Prominent Canadian civil rights lawyer and activist Clayton Ruby has died, CTV News has confirmed.
Ruby, who was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 2006, died Tuesday. The Toronto native was 80.
During his long and distinguished legal career, Ruby represented numerous high-profile clients, most notably Guy Paul Morin, who was wrongly convicted of the October 1984 rape and murder of eight-year-old Christine Jessup.
Another one of his most famous clients is former NDP MP Svend Robinson, who in February 1994 attended the illegal medical treatment of Sue Rodriguez. In the end, Robinson was not charged.
In a tweet, Robinson called his “dear friend” a “giant in the legal profession, a pillar of the progressive community, and a fine and decent human being, man.”
Heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of my dear friend Clay Ruby. A giant in the legal profession, a pillar of progressive society and a fine and dignified man, man. Condolences to Harriet, Emma and Kate and all who knew and loved him as Max and I did. Rest in strength. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dgZtYn9xJF
— Svend Robinson (@SvendJRobinson) August 3, 2022
Ruby also played an important role in the fight for the rights of LGBTQ people in Canada. He successfully took on the federal government when he defended Michelle Douglas, who was fired from the Canadian Forces in 1989 because of her sexual orientation. Douglas started a lawsuit that ended the military’s discriminatory policies against gays and lesbians.
Specialist in criminal, constitutional, administrative and civil law, author of several law textbooks.
Ruby leaves behind his wife, Harriet Sachs, an Ontario Superior Court judge, and their children, Emma and Kate.
This is developing news. Stay tuned for more information.
Add Comment