Lawson Hunter awarded the Order of Canada
Lawson A.W. Hunter, QC, one of Canada’s preeminent regulatory and government relations counsel, was recognized for his contributions and awarded the Order of Canada by the governor general. This outstanding recognition honours people who show dedication to the community and service to the nation. Lawson’s appointment is in recognition of “his distinguished career in government, business and private practice as one of the country’s leading competition and antitrust lawyers.”
“This admirably precise summary of Lawson’s contributions to Canada cannot truly provide the essence of his remarkable career,” said Justine Whitehead, Managing Partner of the Ottawa office. “The honour of the Order of Canada is an embodiment of the respect and admiration that Lawson inspires in colleagues at the firm and his many personal and professional contacts across the globe. Lawson is a leader in our community, and we are very fortunate to have such a remarkable individual on our team.”
Jeffrey Singer, Chair of the Firm, adds: “We are extremely proud of Lawson and delighted that his many significant accomplishments have been recognized by his receiving of this prestigious national honour. It is a privilege and pleasure to practice alongside him, and we are grateful for Lawson’s continued leadership and mentorship of so many here at Stikeman Elliott.”
For over 45 years, Lawson has been proudly committed to the legal profession. Lawson’s impressive track record includes being Commissioner of the Competition Bureau from 1981 to 1985, where he, as Canada’s senior civil servant in charge of competition policy and enforcement, spearheaded the drafting of Canada’s Federal Competition Act.
From 1993 to 2003, Lawson was a partner of Stikeman Elliott and steadfastly led the firm’s Competition & Foreign Investment Group. In 2003, while at the height of his legal practice, Lawson embraced a new career challenge and joined Bell Canada and BCE Inc., as executive vice-president and chief corporate officer, where he was responsible for overseeing regulatory, governmental relations and corporate affairs. In September 2008, he rejoined the Ottawa office of Stikeman Elliott as counsel, and from 2010 to 2012, Lawson temporarily stepped in and assumed the role of head of the Competition & Foreign Investment Group. He is now senior counsel in the Group and continues to advise a wide variety of Canadian and multinational corporations on all aspects of federal regulatory law and policy.
Lawson’s professional and community achievements have been recognized before with his 2016 Chambers Canada Lifetime Achievement award for his prominent practice and global reputation as a leading life-time practitioner and influential member of the Canadian Bar; and in 2017, Lawson received the Order of Ottawa, which recognizes the professional achievements and outstanding service of exceptional Ottawa residents.
“I am very grateful to receive this honour,” said Lawson Hunter. “And I also want to thank all of those who have helped along the way. Without the support of my family, friends and colleagues, this would not have happened. I particularly want to thank Stikeman Elliott for its support and allowing me to pursue my career, both with our clients and also for my work in the arts community.”
Read the official announcement, “Governor General Announces 135 New Appointments to the Order of Canada.”
Learn more about Lawson Hunter.