Archived News Releases

March 1, 2001

Attorney General Gord Mackintosh today announced the appointment of Kathlyn Mary Curtis to the Provincial Court of Manitoba.

"Ms. Curtis' unique background and depth of experience with the judicial system promises to be a real asset to the bench," said Mackintosh. "I am certain her experience as a magistrate will serve her well in her new duties."

Curtis received her law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1988. She articled with the Prosecutions Branch before being appointed a magistrate. For 11 years she has presided over summary conviction court, hearing contested matters, primarily Highway Traffic offences, and guilty pleas. Summary conviction court is governed by the same rules of procedure that apply to other criminal courts.

Manitoba's newest judge has also worked as a probation officer, a juvenile counsellor at the Manitoba Youth Centre, a social worker and a cab driver.

Provincial judges are appointed following an evaluation by an independent nominating committee which consists of the chief judge of the provincial court as chair, 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.

The appointment is effective immediately and a swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled shortly.

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