Lakehead University opens region's first law school

News Release
Ont. Govt.

Students will soon be able to study and practice law in Northern Ontario.
Ontario is helping Lakehead University establish the first law degree program in Northern Ontario. The new program will begin in September 2013 with a strong focus on Aboriginal Law, legal issues relevant to practice in rural and remote communities and law relating to natural resource management. It will also support economic prosperity and help to attract a wider range of opportunities for Northern Ontarians.
Increasing student spaces at colleges and universities is an important element of Putting Students First, the McGuinty government’s plan to build a highly skilled and educated workforce, giving Ontario the competitive edge in securing a strong economy for the future.
“Ontario is putting students first by opening up access to students in the North to study law, and develop expertise needed to meet the needs of Northern Ontario. Lakehead’s law school will enable more students to learn closer to where they live, and go on to successful careers in their communities," said John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.
“I am very pleased that the McGuinty Government is supporting the first law school in Northern Ontario. This announcement aligns with the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, as it will provide training, education and employment opportunities for Northerner’s and Aboriginal people. The law school will provide benefits for all of Northern Ontario for generations to come," said Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North.
“Today’s announcement is another incredible achievement for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, and exhibits the commitment of our government to Northern issues. It is another significant milestone for our community. We continue to evolve, grow and diversify our economy, and to provide even more knowledge-based jobs and opportunities for our young people to live, learn and work here at home," said Bill Mauro, MPP Thunder Bay Atikokan.
“I want to thank the McGuinty government for their unwavering support for the faculty of law at Lakehead University. The work they have done in approving the faculty of law is greatly appreciated," said Brian J.R. Stevenson, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University.

QUICK FACTS
The new Lakehead University Juris Doctor (JD) law degree program expects to have an enrolment of 55 students beginning September 2013.
This project supports the 25-year Growth Plan for Northern Ontario by helping to provide training, education and employment opportunities in the North.
Ontario has the highest postsecondary attainment rate among all 34 OECD countries at 64 per cent.
The 2011 Budget - Turning The Corner announced additional operating support that will help create places for more than 60,000 additional students in Ontario’s colleges and universities by 2015-16.