubt remain an inspiration to both."
Smith was nominated in part for his work's impact on Northern Ontario communities, notably his campaign to improve safety on Highway 11 and his efforts to develop the Ontario snowmobile trail system.
"As a Northern Ontario lawyer, I've witnessed how Owen's tireless efforts to develop insurance law have benefitted local communities' safety, economic activity and well-being. I can think of no one more deserving of this prestigious award," said Timmins-based lawyer and former OBA president, J. Kenneth Alexander.
The celebration honouring Smith will take place June 25 at 5:30 p.m. at TownePlace Suites Sudbury (1710 The Kingsway, Sudbury, ON). Smith's former colleagues and peers, as well as members of the media, are welcome to attend.
The event will also draw special OBA guests to Sudbury. Alexander will attend to deliver the keynote speech, and OBA member Stephen R. Moore of Toronto's Blaney McMurtry LLP will attend as a guest speaker.
For more information or to register for the award dinner, visit www.oba.org/pd.
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Established in 1907, the OBA is the largest voluntary legal association in Ontario and represents over 16,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students. The OBA provides continuing professional development and advocates for improvements to the law in the interests of the profession and public.
For more information:
Amy Clark - 416-869-1047 x 364 or aclark@oba.org