Private Prosecutions
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM PST Maritime Labour Centre 111 Victoria Drive Vancouver, BC V5L 4C4
Employees are often the first to learn of employer misconduct, either health and safety violations, or environmental law violations. At times, tragically, where a colleague is injured or killed, or where there is some devastating environmental damage that results from employer disregard of an important environmental law. In many cases, the police investigate and charges are laid. But there are many other cases in which there is an inadequate investigation or none, and no charges are laid. In these latter circumstances, a union member having the skill and knowledge to initiate a private prosecution can be invaluable. This course is designed to provide that skill and knowledge.
We recommend that students attending the course download a copy of the excellent A Citizen’s and Lawyer’s Guide to Private Prosecutions in British Columbia from the Environmental Law Centre at the University of Victoria, prepared for the Watershed Watch Salmon Society – A-Citizens-and-Lawyers-Guide-to-Private-Prosecution-in-BC.pdf. It will be used as an invaluable resource during the course.
In Person at the Maritime Labour Centre
Facilitators: Leo McGrady and Andrew McKay
Leo McGrady KC is counsel with Koskie Glavin Gordon. He specializes in labour law, human rights, criminal law, and libel law, all on behalf of unions and employees. Leo has taught these courses at the Faculty of Law UBC, and in the Labour Studies Programs at Capilano University and Simon Fraser University. He has been counsel on hundreds of trials, hearings and appeals throughout his career.
Andrew McKay is private counsel with AM Law in BC and Ontario, specializing in criminal law. Former Toronto police officer and Assistant Crown Attorney in Toronto. Counsel to a number of police associations throughout Ontario on regulatory matters and Special Investigation Unit investigations. Previously acted as consultant/trainer to the Ministries of Labour in Ontario, BC and Alberta pertaining to Occupational Health and Safety Acts.