Jacques Lavoie

Nuclear Law lawyer Jacques Joseph Lavoie, LLB, passed suddenly April 13 at his home in Northern Ontario. Recently retired and enjoying quality time with his 12-year-old son, he was preparing for heart surgery when tragedy struck. He will be deeply missed. 

Born in Laval, PQ, the seventh of nine children to businessman Adalbert Lavoie and Gabrielle (Arseneault), he realized very young he wanted to be a lawyer. He achieved his dream and more by becoming an expert in nuclear law, respected internationally in his field. 

Between 2013-2018, he was General Counsel at the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation in the United Arab Emirates helping to launch the largest nuclear power project in the world at the time. He promoted nuclear law in the Middle East and in 2016 became president of the International Nuclear Law Association, bringing the congress to Abu Dhabi in 2018. He lectured at the University of Montpellier's School of Nuclear Law and was sought after for his extensive knowledge of security and regulatory affairs. He was highly regarded for his skill and integrity and contributed widely to the legal agencies and organizations he represented. 

On a personal as well as professional level, he was kind and generous, providing guidance and mentorship to many. He served in leadership roles as director of legal services and counsel at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission from 2004-2014, the Canadian Forces Grievance Board from 2000-2004 and the Department of Justice and Royal Canadian Mounted Police from 1994-2000. He started out as an RCMP officer in Burnaby, British Columbia, before graduating Civil Law at Sherbrooke University in Quebec. He studied Common Law at the universities of Ottawa and Victoria and never stopped advancing himself. 

A devoted father and family man, he is survived by his wife, Anne (Bryan) and son, Gabriel, of Hornepayne, ON, and his siblings Ronald (Suzanne), Norma, Edouard (Louise), Linda (Claude), Elaine (Gilles), Anne-Marie, Jaqueline and Patrick Lavoie of Laval, PQ. Memorial page also at https://ottawacitizen.remembering.ca/obituary/jacques-lavoie-1079046927

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jacques Lavoie, please visit our Tree Store.