Supreme Court rejects Alberta parents’ desperate last bid to keep ‘Baby M’ on life support

Joan Gilmour, an expert in health law and professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, said the previous decisions on Baby M were well-reasoned and hewed to the law — although much of the law surrounding end of life care in Canada remains unsettled, reported the National Post Sept. 20. “When these situations do arise, for the most part, the healthcare providers and the parents often come to a resolution on how things should go forward. Mostly it’s resolved without healthcare providers and parents having to go to court,” she said.

Ontario judge certifies $1 billion class action lawsuit against SNC-Lavalin
Investors saw the value of their investment in the company plummet following revelations of mysterious payments in North Africa, reported Canadian Press in a story published in Coast Reporter Sept. 20. An expert hired by the plaintiffs, Prof. Douglas Cumming of the Schulich School of Business at York University, estimated damages at between $700 million and $1.1 billion. 

York Region chairman and CEO Bill Fisch announces intention to retire
The longest-serving chairman in the region’s history, Bill Fisch will complete a 17-year tenure upon his retirement and 26 years of public service, reported Canada NewsWire Sept. 20. Known as a results-oriented leader, he is well regarded for his vast political experience, leadership and volunteer efforts. He holds a juris doctor degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and was a practising lawyer for 21 years.

‘You can’t fake passion’
Passion capital separates successful businesses and executives from the rest, says Paul Alofs, chief executive officer of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in Toronto, reported the Windsor Star Sept. 21. In his recent book, Passion Capital, Alofs identifies seven basic principles successful corporations follow: creed, culture, courage, brand, resources, strategy and persistence. “It’s not only about the passion, which is, of course, emotional. It’s how you put that passion to work,” said Alofs, Alofs, who has an MBA from York University. 

York University lineman tackles leukemia
Alex Midea is a member of the football team at York University. In his rookie season last year, he won the award for the hardest working and most dedicated player, reported the North York Mirror Sept. 20. But his football and education plans have been put on hold for the time being while he fights leukemia. “There is a huge hole we haven’t filled, but his health and well-being remain No. 1,” says Warren Craney, York’s head coach.