They have been appointed to the Court of Appeal and the Court of King's Bench
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Arif Virani, has announced the appointment of several new justices to Alberta’s highest courts.
Justice Tamara Friesen has been elevated to the Court of Appeal of Alberta in Edmonton. Appointed to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta in 2019, Friesen's legal career is extensive and varied. Holding a law degree from the University of Alberta, she clerked for both the Alberta Court of Appeal and the Court of King’s Bench before being called to the bar in 2002. Her legal practice focused on criminal law as a Crown prosecutor and included labour, employment, and constitutional law roles at Nugent Law Office before her initial appointment.
Justice Joshua B. Hawkes, now appointed to the Court of Appeal in Calgary, originally served on the Alberta Court of Justice. A law graduate from the University of Alberta, Hawkes has a background in criminal appellate law, having worked extensively as appellate counsel and later as executive director over the Appeals, Education and Prosecution Policy Branch of the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service. His roles included appearances in the Alberta Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. Additionally, Hawkes has been a leader in law reform and an advocate for improving access to justice, particularly for individuals with physical disabilities.
Justice Maureen J. McGuire, appointed to the Court of King's Bench of Alberta in Edmonton, transitions from her role as a Crown Counsel with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. With a law degree from the University of Manitoba, her legal journey spans defence and prosecution roles. Her legal expertise is underscored by her involvement in significant cases at the Alberta Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Justice Kelsey L. Brookes brings a wealth of experience in municipal and employment law to the Court of King's Bench of Alberta. Her career at Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP in Edmonton prepared her for the bench, particularly through her extensive work with urban and rural municipalities. She has lectured and taught planning law at the University of Alberta in the School of Urban and Regional Planning for 6 years.
Justice Shane Parker, another new Court of King's Bench member in Calgary, was a senior prosecutor with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service. He has been prosecuted in Nova Scotia and practiced with the criminal law firm Pink Murray Graham in Halifax. He founded the Alberta Prosecution Service’s intensive wiretap training course and lectured on search and seizure law.
Justice M. Oliver Ho, also appointed to the Court of King's Bench in Calgary, has a broad background in commercial disputes, shareholder disputes, and estate litigation. He commenced his career at Gowlings but spent the next nearly 20 years practicing at JSS Barristers, including multiple years on the firm’s executive committee and a term as managing partner.
Justice Derek Jugnauth, joining the Court of King's Bench in Calgary, earned his law degree from the University of Calgary in 2011. After clerking for the Court of King's Bench, he completed his articles with the national firm of Blakes Cassels & Graydon LLP. He began his career as a criminal defence barrister under the tutelage of Hersh Wolch K.C. and Willie deWit K.C. Jugnauth has represented clients charged in some of Alberta’s largest and most complex criminal investigations.
“I wish Justices Friesen, Hawkes, McGuire, Brookes, Parker, Ho, and Jugnauth every success as they take on their new roles. I am confident they will serve Albertans well as members of the Court of Appeal and the Court of King's Bench of Alberta,” Minister Virani said.
