Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
KING’S COUNSEL INDUCTION CEREMONY
Government House
Thursday, September 12, 2024
(please check against delivery)
Fellow Manitobans, members of the legal profession, welcome to Government House and this celebration of leadership, integrity and excellence.
I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on Treaty 1 territory and in the homeland of the Red River Metis, and that Manitoba is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, Anishininew (ANISH-IN-INEW), Cree, Dakota, Dene and Nehetho (NE-HET-HO) Nation. And I acknowledge that northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
As Manitobans, we respect the spirit and intent of treaties and treaty making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.
An accessible, open, and well-functioning legal system is an essential requirement for any society’s dreams of fairness, equity and prosperity.
And a necessary requirement of such a legal system is integrity and leadership within the legal profession – the sort of leadership provided by the accomplished lawyers we are celebrating today.
The King’s Counsel designation recognizes lawyers with an outstanding record of practice who have been providing their services for at least 10 years. As we see from this newest group of KCs, this high level of excellence and integrity is found in all aspects of the legal profession in Manitoba.
King’s Counsel members provide their expertise in family, employment, corporate, commercial and criminal law and in all kinds of litigation.
- They work on wills, trusts and contracts.
- They provide their experience to Manitoba’s largest employers and institutions and represent individuals and communities in great need.
- They serve as arbitrators and advisers.
- They ensure that our laws and regulations are well-drafted, assist with the education of future lawyers and oversee the administration of justice.
And beyond their many professional accomplishments, King’s Counsels are highly sought after in the not-for-profit sector for their advice and leadership.
The impact of the dedication and long service of these individuals is felt throughout Manitoba.
On behalf of all Manitobans, I congratulate Manitoba’s newest distinguished members of the King’s Counsel for this well-deserved recognition. And I would also like to thank those who serve on the committee that makes recommendations for this designation. It is most certainly not an easy task!
Congratulations to you all.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom
