Latest news with #RussellBrown
National Post
26-06-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Jamie Sarkonak: Canada is worse off without Russell Brown on the Supreme Court
Two years ago, Canada lost one of the best minds on its top court. Russell Brown, Supreme Court justice of eight years, resigned in 2023 after becoming the living embodiment of 'the punishment is the procedure.' Subjected to a frivolous conduct complaint, then a frivolous possibly-forced leave of absence and frivolous investigation by the Canadian Judicial Council, he took matters into his own hands and retired from the bench — to the grief of the profession. Article content Article content Finally, Brown has been given the heartfelt send-off he's always deserved. Last weekend, a symposium was held in his honour at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, where he was a professor prior to his judicial career. Article content Article content Article content It was a bittersweet two-day gathering: laughs were traded with old colleagues, papers on Brown's legal contributions were presented by appreciative academics, but bubbling up every so often was a wistful sense of what could have been. Now an arbitrator and consultant, Brown no longer wields the power to set critical precedents that affect the entire country. Article content Our biggest loss, made clear by those presenting papers at this symposium, was one of reasoning and restraint. Mark Mancini, an assistant professor at Thompson Rivers University often quoted by the Supreme Court, described Brown's style as one that limits 'judicial freestyle.' Brown knew to handle the Charter — and really, the text of any law — with care, which, Mancini pointed out, was important in preserving the legitimacy of the court. Article content Article content The thought was echoed by University of Saskatchewan law professor Dwight Newman, who pointed to Brown's decision in Mikisew Cree First Nation v. Canada. Here, concurring with the majority, Brown ruled against radically expanding the duty to consult Indigenous peoples. (Had this case gone the other way, the duty would have applied to Parliament and the process of lawmaking, guaranteeing unimaginable levels of gridlock and fuelling even more race-based politicking in Ottawa.) Article content Also of note was Brown's decision in the case of Toronto (City) v. Ontario; writing for the majority with Chief Justice Richard Wagner, he ruled that the alteration of city council ward boundaries and elimination of some wards completely during a municipal election did not amount to a breach of democratic Charter rights — an example of 'judicial humility,' said Newman. Article content And though Brown didn't prevail in the infamous 2021 Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act references, in which he concluded that the law was wholly unconstitutional and amounted to a fatal overstep of federal-provincial boundaries, his reasons showcased the flaws of the majority. Perhaps, Newman pondered, they even influenced the court's subsequent decision to strike down parts of the Impact Assessment Act for failing to respect federal-provincial boundaries.
Glasgow Times
18-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Surehaven Glasgow marks 15 years of mental health care
Surehaven Glasgow is celebrating the milestone, which coincides with the Regional Star Awards for Scotland. The hospital is operated by Shaw Healthcare, which is said to be the UK's largest employee-owned healthcare company, and provides recovery-focused mental health services. The hospital's new 12-bed extension is currently under construction (Image: Supplied) Martin Cassidy, hospital manager at Surehaven Glasgow, said: "Today is a moment to reflect on how far we've come as a service. "For 15 years, our team has worked with care, professionalism, and a deep sense of purpose to support individuals on their recovery journeys. Read more: Thousands expected for march and rally to support refugees in Glasgow 'I'll crawl across the line if I have to': Dad to run 95 miles in memory of son Update provided on busy route closure after lorry crash "It's a privilege to mark this milestone with colleagues, some of whom have been with us since the early days. "The recognition through the Regional Star Awards is a testament to the incredible work being done here in Glasgow every day." The anniversary included staff recognition awards, refreshments, and a chance for the team to reflect on their shared commitment to mental health care. Several long-serving team members were recognised for their dedication to patient care and the organisation. Russell Brown, chief executive officer of Shaw Healthcare, and members of the Cardiff head office team, toured the hospital's new 12-bed extension currently under construction and set to open in spring 2026. Mr Brown said: "Reaching 15 years is a remarkable achievement for Surehaven and a credit to the staff's dedication and expertise. "It's fantastic to see the development of the new extension, which will help us continue providing first-class care for years to come." Surehaven Glasgow supports individuals with complex mental health needs, offering a safe and supportive space to make progress.
