Dianne Martin, a professor at York’s Osgoode Hall Law School, says the law doesn't provide for the privileged exchange of information between a councillor and a constituent the way it does between lawyer and client, or husband and wife, reported Hamilton's The Spectator Nov. 25. She was commenting on a Hamilton councillor who says he'll defy any attempt to force him to reveal who leaked sensitive documents to a Spectator journalist almost 10 years ago. Sam Merulla has been ordered to testify in St. Elizabeth Villa's $15.5-million lawsuit against the former region, city and public officials. "I have a moral obligation as a politician to protect the confidentiality of one of the constituents of the city," he said. Martin said there is "case by case privilege" in which a judge can determine if confidentiality should exist because it is critical to the relationship.
Martin, a former defence lawyer and co-founder of Osgoode’s Innocence Project, also talked about whether or not police should hold press conferences and name suspects in child pornography cases, on CBC Radio’s "Metro Morning" Nov. 24. She was speaking in the wake of the suicide of a man against whom child pornography charges were laid then withdrawn.
Pierre Berton Award goes to Jack Granatstein
Historian and author Jack Granatstein trashes Pierre Berton's history books occasionally, but that is not stopping him from accepting the $5,000 Pierre Berton Award for making Canadians more aware of their own history, reported the Ottawa Citizen Nov. 25. "While I do disagree with him on certain things, I do understand his importance and his place," the Toronto-based Granatstein said. "I'm quite pleased to be a winner of the Pierre Berton Award and not just because there is a little bit of money attached, but because it's a Pierre Berton Award." The award is sponsored by Canada's National History Society and is named after Berton, although the popular history writer has no voice in selecting the winner. This year's award was to be presented to Granatstein, a veteran academic at York University, at a ceremony Thursday at Toronto's Fort York.
York goalie could ‘Make the Cut’
York Lions goalie Scott Della Vedova, 23, is one of three goalies who remain in contention for the CBC Sports show "Making The Cut", reported Canadian Press Nov. 24. During a live Dec. 14 finale, six men will be selected for National Hockey League tryouts. The six will be chosen from 25 of more than 400 original hopefuls.
New stadium could be site for 2006 Vanier Cup
If the University of Saskatchewan, which was awarded the 2006 Vanier Cup game by Canadian Interuniversity Sport last year, can’t prove it has the money for new artificial turf and lighting, another option is playing the football game at the new stadium at York University, scheduled to open the same year, suggested the Toronto Sun Nov. 25.
On air
- Orest Subtelny, history and political science professor with York’s Faculty of Arts, discussed Ukrainians' protest against the result of the presidential election, on CBC Newsworld’s "CBC News: Morning" Nov. 24.
- Joseph Levy, director of York’s Wellness Centre and a professor in York’s School of Health Policy & Management, commented on retirement and routine issues following the news that 73-year-old CBS anchor Dan Rather will retire next spring, on 680 News (CFTR-AM) Nov. 23. Levy said work defines people and retirement is tough for some people to adjust to.
- Dr. Joel Lexchin, emergency physician and professor in York’s School of Health Policy & Management, discussed his concerns about the way Health Canada goes about approving new drugs, on CBC Radio’s "As it Happens" Nov. 23. Lexchin was identified as the lead author of an article contained in this month's Journal of the Canadian Medical Association.