An influential figure in Manitoba’s history, Roland Penner is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the administration of justice in the fields of law and public service. He first practiced law at Penner, Larsen and Associates. In 1972, he was appointed as the founding chair of the newly constituted Legal Aid Services Society of Manitoba. Over the ensuing six years he helped to lay the basis for a legal aid system still considered one of the best in Canada. He began his teaching career as a professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba in 1967 and, later, following his service in Government, as dean of the faculty (1989-1994). As an NDP member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly (1981-1988) he served in the cabinet under Premier Howard Pawley in various positions but principally as Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Constitutional Matters. During this time, he introduced several major legislative initiatives including a new Human Rights Code (one of the first to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation). Roland Penner is the author of three books including “A Glowing Dream: A Memoir” (2007), winner of the Carol Shield Winnipeg Book Award. He was appointed a member of the Order of Canada in 2000.
