John J. Wilson
John J. Wilson practices at the intersection of public and private law in Gowling WLG's Toronto office, chiefly in the areas of Crown liability, administrative law, regulatory law, class actions, and Indigenous law.
As part of Gowling WLG's Administrative Law Group, John advises public and private clients, including statutory boards, public organizations, First Nations, and individuals in administrative proceedings and in judicial review applications in various courts. In the regulatory space, he advises regulators, public bodies, and other public organizations on matters of statutory authority, statutory interpretation, and policy and procedure. He also advises private clients that are regulated by public authorities. He is co-author of Halbury's Laws of Canada - Administrative Law.
As part of the Firm's Indigenous Law Group, John has acted for First Nations and Inuit governments in a variety of proceedings, including self-government negotiations, litigation involving the interpretation and application of modern and historic treaties, resource revenue sharing, contested elections, membership eligibility, and the duty to consult. He was also part of the team responsible for the settlement of the McLean Indian Day Schools Class Action.
In the constitutional realm, John has advised on both division of powers and Charter issues, including freedom of association, equality rights, and rights to life, liberty, and security of the person. He is co-author of Halsbury's Laws of Canada - Constitutional Law - Division of Powers.
John has appeared before the Federal Court, the Federal Court of Appeal, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.
He is a graduate of the University of Oxford (BCL), Osgoode Hall Law School (JD), and Queen's University at Kingston (BA, Honours).