Global News
18-06-2025
- General
- Global News
A look at Nova Scotia's specially trained K-9 search and rescue team
When disaster strikes in Nova Scotia, a specially trained team of dogs and their handlers is ready to answer the call for help. This elite K-9 unit can sniff through rubble and wilderness to find survivors and save lives. There's only a handful of these teams in Canada. Agile, energetic, playful and hardworking, these are the qualities that make Labrador retriever, Vaz, stand out as a member of Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency's Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 5. View image in full screen Russell Brown and Labrador retriever, Vaz, are both members of Halifax's Urban Search and Rescue task force. Skye Bryden-Blom / Global News Russell Brown is the K-9 team lead, and says their dogs are trained to detect a human's scent, searching with their noses in the air. They're equipped to sniff out survivors buried beneath rubble after a building collapse. They've also added wilderness search and rescue to their portfolio. Story continues below advertisement 'If there have been a lot of people who have been searching the area already, it doesn't affect our dogs because our dogs are trained to ignore residual odour,' he said. 'They don't find articles. They don't care if there have been 100 people in the woods looking before us.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Russell calls the work a longtime passion, having studied animal behaviour before becoming a firefighter. For more on this story, watch the video above.
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Airdrie Library embracing the future with launch of state-of-the-art immersive room
Visitors can explore a wide range of topics such as Ancient Egypt, dinosaurs, volcanoes, and art galleries, or enjoy calming mindfulness sessions and interactive wall colouring. Airdrie Library is embracing the future while celebrating its past, with the launch of a state-of-the-art immersive room and a series of events to mark the building's 100th birthday this September. The immersive room, open by appointment, offers a fully interactive 360-degree digital experience. Visitors can explore a wide range of topics such as Ancient Egypt, dinosaurs, volcanoes, and art galleries, or enjoy calming mindfulness sessions and interactive wall colouring. The space is designed to support education, creativity, and wellbeing for people of all ages. 'This is a fantastic example of how we are reimagining our libraries as vibrant, forward-thinking community hubs,' said said Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council. 'The immersive room in Airdrie Library is a powerful tool for education, creativity and wellbeing. 'This room is just part of our overall plans to promote Airdrie Library as a key destination within the town centre and celebrating its rich history.' The launch coincides with the library's 100th birthday, which will be marked in September with a series of celebratory events, including exhibitions, talks, and family-friendly activities. Russell Brown, Libraries Manager at North Lanarkshire Council, added: 'We're incredibly proud to offer this immersive experience. It's designed to inspire curiosity and provide a unique space for schools, community groups, and individuals to explore and learn in new and exciting ways.' In 2023, North Lanarkshire Council secured £150,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland to support the development phase of 'Rediscovering Airdrie', a heritage-led regeneration project. This initiative will deliver a range of physical improvements and community heritage activities in Airdrie town centre. Council staff are currently preparing Heritage Fund and HES funding bids for 'delivery phase' of the project, which, if successful, will be supported by match funding from the council. or contact Airdrie Library directly. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Otago Daily Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
100-plus years on farms marked
Organisers praised the "ticker and tenacity" of farming families receiving Century Farm awards in Lawrence on Saturday. The awards were established by local man Russell Brown and friends in 2005 to honour families who had farmed the same land for 100 years or more. This year three families received awards marking 150 years on the same land. Among them were the Dalziels, of Lawrence, whose forebear Christopher had landed at Port Chalmers — via a circuitous route — from Shetland in 1861. From there he had joined the Lawrence Gold Rush, and saved sufficient capital through his mining exploits to buy 100 acres (40.5ha) in nearby Tuapeka West in 1874. A fifth generation of Dalziels now farms the land. They were among 22 families from across the country receiving the awards this year, meaning a smaller-than-usual crowd of about 220 attended the awards at Simpson Park on Saturday night. Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan introduced the guest of honour, Minister for the South Island James Meager. In his opening address, Mr Cadogan praised the "ticker and tenacity" of those families receiving the awards. "This celebrates everything that's good about being a Kiwi and living off the land. It's something special," he said. In a humorous response, Mr Meager said he was pleased to see many North Islanders among those present. "We welcome the direct foreign investment of all those visiting from the North Island tonight," he said. He said the awards acknowledged farming families who had "done it tough, and done it well". Awards chairman Eddie Fitzgerald said, despite the smaller numbers, no less effort had gone into organisation. "We had a social at the Tuapeka Vintage Club on Friday night, and our awards ceremony tonight. It's a huge effort from the whole of the community that's months in the planning, and what you see here is a credit to all those who have contributed through volunteering time, goods, skills and sponsorship." He said next year's event was likely to be bigger, as several applications had already been received. Applications close at the end of November.
