Judge Bora Laskin Becomes First Jewish Member of Canada’s Supreme Court

Judge Bora Laskin, 57, just named to the Supreme Court of Canada, is that court’s first Jewish member; the highest-ranking Jewish official in Canada’s history. His brother, Saul Laskin, is mayor of Thunder Bay, Ont. A member of the Ontario Supreme Court since 1965 and immediately before that a law professor at the University of Toronto, Judge Laskin is an expert on constitutional and legal matters. Born in Port Arthur, On., he has been active in Jewish communal life and has served as legal committee chairman of the Canadian Jewish Congress. Among his writings is a textbook on constitutional law. He serves as a governor of York University here. He is described by Justice Minister John Turner as “a rare individual who combines in one person the excellence and achievements of many.”