Ms. Margaret Ross

Margaret Ross provides a comprehensive account of her legal career spanning from the 1970s through the 2000s, beginning as an articling student at Gowlings in Ottawa and ultimately becoming General Counsel for the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA). Her practice focused extensively on medical defence litigation, working closely with senior partner Peter Newcombe before transitioning to a supervisory role overseeing medical litigation across Canada.

The transcript extensively covers her significant involvement with The Advocates’ Society, where she served as President from 1996-1997 and was instrumental in advancing advocacy training, regional outreach, and educational initiatives. During her presidency, she navigated challenges including mandatory mediation implementation by Attorney General Charles Harnick and oversaw the establishment of programs like the Ontario Centre for Advocacy Training (OCAT) and The Advocates’ Society medal.

Ross also discusses several landmark cases she was involved in, including Snell v. Farrell (causation in medical negligence), Smith v. Jones (professional privilege and confidentiality), and Mussani v. College of Physicians & Surgeons (mandatory licence revocation). Her career demonstrates the evolution of medical defence practice and advocacy training in Ontario during a period of significant legal and professional development.

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