Prof. Richard McLaren named to Order of Canada
January 06, 2016
Western Law professor and alumnus Richard McLaren LLB’71, has been awarded one of Canada’s highest civilian honours. Governor General David Johnston named McLaren an Officer of the Order of Canada on December 30. McLaren, a law professor at Western for the past 40 years, was among 69 appointees that include six Companions (C.C.), 14 Officers (O.C.) and 49 Members (C.M.).
The Advisory Council for the Order honoured McLaren as an Officer for “his contributions to sports law and arbitration, alternative dispute resolution and legal education as an internationally renowned lawyer and professor.”
“We’re extremely proud of Rich,” said Dean Iain Scott. “His contributions as an academic, arbitrator and promoter of clean sports are a noteworthy national and international accomplishment.”
Over the course of his career at Western Law, McLaren’s expertise in the areas of commercial, bankruptcy and sports law has resulted in publications that are regarded as leading scholarly works in their fields.
A long-standing member of the International Court of Arbitration for Sport, he joined former U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell in the Major League Baseball inquiry into the use of steroids, which culminated in the famed Mitchell Report in 2007. McLaren also led the investigation for the United States Olympic Committee into alleged cover-ups by USA Track & Field following the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.
Most recently McLaren was one of the three World Anti-Doping Agency’s independent commissioners who authored a scathing report, released in November, accusing many of Russia’s top track and field athletes of participating in a systematic doping program.
“This is a very well-deserved honour for Richard,” said Jay Carfagnini LLB’80, Partner at Goodmans LLP. “In addition to his many achievements, his commitment to teaching and mentoring of so many law students and young lawyers must surely stand as one of his most notable and rewarding contributions to Western, the legal community and to this country. As but one such beneficiary, I offer my heartfelt congratulations.”
The Order of Canada was established in 1967 during Canada’s centennial year to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Over the last 45 years, more than 6,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.“It’s been a humbling experience and a real honour,” said McLaren. “I’ve received calls from people around the world – including many former students − and that’s been very gratifying.”
Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa at a later date.
