Press Release from Miller Thomson

MILLER THOMSON JOINS FIGHT FOR VETERANS RIGHTS

National law firm to provide pro bono support to Canadian veterans injured in Afghanistan

VANCOUVER, October 14, 2011 – Canadian veterans are getting a boost in their fight for equitable
compensation with the announcement of pro bono legal representation from business law firm Miller
Thomson LLP. The relationship was announced tonight at a meeting of the Equitas Disabled Soldiers
Funding Society, which provides legal disbursement funds to support the challenge on behalf of disabled
soldiers as they await a proper and equal disability compensation program.
“Miller Thomson is committed to assisting community members unable to obtain access to justice or legal
services,” said Gerald Courage, Chair of Miller Thomson. “The legal representation of veterans injured in
the war in Afghanistan is a key part of our National Pro Bono program, which is designed to make a
difference in lives of Canadians.”
Miller Thomson is representing the injured soldiers in a proposed class action suit challenging the
constitutional validity of veterans’ disability settlements under the 2006 New Veterans Charter. The suit is
based on veterans’ constitutional right to protection under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
(Sections 7 and 15).
“This may be the beginning of a nation-wide call to action for veteran’s rights,” said Donald Sorochan, QC
and Senior Partner, Miller Thomson Vancouver. “In putting their concerns and claims before the courts,
we are continuing our commitment to the rights of Canadians living in the communities we serve.”
Miller Thomson has a long history of community involvement. The firm’s formal pro bono program works
to identify opportunities to provide individuals and groups within communities with the legal assistance
they need.
Miller Thomson’s pro bono services in Western Canada include the services of Darrell Roberts, QC, a
Miller Thomson associate counsel in Vancouver, in assisting unfunded participant groups and affected
organizations and individuals at the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry. His pro bono awards include
the 2005 Canadian Bar Association’s Georges A. Goyer Q.C. Memorial Award for Distinguished Service
and the Harry Rankin, Q.C. Pro Bono Award. Saskatoon-based Miller Thomson lawyer Charmaine Panko
recently received a Zenith Award in the category of Pro Bono of the Year by an Individual for her efforts to
protect the rights of children and youth in Saskatchewan.
About Miller Thomson
Miller Thomson LLP is a national business law firm with more than 470 lawyers working from 11 offices
across Canada. The firm offers a complete range of business law, advocacy and personal legal services.
Miller Thomson works regularly with in-house legal departments and external counsel world-wide to
facilitate cross-border and multinational transactions and business needs. Miller Thomson offices are
located in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph,
Toronto, Markham and Montréal. For more information please visit: www.millerthomson.com.