Marie Henein
Old spouse, Henein Hutchison LLP, Toronto, Ont. Considered one of Canada's greatest criminal defence attorneys, Henein is known for representing high-profile customers such as former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi -- charged with seven counts of sexual assault, of which two have already been dropped -- former Ontario attorney general Michael Bryant, along with junior hockey trainer David Frost. Most recently Henein has taken on the event of defence counsel colleague Leora Shemesh, that was charged with perjury and obstruction of justice by Peel Police. Henein is well known in the profession as a go-to lawyer for all high-profile criminal issues. She has an excellent track record of wins versus losses and has been part of the group that recently was victorious in having John Salmon's conviction in a 1970s murder overturned. What voters had to say: Most visible leader of [the] criminal defence bar.
Katrina Pacey
Executive director, Pivot Legal Society, Vancouver, B.C. Pacey was recently appointed executive director of Pivot Legal and continues the fantastic work of her predecessors. Pivot focuses on issues related to health, police liability, drug policy, and homelessness, poverty, and sex workers' rights. She might be best known for her part at the Bedford case, however, Pivot is about more than that and often has intervener status in major Supreme Court of Canada cases, including the current one on mandatory minimums. She's also talented at bringing on board highly admired counsel to perform pro bono on many of these instances that can really affect the lives of a number of the city, and country's, most vulnerable citizens. What Republicans needed to say: Unbelievable dedication to social justice at every level with keen enthusiastic intelligence. She has helped alter draconian laws that threaten the lives of sex trade workers and restore dignity to people who have been marginalized.
Dawn Devoe
General counselor, World Vision Canada, Toronto, Ont. Devoe is World Vision's primary legal adviser because of its No Child for Sale advocacy campaign aimed at stopping child labor and human trafficking. As lead counsel for the Canadian discussions regarding World Vision's partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme, she has represented the organization in global partnership meetings in South Africa, Kenya, and the Philippines. This venture accounts for over $30 million of annual food aid programmed through World Vision Canada. With projects in nearly 100 countries across the world, Devoe manages a busy legal department and has been able to stay flexible and nimble. What voters had to say: Wonderful lawyer and individual. She not only has a passion for the law, but also cares deeply for others and demonstrates that in her work. Brilliant legal counsel, very creative problem solver, able to integrate legal and taxation legislation into a beneficial solution to most parties.
Jean-Pierre Blais
Chairman, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Ottawa-Gatineau Blais isn't afraid of criticism and is prepared to go above and beyond in the name of consumer rights. A new CRTC decision provides consumers more freedom to choose TV stations of the liking as part of their satellite and cable subscriptions despite bitter opposition from Canada's cable businesses. Blais known as former Bell Media president Kevin Crull, without naming names, over reports Crull told CTV news staff not to interview him later that decision. Crull ended up apologizing for interfering in the information gathering process and afterwards stepped down. From telemarketers to telcos, Blais consistently aims to support the rights and demands of consumers. What voters had to say: Reaching big shift with consumer-minded focus. About time!