Doug Downey
Attorney General of Ontario & Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte
Doug Downey, KC, is a dedicated public servant and legal professional who has made significant contributions to both the political and legal landscapes of Ontario. Representing the riding of Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte, Doug was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario during the 2018 general election as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.
Political Career
Doug’s political journey is marked by his commitment to transparency and financial accountability. Shortly after his election, he was named Parliamentary Assistant to Finance Minister Vic Fedeli and took on roles including vice-chair of the Select Committee on Financial Transparency, deputy government whip, and was appointed Attorney General on June 20, 2019. As Attorney General, Doug is focused on improving the operational efficiency of the justice system, ensuring timely and fair access to justice for all Ontarians.
Educational Background
- Wilfrid Laurier University: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- Brock University: Master of Arts in Judicial Administration
- Dalhousie University: Law Degree
- Osgoode Hall Law School: Master of Laws in Municipal and Development Law
Legal Career
Doug has a distinguished legal career, having practiced as a certified specialist in real estate law in Orillia. He founded Downey, Tornosky, Lassaline & Timpano Law Professional Corporation, earning recognition as Lawyer of the Year by the Simcoe County Law Association and being named one of Canada’s Leading Lawyers by Lexpert magazine.
He has been actively involved with the Ontario Bar Association, serving as secretary and treasurer, and held leadership roles within the Canadian Bar Association. Doug contributed to the Uniform Law Conference of Canada and served on the Law Society of Ontario Certified Specialist Board.
Municipal Involvement
Doug’s municipal service includes two terms on Orillia City Council, where he played key roles on various boards and commissions. He was instrumental in the Ontario Small Urban Municipalities Board and chaired the independent panel on the future of the Trent-Severn Waterway, leading to substantial federal investments in infrastructure.
Community Engagement
An active community member, Doug has been involved with organizations such as the Orillia and District Chamber of Commerce, the Orillia Kiwanis Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Orillia and District, and the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation. His community service has been recognized with the Order of Orillia and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Doug also contributed to legal education as a professor at Laurentian University at Georgian College and hosted the television show “Politically Speaking” on Rogers TV for eight years.
Awards and Recognition
- Lawyer of the Year: Simcoe County Law Association
- Business Leader of the Year: Orillia Business Association
- Canada’s Leading Lawyers: Lexpert magazine
- Order of Orillia
- Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal
Doug Downey’s extensive experience and dedication to public service continue to shape his efforts in making Ontario’s justice system more accessible and equitable for all.