EDUCATION:

Mr. Welch obtained an Honours B.A. degree as well as an M.A. degree from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.  He then went to the University of Toronto, where he obtained an LL.B. degree.  He was called to the Bar in 1982.

EXPERIENCE:

Mr. Welch is a Partner and practices law at the firm of Lancaster, Brooks & Welch in St. Catharines, Ontario.

On a personal note, Mr. Welch is married to Kathie (1995) and his interests include golf and recreational rowing.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:

o      Chancellor - Diocese of Niagara, (Anglican) since 1992

o      Director, YMCA Niagara, 1999-present (Chair, Board of Trustees, 2004 – present)

o      Director - Lincoln County Law Association, 1995-1998

o      Member - Rotary Club of St. Catharines, South (Past President 2003 – 2004)

o      Councillor - Regional Municipality of Niagara, 1985-1994

o      Member - Board of Management, St. Catharines Historical Museum, 1982- 1988 (Chairman, 1987)

o      President - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) Society of Canada, 1984-1986

o      Member - Board of Directors, Family & Children's Services of the Niagara Region, 1985-1988

o      Board Member - St. Catharines Downtown Association, 1988-1995

o      Chair - Hospital Restructuring Steering Committee, Niagara District Health Council, 1996-1997

PRIMARY AREAS OF LAW:

o      Estates, Wills, Real Estate, Administrative Law, and Municipal Law