Edward J. Ratushny

Ed Ratushny, Q.C., B.A., LL.B. (Sask.), LL.M. (Lond.), S.J.D. (Mich.), LL.D. (LSUC), is a law professor emeritus of the University of Ottawa. He has written extensively, including two books: Self-Incrimination in the Canadian Criminal Process and The Conduct of Public Inquiries, numerous edited books, journal articles and public reports. His academic career has been complemented by extensive professional experience in the field of Administrative Law. He frequently acts as an arbitrator and has served as an advisor and as counsel to government ministers, departments, tribunals, and agencies in diverse areas including human rights, transportation, immigration, refugee-determination and policing. He served as a Commissioner on the Ontario Royal Commission on Systemic Racism in the Criminal Justice System and as Senior Counsel to the Right Honourable Antonio Lamer in his Royal Commission investigating public concerns about three murder convictions in Newfoundland. He was the first Special Advisor on Judicial Affairs to the Canadian Minister of Justice and has acted as counsel for the Canadian Judicial Council for over twenty years. This work has included numerous inquiries throughout Canada into the conduct of superior court judges, and advising on policy development and related by-laws and regulations. His international work regarding the judiciary has included serving as President of the Canadian Section of the International Commission of Jurists from 2001-06 and missions to China, Ireland, Kenya, Nepal and Swaziland. Professor Ratushny's contributions to law and to Canadian society have been recognized by his appointments to the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, as well as through his Honorary Doctor of Laws from the Law Society of Upper Canada. He received the Justice Award from the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice "as a mark of distinction and exceptional achievement" and the first annual CCAT Medal presented by the Council of Canadian Administrative Tribunals for his "outstanding contribution to the Canadian Administrative Justice System."