In Memoriam

John Swaigen

1944 - 2024

Thoughts From PAUL EMOND


John Swaigen, our friend and much admired author, passed away on August 19, 2024. 

John authored two important books for Emond Publishing. Each mapped out a new and clearer way forward for those studying in the fields of administrative and environmental law. 

John was a quiet giant. Soft spoken, careful in his choice of words, a stickler for detail and accuracy, John authored two of the leading higher education texts in their respective fields. Students often remarked that without the support of John’s titles, they didn’t know how they would have mastered such complex fields of law. 

Although John has passed the research and writing reins to a new generation of scholars, his trail blazing work will inspire college and university students for many, many years to come. 

 
VIEW OBITUARY

“An exemplary and passionate environmental leader and advocate, mentor, author, polemicist and all-around wonderful person. It was a treat to be able to work with him in the early days of CELA, most particularly in developing and finally shaping with important contributions from others the first ever Canadian environmental Law text book: “Environment on Trial a Handbook of Ontario Environmental Law” (1973) that included our concepts for essential ingredients of an Environmental Bill of Rights that was at least partially implemented in Ontario and that resulted in significant opportunities and expectations for concerned members of the public, public interest non-governmental organizations and affected communities to learn about pending / proposed environmental development across Ontario and to provide comments to the proponents and to government regulators and—for the first time—participate in Environmental decision making hearings—including initiating request for initiating requests for public hearings where proponents and government agencies were required to justify the validity of their preliminary assumptions about the value of a proposed project and also so that if there were contrary views about the need for the project or alternatives that had not been considered, these could be put forward and considered by decision-makers who otherwise would not have received such information.”
 

—DAVID ESTRIN, CO-AUTHOR OF ENVIRONMENT ON TRIAL

Waterfall on Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island Lighthouse

“John's contribution to environmental and administrative law rights was foundational. He helped create the framework to understand and build environmental concepts with incredible intellectual insight and rigour. His work created the basis for so many of the provincial and federal environmental laws we enjoy today. His sharp intellectual contribution is only seconded by his deep passion for the topic.

But John was more than an intellectual superstar. He was a mentor to so many students, lawyers and persons interested in promoting the public interest. There are so many that have benefited from his gentle demeanour, support, and words of encouragement. His work and contribution to the public interest will persist for a long, long time.”

 

—PAUL MULDOON,
AUTHOR OF AN INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND POLICY IN CANADA

“I was saddened to read about John's passing. I enjoyed working for John while he was the Chair of the Environmental Appeal Board. Through his leadership for advancing environmental protection, John significantly raised the quality of the Board's decisions and consequently the respect that decisions of the Board received from the courts. John was a good friend and always very supportive.”
 

—JUSTICE MARIO FAIETA

View of Lake Huron from Manitoulin Island