The Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario is mourning the passing of J. David Wake, K.C., OOnt.

Mr. Wake served two consecutive terms as Integrity Commissioner of Ontario, from 2016 until his retirement in 2025. He was called to the Bar in 1974, practising litigation in Ottawa for two decades before being appointed a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice in 1994, later becoming Associate Chief Justice in 1999. He served as executive director of the Canadian Council of Chief Judges (2004–2009) and vice-chair of the federal Social Security Tribunal (2013–2016). He was named Queen’s Counsel by the federal Minister of Justice during his litigation career.

In 2025, Queen’s University Law, his alma mater, awarded him the Justice Thomas Cromwell Distinguished Public Service Award. He was also recently invested into the Order of Ontario.

As Integrity Commissioner, Mr. Wake’s impact on the world of Canadian public sector ethics was indelible. His reports established clear and practical principles creating precedents used in the work of his peers.

Commissioner Cathryn Motherwell and Office staff extend their heartfelt condolences to his wife, Leslie, as well as his children Tandy and Alex, and his five grandchildren.