Danielle Smith's Alberta government has made five new judicial appointments to the Alberta Court of Justice.
Four of the new appointments are in Edmonton and the other one is in Calgary. These new additions to the Alberta Court of Justice will help increase capacity in the court system for civil, criminal, and family matters.
“Continuing to fill judicial appointments directly strengthens the capacity of our courts, helping ensure Albertans have timely access to justice," Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, said. "Those newly appointed will serve Albertans well in their respective divisions and I congratulate them on their new roles."
The newly appointed individuals are as follows:
- Tracey Bailey, KC, Edmonton Family and Youth Division,
- Sheri Epp, Calgary Criminal Division and Calgary Region
- Karen McGowan, Edmonton Family and Youth Division
- Alicia Wendel, Edmonton Region
- Colin Wetter, part-time justice of the peace in Edmonton
The new judicial appointments will start their positions between May 14 and June 23.
“The Alberta Court of Justice is pleased to welcome and congratulate these new appointments," said James Hunter, chief justice with the Alberta Court of Justice. "Access to justice is a fundamental value of our society, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to be heard, receive fair treatment, and obtain timely, meaningful resolution to their legal challenges. I am confident that their backgrounds and experience will serve Albertans well in achieving these goals.”
Since June 2023, Alberta’s government has made 30 judicial appointments.
Lawyers with at least 10 years at the bar can apply to become a justice with the Alberta Court of Justice, and lawyers with at least five years of experience can apply to become a justice of the peace.
