Archived News Releases

April 14, 2005

Attorney General Gord Mackintosh has announced the appointment of Ken Champagne, Christine Harapiak and Kelly Moar to the provincial court of Manitoba. The new judges will fill openings in Dauphin and Winnipeg and their appointments are effective immediately.

“Throughout their exemplary careers as lawyers, these individuals have shown their dedication to our communities,” said Mackintosh. “I have every confidence that the life experiences and skills they bring to the bench will strengthen the justice system.”

Ken Champagne (Winnipeg) began his legal career by articling in the Crown attorney's office in 1993. For many years he worked in Thompson, reaching the position of supervising senior Crown in the office. In January 2000, he joined the Family Violence Unit in the Prosecutions Branch in Winnipeg, where he handled serious criminal matters including homicides, child abuse and domestic violence matters. He has been active in the Aboriginal community, especially through sports.

Christine Harapiak (Dauphin) graduated from the faculty of law at the University of Manitoba in 1994 and began practice in the private sector. From 1995 to 2000, she worked at Hawkins & Sanderson in Dauphin. She also has experience in the public sector in the Manitoba Justice Family Law Branch. She has worked with Justice Canada's Aboriginal Law Services in both traditional litigation and alternative dispute resolution since March 2003.

Kelly Moar (Winnipeg) has practiced law since being called to the bar in 1997. As a Crown attorney, he has been involved in prosecuting serious cases and handling inquests, bail hearings and various criminal law proceedings. Before he became a lawyer, he worked with Winnipeg Child and Family Services as a social worker and with the Native Alcoholism Council of Manitoba as a chemical dependency counsellor. He's also been active in the Métis community over the years with a special interest in sports.

The new judges were selected from a list of candidates recommended by an independent judicial nominating committee. The committee was chaired by the chief judge of the provincial court of Manitoba Raymond E. Wyant and included three community representatives, representatives of the Law Society of Manitoba and the Manitoba branch of the Canadian Bar Association, and a provincial court judge.

A swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled as soon as possible.

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