In 2003, Ed Ratushny established the new category of Council Members Emeritus, simply as a prerogative of the President. Following the Annual Meeting in Winnipeg last August, he circulated a draft policy to all Council Members for their comments. There was overwhelming support for this initiative, and as a result, the following policy has been adopted and appears on our web site, together with the names of those appointed to date.
Council Members Emeritus have served with Special Distinction as Council Members in the past or have made a Profound Contribution to the Goals of ICJ Canada in addition to serving on the Council. Their names appear in the order in which they were appointed. The following Guidelines apply:
- Appointments are made by the President in consultation with Council Members;
- Not more than three appointments may be made in any calendar year;
- A Council Member Emeritus is no longer eligible to serve on the Council;
- Membership Emeritus continues even after the death of an appointee, and appointments may be made posthumously.
In 2003, the Hon. Bertha Wilson, the Hon. Ken Lysyk, Dr. Donat Pharand, and Dr. Edward McWhinney were appointed. In 2004, the Hon. Walter Tarnopolsky and the Hon. Mark MacGuigan were added. Upon being advised of his appointment, Dr. Donat Pharand wrote:
“When you say that I was one of the pioneers, I suppose it is true. I recall becoming a member shortly after I arrived in Ottawa from The Hague, in March 1956, when Judge Thorson was President….I accept with pleasure.”
Dr. McWhinney also felt honoured by his selection:
“ Please be assured that I appreciate the honour involved, particularly since it is in association with some old friends and colleagues whom I respect very much. I am happy to accept the nomination.”
If you wish to recommend someone for appointment as a Council Member Emeritus, either a past Council Member or one whose appointment is expiring, please write directly to the President in support of your recommendation.•