Louis Lebel, a former Supreme Court of Canada judge, died Thursday in Quebec. He is 83 years old.
Louise Lebel served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada from 2000 to 2014. A recipient of many distinctions during 60 years of legal practice, Louis Lebel received the prestigious medal of the Barreau du Québec in 2000. A key role in the implementation of the new Civil Code of Quebec.
Louis Lebel is the husband of Louis Baudrier, a lawyer and former full professor at Laval University’s Faculty of Law. He leaves to mourn his three children, Paul, Catherine and François, and his many grandchildren.
Louise Lebel was an “excellent judge” who leaves behind an “invaluable contribution to the profession,” Quebec’s president, Ms.e Catherine Clave. “In particular, he contributed to ensuring that justice takes into account tribal realities while determining a key issue,” he added.
A distressed legal community
Louis Lebel’s death has sparked many reactions in the legal world.
In a statement, Chief Justice of Canada Richard Wagner said, “Judges and staff are saddened by the passing of Justice Lebel, a man of exemplary wisdom and partnership.” He described Louis Lebel as “a kind and sympathetic man to his colleagues and staff” who “leaves a legal legacy of well-written decisions”.
Anne-Marie Laflamme, Dean of Laval University’s Faculty of Law, said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of an exceptional judge who made significant contributions to the advancement of law and case law in the country.
The former judge specializes in labor law, but “his knowledge of the law is encyclopedic,” Ms.e Jean-François Gagnon is CEO of Langlois, where Louis LeBelle served as a consultant after retiring from the Supreme Court. “He is infinitely honorable,” said M.e Gagnon underscores the former judge’s “great modesty” in the execution.
“His contribution to the legal profession and society was invaluable and he left a significant mark,” said Ms.e Catherine Clave.
A cramming course
The son of a lawyer, Louis Lebel was immersed in the law from childhood. He studied at Laval University and the University of Toronto. During his studies, he was awarded the Governor General’s Medal, Lieutenant Governor’s Medal and Tessier Silver Medal.
He first practiced law at law firms in Quebec, while being involved in various groups such as the Editorial Board. Check out the reviewHe was the President from 1979 to 1982.
In 1982, Louis Lebel was appointed Vice-President of the Barreau du Québec, and then in 1983, Vice-President of the Pétonière du Québec. He was later a judge of the Court of Appeal of Quebec from 1984 to 2000.
Louis Lebel received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Laval University in 2001, and another from the University of Ottawa in 2010. He also taught as a visiting professor at both these universities.
A prolific writer, the judge has authored various legal studies and articles. He also co-wrote M.e Robert-B. Gagnon and Professor Pierre Verge are on the title of this work Labor law is in force in Quebecec, published by Presses de l’Université Laval.
After leaving the Supreme Court, Louis Lebel continued to practice law, notably as a guest judge at Laval University. He retired last March.
Louise Lebel was made an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2004 and a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2017.
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