Distinguished district native to deliver Algoma U's Homecoming Lecture

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

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Elliott Lake's R. Douglas Elliott to deliver 2012 Homecoming Lecture

Prominent human rights lawyer to speak at Algoma University

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON (October 16, 2012) - The 2012 Homecoming Lecture at Algoma University will take place on Wednesday, October 24, 2012, from 4-5 p.m. in the Great West Life Amphitheatre (NW200).

The lecture will be a talk titled "My Life in Equality: An Algoma Fairy Tale," delivered by Algoma region native R. Douglas Elliott and sponsored by Feifel Broadbent Gualazzi Law Firm.
 
Having grown up in Elliott Lake, where he helped take Elliot Lake Secondary School's first Reach for the Top team to the national championships of the CBC quiz show, Douglas Elliott is a founding partner in the Toronto law firm of Roy Elliott O'Connor LLP.

As one of Canada's leading human rights lawyers, he has helped to win many important Charter cases for Canada's LGBT communities, including Vriend v Alberta, M. v H., Halpern v Canada, Hislop v Canada, Reference Re Same Sex Marriage and Marc Hall v. Durham Catholic School Board.

Elliott represents the Ontario Gay Straight Alliance Coalition, formerly the Coalition in Support of Marc Hall, a diverse coalition that included Egale and PFLAG.

This year he was active in securing passage of the Accepting Schools Act and a law adding gender identity and gender expression to the Ontario Human Rights Code.
 
Elliott has frequently advocated for the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, and has long served as counsel to the Canadian AIDS Society.

He is currently co-counsel in a Charter challenge seeking access to clean needles for prisoners.
 
Elliott has been recognized as one of the Best Class Action Lawyers in Canada by the Best Lawyers in Canada.

He is currently part of a legal team representing citizens of Elliot Lake in a $30-million class action lawsuit in connection with the Algo Centre Mall tragedy.
 
Elliott has received numerous awards for his community service.

In 2010 the Law Society conferred its highest honour on Elliott, the Law Society Medal.

Earlier this year Elliott was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from "Out on Bay Street!" and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for community service.
 
The lecture will be followed by a reception in the Speakeasy at Algoma University from 5-7 p.m.

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by October 22 to Erika at 705-945-8901 or by e-mail.
 
About Algoma University

Algoma University offers a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in psychology, computer science, business administration, fine arts, community economic & social development, and biology in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton, Timmins and St. Thomas.

As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Algoma U is committed to respecting Anishinaabe knowledge and culture.

Algoma University has launched its Essential Elements Campaign to expand its campus and offer more scholarships and awards to students.

To learn more, visit here.
 
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