On January 4th, 2017, the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) was informed of the passing of Dianne Pothier, a dedicated supporter of LEAF. Today, we honour and remember the late law professor and community activist.
About Dianne Pothier
Education and Work
Dianne graduated and received several academic awards from Dalhousie Law School. She clerked with Justice R.G. Brian Dickson of the Supreme Court of Canada, then served as Senior Advisory Counsel to the Chair of the Canada Labour Relations Board. She became a faculty member of Dalhousie Law School in 1986.
Career Highlights and Activism
Dianne made outstanding contributions in her teaching and research to constitutional law, labour law, and public law. She was well regarded for her doctrinal precision, and for how she redesigned public law and constitutional law.
Dianne co-chaired a memorable set of 16 presentations by emerging and established scholars on Critical Disability Theory which was translated into a collection of essays published by UBC Press — the first book-length contributions on the subject in Canada.
Dianne was an avid community activist who supported LEAF and several other equality groups, particularly during her retirement.
Awards and Reputation
Dianne was regarded as Canada’s leading legal scholar and activist on disability and the law. She received the Frances Fish Women Lawyers’ Achievement Award, the CBA President’s Award, and the Bertha Wilson Honour Society.
Details of Dianne’s life and work were provided by Camille Cameron, Dean, Weldon Professor of Law at the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University. Photo of Dianne courtesy of Schulich School of Law (https://www.dal.ca/faculty/law/faculty-staff/our-faculty/dianne-pothier.html).
