Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

July 10, 2013

Province Announces Appointments of New Associate Chief Judge, Provincial Court Judge



Attorney General Andrew Swan today announced the appointment of a new associate chief judge and a new judge to the provincial court.  Judge Shauna Hewitt-Michta of Brandon is the new associate chief judge and Dale Harvey has been appointed to the court in Winnipeg. 

“Judge Hewitt-Michta and Harvey are committed to their communities and the law,” said Swan.  “Both bring specialized knowledge and expertise to these new roles, with decades of combined experience in Manitoba’s courtrooms.”

Hewitt-Michta was appointed as a judge to the provincial court in Brandon in 2009.  She began her career as a provincial Crown attorney serving Brandon and the Westman area in 1998 after receiving her law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1997.  She has been a regular guest speaker in her region for law enforcement and other community groups, focusing on areas such as the Charter of Rights, elder abuse, child abuse and pornography prosecutions, testifying in court and restorative justice.  In 2010, she received a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award.  Hewitt-Michta is involved in her community as an executive member of a school-parent council and volunteers with a number of extracurricular sports. 

Hewitt-Michta is appointed to the new position effective Aug. 2, for a non-renewable term of seven years.  She was selected from among the judges of the provincial court following consultation with Chief Judge Ken Champagne.  She will replace Associate Chief Judge Murray Thompson, who will return to regular judicial duties when his seven-year term expires on Aug. 1.

Harvey received his law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1979 and has been a Crown attorney for the province since 1980, with increasing responsibilities throughout this time.  For the last 17 years, he has supervised junior Crown attorneys in various units within the Manitoba Prosecutions Service.  He also serves on the executive board of the Manitoba Association of Crown Attorneys.  Harvey presents regularly to other Crown attorneys on issues like bail applications and summary conviction appeals.  He has been a dedicated community volunteer for over 20 years, supporting the work of a number of boards, sports teams and charity events.

Harvey was selected from a list of candidates recommended by an independent judicial nominating committee, chaired by Chief Judge Champagne.  This committee also included three community representatives, representatives of the Law Society of Manitoba, the Manitoba branch of the Canadian Bar Association and a provincial court judge.  The appointment is effective immediately. 

Official swearing-in ceremonies will be scheduled as soon as possible.

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