Ryan Baxter

Professional Expertise and Legal Practice Ryan's career is anchored in health law and the regulation of professional sectors, encompassing a broad spectrum of legal disciplines including administrative law, litigation, and property tax assessment. His role extends beyond traditional legal counsel, delving into the complexities of professional conduct, regulatory compliance, and governance.

Advisory and Regulatory Roles Serving as a trusted advisor to various regulatory bodies, Ryan brings depth to his counsel through insights on professional conduct, encompassing the entire spectrum from investigations to discipline. His expertise is further highlighted in his involvement with legislative frameworks, where he plays a pivotal role in the crafting and interpretation of key legal documents such as regulations, by-laws, and policies. Ryan's guidance is also sought in matters of Board governance and the fiduciary duties of Board members. Complementing his advisory role, Ryan actively contributes to the education and training in professional conduct and self-regulation practices.

Recent Contributions and In-House Experience Ryan's recent endeavors include a significant role in shaping the regulatory structure for a new health profession regulator, where he was instrumental in by-law formation and served as general counsel. His comprehensive understanding of regulatory bodies is enriched by his in-house experience at a premier health regulator, offering him an insider's view of their operations.

Leadership and Community Involvement As an active leader, Ryan chairs the Canadian Bar Association-Nova Scotia Health Law Section and participates in the Law Society of Nunavut's Discipline Committee. He extends his expertise to various boards, including the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act's Review Board, the Motor Vehicle Appeal Board, and the License Appeal Committee of Halifax Regional Municipality. Additionally, Ryan contributes to McInnes Cooper's social initiatives, championing pro-bono work, collective social responsibility, and diversity and inclusion efforts. His academic contributions as a part-time Lecturer in Dalhousie University's School of Health Administration further demonstrate his commitment to education.

Publication and Research Ryan's authorship in legal literature includes a recent co-authored chapter titled “Regulation of Dental Professionals” in the third edition of "Dental Law in Canada", a seminal LexisNexis publication in Canadian dentistry.

Global Perspectives and Volunteerism An international adventurer at heart, Ryan has a rich background in global volunteerism. His experiences range from contributing to the Canadian Civil Liberties Association to interning with an HIV/AIDS NGO in Swaziland, Africa. His travels have taken him to over 35 countries across four continents, most recently involving a month-long commitment in Mongolia, advising on human resources issues.

Educational Background and Languages Ryan's academic journey includes a J.D. from the University of New Brunswick (2014) and a B.A. in Political Science and Human Rights (with distinction) from St. Thomas University (2010). His multilingual capabilities extend to fluent English and a background in several other languages.

Bar Admissions Ryan's legal practice is authorized in multiple regions, with admissions to the bars of Nunavut (2020), Nova Scotia (2016), and Prince Edward Island (2015).