John B. Laskin is a Canadian jurist who has served as a Justice of the Federal Court of Appeal since 2019. He previously practised law as a partner in the commercial litigation group of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP and held academic positions at Osgoode Hall Law School.
Early life and education
John B. Laskin was born in 1967 in Toronto, Ontario. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Osgoode Hall Law School, University of Toronto, where he graduated with honours.
Legal career
After being called to the Ontario Bar in 1992, Laskin joined the law firm Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. He became a partner in the firm’s commercial litigation practice, representing clients in complex civil, corporate, and securities matters. In addition to his practice, Laskin served as an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, teaching courses on civil procedure and trial advocacy.
Judicial appointment
In 2018, Laskin was appointed to the Federal Court of Canada, where he sat as a trial judge. He was elevated to the Federal Court of Appeal on July 30 2019, following the appointment by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice. As an appellate judge, he hears appeals concerning federal administrative law, immigration, intellectual property, and other matters within the Court’s jurisdiction.
Notable decisions
Justice Laskin has authored opinions in a range of areas, including immigration law, where his judgments have addressed procedural fairness and the application of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and intellectual property, where he has examined the scope of patent eligibility under the Patent Act. Specific case citations are listed in federal court reports.
Personal life
Justice Laskin is a member of a family with a notable legal heritage; his father, Justice John C. Laskin, served on the Ontario Court of Appeal. John B. Laskin is involved in professional legal organizations and contributes to continuing legal education initiatives. Details of his private life remain limited in publicly available sources.