The A. Montague Israels, Q.C. Prize is awarded annually to a student from the graduating class of the Bar Admission Course who demonstrates a sense of justice transcending technical competence. Established in 1974, this award, honours the memory of A. Montague Israels, Q.C. (1904-1973) recognizing those attributes of scholarship, character, skill, and breadth of interest that he valued and so well exemplified in his own life and career.
As a practitioner and educator, Mr. Israels was known for kindly extending his help to students and to new lawyers and for his regard for the highest traditions and standards of professional ethics and service. It was his desire that lawyers be well-rounded persons with interests and abilities outside the immediate range of their work. He also hoped that as citizens, his “Students” would serve their communities fully in all the ways in which they were capable.
The prize winner is selected by a special Selection Committee and announced at the Mass Call ceremony in June.
2026 A. Montague Israels, QC Prize Winner
Congratulations Lisa Haydey
This year’s recipient consistently demonstrates excellence through her academic success, career achievements, and dedication to community service. Lisa Haydey’s significant contributions to the community are reflected through her support of the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts, advocacy for local environmental initiatives, and work empowering underrepresented filmmakers, including women, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals through her involvement with the OurToba Film Network.
Beyond her work in the community, Lisa is a 2025 Gold Medalist and a Pitblado Scholar. Drawing on her background in psychology, physiotherapy, and healthcare, Lisa brings a trauma-informed perspective to her practice in family law.
In nominating Lisa, her principal, Maria Mitousis, praised her exceptional abilities, noting, “Lisa’s intellectual caliber is outstanding. However, her academic achievement is secondary to her profound character and breadth of interest… I am confident Lisa will follow the path of past recipients to become a true leader in our legal community.”
We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to her continued impact on the legal profession and the community.
Past Award Recipients
Melinda Moch (2025)
Emmanuella Obeya (2024)
Nikolai Bola (2023)
Menal Al Fekih (2022)
Anjali Sandhu (2021)
Kendall Nicole Dyck (2020)
Daniel Reimer (2019)
Rebecca Heller (2018)
Julia Ryckman (2017)
Katrine Marie Dilay (2016)
Melinda Moch (2025)
Emmanuella Obeya (2024)
Nikolai Bola (2023)
Menal Al Fekih (2022)
Anjali Sandhu (2021)
Kendall Nicole Dyck (2020)
Daniel Reimer (2019)
Rebecca Heller (2018)
Julia Ryckman (2017)
Katrine Marie Dilay (2016)
Melissa Iolanda Cattini (2015)
Joëlle Pastora Sala (2014)
Corey Shefman (2013)
Leith Robertson (2012)
Katie Louise Hall (2011)
Meredith Leigh Mitchell (2010)
Leandro Damian Zylberman (2009)
Elizabeth Robin Mary McCandless (2008)
Kael McKenzie (2007)
Shereese Rachelle Qually (2006)
Malinda Anne Yee Yung Yuen (2005)
Jennifer Lynne Dundas (2004)
Sacha Ralph Paul (2003)
Nancy Gorett Ferreira Fazenda (2002)
Rekha Nadine Malaviya (2001)
Adrian Barrett Frost (2000)
Brenlee Eve Carla Carrington Trepel (1999)
Jody Stephen Langhan (1998)
Duncan Armstrong Fraser (1997)
Shane Isaac Perlmutter (1996)
Christopher John Mainella (1995)
Keith David LaBossiere (1994)
Merrell-Ann S. Phare (1993)
Mario Jorge Santos (1992)
Loretta Ann Meade Kocsis (1991)
Pascale-Sonia Roy (1990)
Heather Louise Proven (1989)
Melanie Logan Lautt (1988)
Paul Donaldson Edwards (1987)
Thomas Larry McMahon (1986)
John Willard Burgess (1985)
Jonathan Barry Kroft (1984)
Regina Ford Novek (1983)
Lori T. Spivak (1982)
James Alfred Ripley (1981)
Robert Gabor (1980)
Mona Glenne Brown (1979)
