Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 11, 2017
• Invested on: May 10, 2018

Joseph Arvay, O.C.
Victoria, British Columbia

Joseph Arvay has helped shape our understanding of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. A prolific litigation lawyer, he has appeared before the Supreme Court myriad times and served as counsel in numerous cases of landmark importance, such as physician-assisted suicide, safe injection sites, LGBTQ rights and Indigenous land claims, often on a pro bono basis. With keen legal acumen and dedication to social justice, he has played an unparalleled role in shaping the interpretation of the law on matters of civil rights and liberties.