Four new Court of Queen’s Bench judges coming to Alberta; more on the way

Amidst the shortage of federal judges in Alberta, the Liberals announced Friday they’re appointing four new ones to the Court of Queen’s Bench.

They include William T. deWit and Michele H. Hollins in Calgary, Rita Khullar in Edmonton and the Honourable Marilyn Slawinsky in Red Deer.

Starting in 2018, there will also be funding over the next five years for 12 more Alberta judges, with 16 others across the country. Some lawyers and politicians have voiced their worry about the shortage, with the fear serious cases could get thrown out.

“I am thrilled that Alberta is receiving four new appointments to the Court of Queen’s Bench immediately, plus funding for 12 additional judges in the new federal budget,” Alberta Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley said. “These judges are desperately needed in Alberta and will improve access to justice for Albertans, while relieving pressures on our courts.

“I have been advocating for more judges on Alberta’s superior courts since I was elected. This is what effective advocacy looks like, and I’d like to thank the federal government for being willing to meet us at the table, hear our concerns and take meaningful action.

“The former Conservative governments in both Ottawa and Alberta failed to deliver on this important part of our justice system. The federal government has only created two new Queen’s Bench positions and one Court of Appeal position in Alberta since 1996. Since this time, the backlogs in our system have been growing steadily.

“I look forward to continuing to work with my federal counterpart, Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, as the remaining vacancies and 12 additional positions are appointed to. Congratulations to our new federal justices.”

For full details, click here.

More on judges:

The Honourable Marilyn Slawinsky, a Judge of the Provincial Court of Alberta, is appointed a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta in Red Deer. She replaces Mr. Justice K. Sisson, who retired on January 3, 2017.

Ritu Khullar, Q.C., managing partner at Chivers Carpenter Lawyers in Edmonton, is appointed a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta in Edmonton. She replaces Madam Justice M. Crighton, who was elevated to the Court of Appeal of Alberta on October 19, 2016.

Michele H. Hollins, Q.C., a partner at Dunphy Best Blocksom in Calgary, is appointed a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta in Calgary. She replaces Madam Justice J. Strekaf, who was elevated to the Court of Appeal of Alberta on October 19, 2016.

William T. deWit, Q.C., a partner at Wolch deWit Watts & Wilson in Calgary, is appointed a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta in Calgary. He replaces Madam Justice M.C. Erb, who elected supernumerary status effective November 15, 2016.

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