Following graduation from University of Toronto in history and political science and from Osgoode Hall Law School, Brian established a flourishing practice in labour law, first at Heenan Blaikie and then at Fasken’s in Toronto. In fact, he is Canada’s leading counsel for employers in the realm of federal and international labour law.
In his domestic practice, Brian has acted as a lead advisor to major Canadian employers like Canada Post, Air Canada and Telus. He is counsel to FETCO, the principal association representing federally regulated employers, and on the international stage has been a member of the ILO’s governing body.
His contribution, however, transcends that of a purely partisan lawyer. In recognizing the importance of addressing the “social deficit”, and in promoting the need for dialogue between labour and management, Brian has sought to bring together disparate groups with a view to accommodating their opposing interests while providing remedies for the denial of justice to individuals. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources, where he lectures on “International Developments in Labour and Human Resource Policy”.
No one in Canada has done more to advance an understanding of the importance to business of human rights. In this regard, he has been instrumental in pioneering dispute resolution mechanisms designed to heal divisions and resolve conflict. His contribution to the development of labour law – including the elimination of child labour, forced labour and human trafficking – has been and continues to be important and indeed irreplaceable.
Brian has been widely recognized for his professional achievements and contributions to the practice of law. He is ranked by Chambers as a senior statesperson nation-wide and is a recipient of the Canadian Freedom of Association Award presented by the Canadian Industrial Relations Association.
