The Law Foundation of Ontario is pleased to announce the appointment of Jack Braithwaite to its Board of Trustees.
Mr. Braithwaite is a Law Society of Ontario Bencher (Sudbury) and Counsel at Weaver Simmons LLP, the largest law firm in northern Ontario. He has significant experience in wrongful dismissal and other employment related litigation. His specializes in employer representation in collective bargaining, human rights, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board matters, Occupational Health and Safety prosecutions, and Ontario Labour Relations Board proceedings.
“Jack’s commitment to advancing both the profession and access to justice is evident in his years of service to many legal associations and a diversity of charities, such as the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Afro Heritage Association,” said Foundation Chair, Linda Rothstein. “We’re pleased to welcome Jack to the Board.”
Mr. Braithwaite is the Past President of the Sudbury District Law Association and is a current member of the: Canadian Bar Association; National Bar Association in the U.S.; Ontario Bar Association; Canadian Association of Black Lawyers; Advocates’ Society; and Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Weengushk Film Institute, the Afro Heritage Association, and is Founder and Chair of the Michaëlle Jean Sudbury Afro-heritage Fund. Mr. Braithwaite is a past member of the National Advocacy Council of the Canadian Diabetes Association, where he served as the Association’s legal counsel.
Mr. Braithwaite is sought-after speaker and writer on employment law issues. He co-wrote Canadian Employment Law, a leading textbook, and was Associate Editor of the Dismissal and Employment Law Digest, a national publication for lawyers. He taught sports and criminal law courses at Laurentian University, guest lectures at Laurentian, Western University, and Osgoode Hall and frequently gives presentations and seminars to various organizations.
He earned a BA and a BSc at Concordia University, a MA at McGill University, and his LLB from the University of Alberta.
Mr. Braithwaite replaces former Trustee Etienne Esquega Mr. Esquega brought important insights to the Foundation’s grantmaking, particularly to the legal needs of Indigenous people and people living in northern Ontario. The Board and staff thank him for his service.
