JOEL GRANT SINCLAIR

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOEL GRANT SINCLAIR Joel Grant Sinclair, 80, of Toronto, Canada, passed away in the early hours of July 26, 2018, with his family by his side. Joel Grant Sinclair was born December 10, 1937 in Regina, Saskatchewan, to Sol and Elsie Sinclair. Growing up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he was a standout scholar and athlete, and a pivotal member of the Robertson Pee-Wee Allstars lineups of the 1940s. After attending Kelvin High School, he served in the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Shiloh, Manitoba. Grant graduated at the top of his class at the University of Manitoba, obtaining a Bachelor of Commerce degree, and then received his LL.B from Osgoode Hall Law School. He subsequently won an academic scholarship to Yale Law School, where he earned his Master of Laws degree. Grant and Janet Elizabeth Sinclair (formerly Robertson) married in 1966, and had four children together. Grant enjoyed a rich and diverse career in academia, private practice and public service. After joining the faculty of Queen's University Law School in 1965, he returned to Osgoode Hall Law School as a professor in 1968, and spent a sabbatical year as a visiting professor at the University of Edinburgh (1972 to 1973). Grant left academia to practice law, becoming a partner at Lang Michener. In 1981, his professional integrity, good character and excellence in the practice of law were recognized by his appointment as Queen's Counsel. He later accepted a position as General Counsel in the Federal Department of Justice, advising on how Canada's then-fledgling Charter of Rights and Freedoms would affect legislation, and he represented governmental agencies in matters involving human rights and Charter challenges. In 1999, he was selected as Deputy Chair of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, becoming Chair in 2004. During his work with the Tribunal, he participated in over 100 adjudications under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Throughout his career Grant made significant contributions to the law, particularly in the development of human rights policy in Canada, and advancements of human rights in society more generally. His Tribunal decisions were notable not only for their analytical rigor, but also for their compassion and a deep investment in the principles of equality, fairness and human dignity. He also made many contributions to his local communities through his charitable activities and pro bono legal work, and in later years served as a distinguished speaker on human rights law across Canada and internationally. As an athlete, Grant cherished a wide variety of sporting activities with his family and friends, as participant and coach. In his 60s, Grant took up swimming with new purpose, becoming an avid competitor in Masters swimming programs in Ottawa and Toronto, and winning numerous medals in the individual and team categories in national and international competitions. Grant was throughout his life a devoted reader, traveller, theatergoer and noted connoisseur of fine food and conversation, and he was, especially in later years, a great patron of park benches and lively public spaces the world over. He was interested in everything and made connections everywhere, and his enthusiastic questioning of market vendors and fellow travellers, perhaps informed by his legal training, became legendary among his family and friends. Grant was an engaged and exceptional brother, father and grandfather, and a beloved friend and mentor to his children, grandchildren and many friends and colleagues. His signature phrases, "What's the plan?" and "But how are you doing," were testament to his endless curiosity about the world and about others, and helped to initiate countless meaningful debates and discussions throughout his wide network of relationships. Grant is survived by his wife Janet, his sisters, Carole and Perky, his three sons, Daniel (Siobhan), Struan (Victoria) and Gavin, his daughter Rebecca (Robert), as well as his grandchildren, Etaoin, Madoc, Ciara and Oscar. Although he will be missed enormously, Grant will remain always present in the lives of his family and friends. In remembrance of Grant, and his passionate, lifelong commitment to social justice, we ask that people consider a donation to a charity of their choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 04, 2018