October 28, 1999
NEW JUDGE APPOINTED
TO PROVINCIAL COURT
Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh today announced the appointment of Marva J. Smith QC to the Provincial Court of Manitoba.
"Ms. Smith has already played a leadership role in the legal community, participating in a wide variety of professional and community endeavours," said Mackintosh. "I think all Manitobans will be well served by the range of legal experiences she brings to the bench."
Smith obtained her law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1976, receiving a University of Manitoba gold medal. She also has a master of laws degree from the University of London (London School of Economics) in England.
Smith has been a practising lawyer for 21 years. Her background includes six years in private practice, three years as a consultant in labour relations and pay equity with Manitoba Labour and 13 years with the Constitutional Law Branch of Manitoba Justice.
Smith served as an assistant professor in the faculty of law at the University of Manitoba for two years and has been involved in a variety of community organizations including the Robert A. Steen Community Centre board, the Westminster Tot Lot board and the Community Unemployed Help Centre.
Smith recently served as senior counsel with the federal Department of Justice and as vice-president of the Manitoba branch of the Canadian Bar Association. She has handled both criminal and civil matters at all court levels with cases involving issues such as domestic violence, gangs and the sexual assault of children.
Provincial judges are appointed following an evaluation by an independent nominating committee, which consists of the chief judge of the Provincial Court as chairperson, a provincial court judge, representatives of the Law Society of Manitoba and the Manitoba branch of the Canadian Bar Association, and three community representatives. The committee reviews applications, holds interviews and provides the minister with a list of qualified candidates.
"I would particularly like to thank the members of the public who served on the nominating committee," Mackintosh said. "Their input is extremely valuable in helping to shape a judiciary that will serve the needs of all Manitobans."
The appointment is effective immediately and a swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled shortly.
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