Ben Sischy

This oral history interview captures the career of Master Ben Sischy, a notable figure in Ontario’s legal system who brought a unique international perspective to Canadian law. Born in South Africa in 1924, Sischy left for England in 1948 following the rise of apartheid, where he trained as a barrister at Lincoln’s Inn and obtained an LL.B. from London University. His legal education exposed him to leading academics including Glanville Williams and Harold Lasky, providing him with a strong foundation in both common law principles and practical advocacy skills.

Sischy immigrated to Canada in 1955, articling with Henry Rosenberg before working as counsel at Principal Investments and later establishing his own practice. His career trajectory led him through various partnerships, including Atlin, Goldenberg, Sischy, and a significant period as counsel at Goodman & Carr from 1965-1976. In 1981, he was appointed Master of the Ontario Superior Court, where he became the leading authority on mechanics’ and construction liens, taking over this specialized area from Master MacRae.

The interview provides valuable insights into the evolution of Ontario’s legal system, particularly the role of Masters and the development of construction lien law. Sischy discusses the Masters’ Association’s efforts to achieve parity with provincial court judges, the Zuber Report’s recommendations, and the controversial decision by Attorney General Ian Scott to eliminate Masters by attrition. His reflections on the transition from the Mechanics Lien Act to the Construction Lien Act, with its important trust provisions, offer expert commentary on significant legislative developments that continue to shape construction law practice in Ontario.

This description was written by AI and may contain some inaccuracies.