The Hon.William Howland

This comprehensive oral history interview with Chief Justice Howland covers his extensive judicial career and administrative leadership in Ontario’s court system from his 1977 appointment as Chief Justice. Howland discusses his instrumental role in establishing key institutional bodies like the Ontario Bench and Bar Council and Courts Advisory Council to improve court coordination and address systemic delays. He details his work on the Court of Appeal, sitting on both criminal and civil cases, and his advocacy for court reform through annual reports and press conferences addressing funding shortages and backlogs.

The interview explores major constitutional and criminal cases during Howland’s tenure, including references on residential tenancy, high-profile appeals like R. v. Graat, and complex Charter cases following the 1982 Constitution Act implementation. Howland provides insights into the Zuber Commission’s court restructuring recommendations, judicial appointment processes through the Ontario Judicial Council, and innovations like bilingual courts and experimental television coverage. He reflects on his broader legal career with satisfaction, noting the profession’s variety and opportunities, from business law and corporate directorships to his extensive involvement with legal organizations including the Law Society and Federation of Law Societies.

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