Recognized for a career championing the rights and needs of the most vulnerable
Today, the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) awarded an honorary degree to a leader whose lifelong contributions embody JIBC’s vision of safer communities and a more just society. Jay Chalke, former Ombudsperson of British Columbia, received a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at JIBC’s 2026 spring convocation on June 11.
“Jay Chalke has spent his career championing the rights and needs of some of the most vulnerable members of our society and I am honoured to recognize his accomplishments,” said JIBC President and CEO Len Goerke. “He has dedicated his life to ensuring citizens are treated fairly by governments and can access justice.”
Upon receiving the honour at convocation, Chalke said, “I am so very thrilled and, at the same time, deeply humbled.”
He emphasized that his achievements were the result of the efforts of many people. “I have accomplished nothing of note in my career on my own. My contribution has been to surround myself with wonderful, open-hearted, creative, courageous, principled yet practical people and then listen to what they had to say,” he said. “My approach was to lead a jazz ensemble, not a marching band.”
Former ombudsperson built international reputation for addressing systemic injustice
Jay Chalke has earned an international reputation for protecting the legal and financial interests of vulnerable people and confronting systemic injustice affecting those who are often marginalized or without voice. From 2015 to January 2026, he served as the Ombudsperson of British Columbia. He led the office’s largest-ever investigation, into the termination of seven Ministry of Health employees – a case with serious and lasting consequences.
Chalke also investigated issues including gaps in correctional facility inspections, unfair financial assistance during extreme weather evacuations, failures to protect psychiatric patients’ rights and inequities facing vulnerable homeowners in municipal tax sales. He recommended and implemented B.C.’s public sector whistleblower protection law and advanced initiatives strengthening ombuds services for Indigenous peoples.
Before becoming Ombudsperson, Chalke served as Assistant Deputy Minister for the Justice Services Branch, where he helped launch Canada’s first online tribunal, the Civil Resolution Tribunal, supported the modernization of family law and led the development of annual Justice Summits to foster dialogue and collaboration across B.C.’s justice system.
His earlier public service included roles as Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia and similar positions in Ontario, where he began his career as an investigator with Ombudsman Ontario and later as a Crown counsel. Chalke currently serves as co-director of Canada’s leading ombuds certificate program at Osgoode Hall Law School. He received the King’s Counsel designation in 2006 and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.
The 2026 spring convocation ceremony was held on June 11 at the New Westminster campus to recognize approximately 495 graduates who have completed certificates, diplomas and degrees at JIBC.