Acknowledging his significant contribution to the legal community of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada, the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, expressed his condolences to the family and friends of former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada Antonio Lamer upon his passing.

"Justice Lamer was a strong advocate for the civil rights of Canadians, a brilliant Supreme Court Justice and a wonderful person," said Minister Kennedy. "He made a significant contribution to the laws of this country and his rulings have provided clarity on many issues, especially in relation to The Charter of Rights and Freedoms."

Justice Lamer was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1980 and, subsequently, appointed Chief Justice in 1990, a position he held until his retirement in 1999. Justice Lamer was widely known in Newfoundland and Labrador as commissioner of the inquiry examining the wrongful convictions of Gregory Parsons, Ronald Dalton and Randy Druken, which became known as The Lamer Inquiry.

"The recommendations of Justice Lamer have helped improve the administration of justice in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Kennedy. "His influence will be felt in this province, and indeed Canada, for many years to come."

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