Former Canadian Supreme Court judge pays courtesy call on President

Georgetown, GINA, April 3, 2014

President Donald Ramotar received a courtesy visit on Wednesday from former Canadian Supreme Court Judge Claire L’Heureux-Dubé as part of her five-day visit to Guyana.

Accompanied by Canadian High Commissioner Dr. Nicole Giles, the eminent law official said that her meeting with the president was “extraordinary” as they managed to exchange ideas that were interesting for both countries. The official is participating in the Judges Colloquium, organised locally by the Ministry of Legal Affairs. This event seeks to have legal luminaries from various countries exchange ideas and experiences as they examine ways in which to improve the dispensation of justice and the legal system in their respective countries.

(From left to right) Canadian High Commissioner Dr. Nicole Giles President Donald Ramotar and former Canadian Supreme Court Judge Claire L’Heureux-Dubé

Ms L’Heureux-Dubé was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1987 after serving for 14 years as a trial and appellate court judge. Her 50-year career in law is one marked by many achievements in family law and human rights issues. She has undertaken many roles in the legal profession as an advocate for equality and proponent for the fair administration of justice

The former judge is an executive and trustee member of the Equal Rights Trust, an independent international organisation whose purpose is to combat discrimination and promote equality as a fundamental human right and a basic principle of social justice. Established as an advocacy organisation, resource centre and a think tank, it focuses on the complex relationship among different types of discrimination, developing strategies for translating the principles of equality into practice.

President Donald Ramotar meets former Canadian Supreme Court Judge Claire L’Heureux-Dubé, accompanied by Canadian High Commissioner Dr. Nicole Giles