ROBERT JAMES (JIM)

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ROBERT JAMES ("JIM") FINLAY Jim Finlay died last week in Winnipeg at the age of 62. Jim made legal history in 1982 when the Supreme Court of Canada granted him public interest standing to sue two federal cabinet ministers. This case granted all Canadians a broader right to control government illegality than existed before. Jim overcame his lifelong epilepsy to become a tireless and effective advocate for the poor and the disabled, and human rights for all. In 1996, the Community Legal Education Association honoured Jim with its Human Rights Achievement Award. Jim was a volunteer at Winnipeg Harvest for over 10 years. His persistent efforts in measuring food costs and changes in government social support programs for low income and disabled people helped many people and organizations fight for better access to basic needs and rights. His historic human rights victory, his support for the National Anti-Poverty Organization and his advocacy work were recognized in 1998 with the award of the Winnipeg Harvest Doctorate of Poverty and Justice. Jim was also a board member of People in Equal Participation Inc. for 10 years. A gathering to honour Jim and recognize his achievements will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15, at Winnipeg Harvest, 1085 Winnipeg Ave. (at Notre Dame and McPhillips).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2002