Mr. Stuart Thom

This comprehensive oral history covers the life and career of Stuart Douglas Thom (1906-1982), a prominent Canadian lawyer who made significant contributions to tax law and legal governance. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Thom came from a legal family—his father Douglas J. Thom was a founding partner of the major western law firm McKenzie, Brown, Thom et al. and author of “Thom on Torrens Titles.” After graduating from Victoria College (University of Toronto) in 1927 and the University of Saskatchewan Law School in 1929, Thom initially practiced with his father’s firm before serving as a naval officer during World War II.

Following the war, Thom’s career took a pivotal turn when he joined the Department of National Revenue in Ottawa as a legal executive assistant, working on the interpretation and application of Canada’s Income Tax Act during its crucial modernization period in the late 1940s. This experience established him as one of Canada’s early tax law specialists. In 1947, he moved to Toronto and joined Smith, Rae, Greer before becoming a partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt in 1954, where he developed the firm’s tax practice.

Thom’s most significant contribution to Canadian legal history came through his extensive service with the Law Society of Upper Canada. Elected as a Bencher in 1966, he served on numerous committees including Discipline, Admissions, and Legal Education during a transformative period in the Society’s history. As Treasurer from 1974-1976, he oversaw major reforms including the refurbishment of Osgoode Hall and the expansion of legal aid services. The interviews provide invaluable insights into the evolution of Canadian legal practice, the development of tax law as a specialty, and the Law Society’s transformation from a narrow professional regulator into a body with broader social responsibilities including compensation funds, continuing education, and universal insurance coverage.

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