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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2000

HALIFAX - Jack Innes, Q.C., partner with Patterson Palmer Hunt Murphy in Halifax, has been named the recipient of the Canadian Bar Association's 2000 Louis St-Laurent Award of Excellence.

"Jack Innes is a true ambassador for the CBA," says Eugene Meehan, Q.C., President of the Canadian Bar Association. "His involvement with the CBA for over 30 years can only be described as outstanding." Jack Innes is best know for the excellent leadership he provided to the CBA in two areas: Canadian Bar Insurance Association (CBIA) and Legal Profession Assistance Conference (LPAC).

Jack's involvement with CBIA began in 1975 as a member of the Special Committee on Group Insurance which was later incorporated as CBIA. He later rose to Corporate Secretary (1981-1985), Treasurer/Vice-President (1985-1987), and President from 1987 to 1989. With his assistance and other like-minded directors, CBIA became a large group insurer providing coverage to many lawyers and their families. He showed fine business judgment, knowledge of insurance law and intuitive understanding of lawyers' personal insurance issues.

Jack Innes also showed tremendous courage and leadership in his work with LPAC. He understood the critical importance of lawyer assistance programs at a time when their value was little understood. Following his years as president, Jack has continued his involvement - as mentor, advisor and financial guardian.

Jack Innes has devoted countless hours to the CBA at home in the Nova Scotia Branch where he was president in 1995-1996. He chaired the Member Services Committee from 1991-1993 and has been a member of the Organizing Committee for this 2000 CBA Annual Conference in Halifax. In 1999, the Branch awarded Mr. Innes its Distinguished Service Award.

Jack Innes received his LL.B. from Dalhousie in 1969 and was admitted to the Bar in Nova Scotia the same year. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1985.

The Louis St-Laurent Award, which takes the form of a bronze statue of the former Prime Minister, recognizes distinguished or exceptional service to the goals of the Canadian Bar Association. The award will be presented at the CBA Council Luncheon on Saturday, Aug. 19 in Port Royal E at the World Trade and Convention Centre during the CBA's Annual Conference in Halifax, Aug.19-23. The event is open to accredited journalists who have registered with the CBA Media Centre.

The CBA is dedicated to improvement in the law and the administration of justice. Some 36,000 lawyers, notaries, law teachers and law students from across Canada are members.

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CONTACT: Hannah Bernstein,, Aug. 19-23, CBA Media Centre, Halifax World Trade & Convention Centre, Mariner Suite 2 & 3, Port Royal Level, 1800 Argyle Street, Halifax (902) 491-4422. .