News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

October 11, 2018

Province Announces Appointment of Provincial Court Judge in The Pas



The Manitoba government has appointed Theresa McDonald, QC, as a provincial court judge to serve in The Pas, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.

“It is an honour to appoint a new provincial court judge who has demonstrated a commitment to Manitoba’s north throughout her career,” said Cullen.  “She has initiated many innovations that have improved access to justice in the north, and I am confident that she will continue to work to uphold and strengthen the rule of law in her new role.”

McDonald currently serves as the rural area director of Legal Aid Manitoba and has practised law in northern Manitoba for over 30 years.  She is a mentor through the Manitoba Bar Association mentorship program and is currently the elected representative of the Law Society of Manitoba’s northern district.

McDonald has received several awards recognizing her leadership, including the Cecilia Johnstone Award from the Canadian Bar Association Women’s Forum in 2017, the Isabel Ross (McLean) Hunt Award in 2016 and the Manitoba Bar Association Equality Award in 2014.  She received her law degree from Dalhousie University and in 2012, was among the inaugural class of 12 inductees into the Bertha Wilson Honour Society of the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.

McDonald has been active in her community including in past volunteer roles with T2 Thompson Toddlers Daycare and The Pas Committee for Women in Crisis, where she helped establish the first crisis residential facility early in her career.  She has been involved as a tutor for children with learning disabilities and as a volunteer with friendship centres and faith-based outreach groups.

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

An official swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled in the near future.

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