The Criminal Lawyers’ Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Marlys Edwardh, one of Canada’s most accomplished criminal defence and civil liberties lawyers.

Marlys Edwardh presenting at the 2003 CLA Fall Conference in Toronto.

Marlys Edwardh — March 6, 1950 – July 14, 2026

Marlys was a fearless advocate for justice whose extraordinary career helped shape Canadian criminal and constitutional law. As one of the first women to practise criminal defence in Canada, she broke barriers in a profession where few women had gone before, opening doors for generations of female lawyers who followed. Her unwavering commitment to equality, civil liberties, and the rights of the marginalized left a lasting mark on our legal system and on our profession. She appeared in many of Canada’s most significant criminal and constitutional cases, championed the rights of the wrongfully convicted, the mentally ill, and those whose voices were too often unheard, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in recognition of her remarkable contributions to justice.

Within the Criminal Lawyers’ Association (CLA), Marlys was a respected colleague, a past recipient of the G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal, and a pioneer whose leadership and example helped advance the recognition and participation of women within the criminal defence bar and within our Association. Her excellence, courage, and generosity as a mentor inspired countless lawyers throughout her career.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.

Marlys Edwardh leaves an extraordinary legacy. She will be remembered with profound respect, gratitude, and admiration, and her impact on the legal profession and the pursuit of justice will endure for generations to come.

CLA Board of Directors and the CLA Women’s Committee

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