OTTAWA – John Lawford will be the new executive director and general counsel for the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) effective September 1st, the consumer organization said Thursday.
Lawford, a research analyst and lawyer with PIAC since 2003, takes over the role from Michael Janigan who will shift gears and replace outgoing Toronto counsel Michael Buonaguro as the lead counsel representing PIAC’s clients before the Ontario Energy Board. In addition, under the new title of special counsel, consumer and regulatory affairs, Janigan will continue to oversee the organization’s ongoing work in the fields of airline transportation, competition law and general consumer protection.
Rounding out the changes, Jonathan Bishop has been named research and parliamentary analyst. He joins PIAC from the Competition Bureau, where he was parliamentary affairs and stakeholder relations officer.
“We are pleased that John Lawford will be leading our team and ensuring continuity with our vision,” said chairman of the board of directors Michael MacNeil, in the announcement. “We are equally thrilled that Michael Janigan will continue to play a key role representing PIAC at the Ontario Energy Board and liaising with the Ontario government in Toronto. Finally, we are certain that Jonathan Bishop will use his insight into federal legislation, policy and Parliamentary process to help achieve results for consumers at the federal level.”
Founded in 1976, PIAC is a registered Canadian charity that advocates for the public interest and consumer rights in public services that include telecommunications, broadcasting, financial services, energy, transportation and privacy.
