International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, was among those appointed Queen’s Counsel in the Canadian Province of Alberta. Attorney General Jonathan Denis, QC, announced the names of 114 lawyers to be admitted as Queen’s Counsel for “outstanding contributions to legal and public life.” The list includes both public and private sector lawyers who have practiced in communities across the province.

“The Queen’s Counsel designation recognizes the exceptional capabilities and talents of this year’s impressive group,” said Jonathan Denis, Alberta’s Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. “These lawyers are a credit to their profession and to their province.”

The history of Queen’s Counsel in England dates back to the 16th century. The practice of appointing Queen’s Counsel was continued in Canada and predates Confederation. The first Queen’s Counsel appointees were admitted in Upper Canada in 1841.

Modern practice has been for the Attorney General to call for QC applications from the public every other September. Applications are reviewed by the Law Society of Alberta's Queen’s Counsel Screening Committee and recommendations for appointment are then submitted to the Minister and Cabinet for consideration and final selection. In Alberta, the Lieutenant Governor in Council appoints the Queen’s Counsel recipients. -- Province of Alberta