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Attorney General Dave Chomiak today announced the appointment of Janice leMaistre and Catherine Carlson to the provincial court of Manitoba. The new judges will fill openings in Winnipeg and their appointments are effective immediately.

 

“Both these individuals possess considerable experience and have demonstrated their dedication to the law and our community, which they will bring to their new roles,” said Chomiak.  “Janice leMaistre and Catherine Carlson, in addition to their vast legal experience, have held positions with increasing levels of responsibility and have made countless contributions to their communities.”

 

Janice leMaistre graduated from the faculty of law at the University of Manitoba in 1991.  She completed her articles with Manitoba Justice and has worked in the Crown’s office ever since, developing expertise in dealing with cases of child abuse, elder abuse, spousal abuse prosecutions, inquests, and assize and appellate work. More recently, she held the position of supervising senior Crown attorney in the family violence unit. She was part of the development of a number of key initiatives such as the award-winning Domestic Violence Front End Project, the child victim support initiative, phase two of zero tolerance and the Early Intervention Program.

 

Catherine Carlson graduated from the faculty of law at the University of Manitoba in 1986. She began her legal career with Aikins, MacAulay & Thorvaldson where she primarily practiced family law. In 2005, she accepted a position with Justice Canada, working primarily on residential school claims and most recently held the position of senior counsel and team leader in Aboriginal law services. Her work included co-ordinating litigation involving Indian and Northern Affairs Canada as well as managing a litigation team. She has also been an active member of the community and has participated on numerous boards including Child Find Manitoba.

 

The new judges were selected from a list of candidates recommended by an independent judicial nominating committee, chaired by Raymond E. Wyant, chief judge of the provincial court of Manitoba, and including 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.