Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

January 29, 2009

Judges Appointed to Provincial Court in Brandon and The Pas



Attorney General Dave Chomiak today announced the appointments of Lawrence Allen and Shauna Hewitt-Michta to the bench of the provincial court of Manitoba.  
 
“I am pleased these experienced and dedicated litigators have accepted the call to the bench,” said Chomiak. “They are committed, fair-minded and principled people with deep dedication to public service. I am confident they will serve all Manitobans well in their new positions.”
 
Allan received his law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1975. In private practice and with Legal Aid Manitoba, he provided legal advice and services to a wide range of people and non-profit organizations with an emphasis on child welfare, criminal and Aboriginal issues. He has been a Manitoba Justice Crown attorney since 2002. His extensive volunteer and community experience includes coaching sports, serving on the boards of non-profit organizations and officiating at equestrian events. He has frequently been invited to participate in sweat lodge ceremonies and has been given eagle feathers and a medicine stone by Aboriginal elders. He has been appointed to serve the provincial court in The Pas.
 
Hewitt-Michta has lived in Brandon for many years where she worked as a Crown attorney. She began her career with Manitoba Justice in 1998 after receiving her law degree from the University of Saskatchewan. She regularly provides presentations on aspects of the law to police recruits, university students and community organizations. Over the years, she has served on many boards and committees including the Westman Child and Family Services Foundation. She has been appointed to serve the provincial court in Brandon.
 
The new judges were selected from a list of candidates recommended by an independent judicial nominating committee.  The committee was chaired by Raymond E. Wyant, chief judge of the provincial court, and included three community representatives and representatives of the Law Society of Manitoba, the Manitoba Branch of the Canadian Bar Association and a provincial court judge. 
 
The appointments are effective immediately and a swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled as soon as possible.
 
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