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24 A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 w w w . C A N A D I A N L a w y e r m a g . c o m JUSTICE BEVERLEY MCLACHLIN Chief justice, Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa, Ont. A frequent member of the Top 25 list and the top vote-getter in years past, McLachlin con- tinues to make waves, handing down two very significant decisions on aboriginal law. The 2014 Tsilhqot'in Nation v. British Columbia decision led by McLachlin is the first of its kind in the history of British Columbia. Last year the Supreme Court of Canada granted declaration of aboriginal title to over 1,700 square kilometres of land. She is also responsible for upholding the decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal in Keewatin v. Ontario (Natural Resources) released in July 2014, "she has overhauled what the Lamer court started and has left her mark in this area for decades to come. The chief justice continues to be a powerful proponent of greater justice for all Canadians. As her incred- ible number of votes once again this year show, McLachlin is greatly admired not only for her rul- ings but also her public support in favour of free speech, diversity, and inclusive leadership." JEAN-PIERRE BLAIS Chairman, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Ottawa-Gatineau Blais is not afraid of criticism and is willing to go above and beyond in the name of consumer rights. A recent CRTC decision will give consumers more freedom to choose TV channels of their liking as part of their satellite and cable subscrip- tions despite bitter opposition from Canada's cable companies. Blais called out former Bell Media presi- dent Kevin Crull, without naming names, over reports Crull told CTV news staff not to interview him after that decision. Crull ended up apologizing for interfering in the news gathering process and later stepped down. From telemarketers to telcos, Blais consistently aims to support the rights and needs of consumers. WHAT VOTERS HAD TO SAY: "A brilliant judge who, time and time again, marries the law with common sense." "Justifiably most respected legal mind in the country; remarkable integrity; trusted public ser- vant; clearly guided by the law and a strong moral com- pass." WHAT VOTERS HAD TO SAY: "Achieving big change with consumer- minded focus. About time!" GOVERNMENT/NON-PROFITS/ASSOCIATIONS REUTERS / BLAIR GABLE SEBASTIEN LAVALLEE