Thomas A. Roper, K.C. is one of two 2022 recipients of the Bora Laskin Award. Named in honour of the late Chief Justice Bora Laskin, who was a pre-eminent labour law scholar and labour arbitrator before joining the Supreme Court of Canada, this award was established by the University of Toronto to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to Canadian labour law.
Over the course of his 47-year legal career, Tom has had a significant impact on labour law in B.C through his counsel work, and as one of three special advisers to the Minister of Labour tasked with revamping the B.C. Labour Relations Code in 1992. As a leader within the legal community, Tom’s expertise is highly sought-after by clients, organizations, educators and colleagues. As the Chair of Roper Greyell, he shares his extensive experience and technical understanding of the law as a mentor of young lawyers in the firm.
As noted by the Selection Committee in announcing the award, Tom has “made an indelible mark in the labour relations community,” having “deservedly gained the confidence of both sides of the labour bar in British Columbia as well as universal respect from arbitrators and mediators in the province and beyond.”
Tom will be presented with the Bora Laskin Award on December 14, 2022, in conjunction with Lancaster’s Vancouver Labour Arbitration and Policy Conference.
Congratulations Tom!