Joanna Harrington is the new chairman of the Alberta Press Council.
The University of Alberta law professor and associate dean began a three-year term with the organization on Sept. 1.
Harrington specializes in constitutional law and international law, including international human rights law.
She has also worked on British constitutional reform and has been called to the bar in both British Columbia and Ontario.
She has worked as a legal adviser with the government of Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and worked as a consultant with the British Council, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Judicial Studies Board of England and Wales.
Harrington holds a BA from the University of British Columbia, a law degree from the University of Victoria, and a PhD in law from the University of Cambridge.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to contribute my knowledge and experience as a lawyer and law professor to the Alberta Press Council’s mission in promoting and publicizing our fundamental human rights to freedom of expression, freedom of the press and access to public information,” Harrington said.
The press council was established in 1972, and was the first such body in Canada. It consists of public members and the press.
The council hears and mediates complaints brought against member newspapers; works to defend the established freedoms of the press; and strives to protect against limitations on access to public information.
The Red Deer Advocate is a press council member.