On August 22, 2018, the Toronto Star reported that Justice Donald McLeod would be facing a discipline hearing over his involvement with a national advocacy organization for Black Canadians.
An anonymous complaint had suggested that the Ontario Court Justice work as interim Chair of the newly formed Federation of Black Canadians could “negatively impact the confidence of members of the public in the independence of the judiciary from politics.”
As such, a disciplinary hearing has been set for November 30, 2018, in Toronto, and will be presided over by a judge of the Ontario Court of Appeal. Possible sanctions include a reprimand, paid or unpaid suspension, or a recommendation to the attorney general that McLeod be fired.
​
About Justice McLeod
​
The Honorable Justice Donald F. McLeod was the Founding Partner, of The McLeod Group, Barristers and Solicitors. For over a decade Justice McLeod was an accomplished litigator with a keen interest in community and social justice issues. Justice Donald McLeod has been the worthy recipient of several notable awards over the years including The Lincoln Alexander Award from Osgoode Hall Law School, The President’s Award from the Harry Jerome Awards. On September 18, 2013 Justice Donald McLeod was appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice, and with that became the first Black Judge to graduate from Queens University since the Law Schools inception in 1957. Justice McLeod remains very active in the community. Justice McLeod is also the Co-Chair of 100 Strong a not for profit community program geared to the advancement of African Canadian young men in urban centers. In 2016, Justice McLeod founded the Federation of Black Canadians, and was the Chair of its Steering Committee. The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) is a national, non-profit organization, driven by Black organizations across the country. The Federation of Black Canadians advances the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent.
About Us
We believe in the promise and the success of Black Canadians.
Our Mission
Black Agenda Noir is a Circle of United Black Citizens whose goal is to cement Black presence on the national radar. We bring together previously disparate Black communities, efforts and individuals to attain the end of Color Prejudice and ensure the success of anti-discrimination laws, efforts and agencies.
Our Vision
We share a vision of tens of thousands of Canadians of African descent occupying key positions within all levels of Canadian society, and leveraging their positions to advance the diverse social, economic, cultural and political interest of Black communities. We also share a vision of a society in which anti-Black racism and related forms of oppression are things of the past.