Tony Loparco

Toronto
President, Ontario Crown Attorneys’ Association

Tony Loparco, jointly nominated with John Struthers, is being distinguished for his collaborative leadership in COVID-19 pandemic response efforts. Loparco and Struthers took decisive action to protect the health and safety of front-line lawyers, administrative staff and the public. Together or separately, Loparco and Struthers facilitated the withdrawal of front-line assistant Crowns from court appearances at a time when official response to the declaration of emergency was perceived as inadequate. They also backed public health directives to flatten the curve by talking to the media and calling attention to COVID-19-related issues in the justice system. These efforts were instrumental in the provincial government’s decision to partially shutter courts and to impose remote working arrangements for staff. Loparco and Struthers also set up emergency meetings with the goal of helping lawyers more smoothly navigate the evolving situation amid COVID-19. During these meetings, they kept the members of their organizations updated and offered advice and support.