Ex-Premier David Hancock Named Assistant Chief Justice of Alberta Court of Justice
In a significant move to bolster Alberta’s judicial system, the provincial government has announced the appointment of former Alberta premier David G. Hancock as Assistant Chief Justice of the Edmonton Family and Youth Division. Effective May 7, 2025, Hancock will bring his extensive legal and political experience to this critical role.
Additionally, Clarissa V. Pearce has been appointed as a justice in the Calgary Criminal Division and Calgary Region, with her term beginning on May 14, 2025. These appointments underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening Alberta’s courts and ensuring timely access to justice for all Albertans.
Alberta’s Justice Minister and Attorney General, Mickey Amery, expressed confidence in both appointees, praising their qualifications and expressing optimism about their ability to excel in their new roles. These appointments are part of a broader effort to enhance the capacity of Alberta’s courts and address the growing demand for judicial services.
David Hancock, who served as Alberta’s 15th premier in 2014, brings a wealth of experience to his new position. Prior to his role as premier, he was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Edmonton-Whitemud from 1997 to 2014 and served as Deputy Premier under Alison Redford. Since 2017, he has been a judge of the Provincial Court of Alberta, further solidifying his judicial expertise.
Clarissa Pearce, meanwhile, comes to her new role with a strong background in justice and community service. She has served on the board of the Canadian Child Abuse Association and was a member of the Indigenous Justice System – Knowledge Sharing Symposium Planning Committee for the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice. Her work in facilitating dialogue and building connections within Indigenous communities highlights her commitment to equitable justice.
These appointments bring the total number of judicial appointments made by the current Alberta government to 25 in less than two years. In 2024 alone, the province appointed three assistant chief justices and nine justices, demonstrating a clear focus on modernizing and strengthening the judiciary. Earlier this year, the government added three more judges to the bench, including Chief Justice Gordon Putnam, Justice Christine A. Palmer, and Justice Emem Madu.
The Alberta government has repeatedly emphasized its dedication to filling judicial vacancies and improving the efficiency of the court system. Minister Amery has reiterated the province’s commitment to ensuring that Albertans have access to timely and fair justice, a promise these appointments aim to fulfill.
Continued Focus on Judicial Capacity and Access to Justice
The recent appointments of David Hancock and Clarissa Pearce are part of a broader strategy by the Alberta government to address the growing demand for judicial services. Since taking office, the current administration has prioritized judicial appointments, with a total of 25 judges named to the Alberta Court of Justice in under two years.
In 2024, the province made significant strides in expanding its judicial bench, appointing three assistant chief justices and nine justices. This effort continued into 2025, with the addition of one assistant chief justice and two justices earlier this year. Among these appointees were Chief Justice Gordon Putnam, Justice Christine A. Palmer, and Justice Emem Madu, further enhancing the court’s capacity to handle complex cases.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery has consistently emphasized the importance of a robust judiciary in ensuring timely access to justice for Albertans. The government’s focus on filling judicial vacancies reflects its commitment to modernizing the court system and addressing the evolving needs of the province’s population.
These appointments also highlight the government’s efforts to diversify the bench and bring a wide range of expertise to the judiciary. Clarissa Pearce’s work with Indigenous communities and her involvement in justice system reform initiatives underscores the province’s commitment to equitable justice and reconciliation.
As Alberta’s population grows and legal challenges become increasingly complex, the government’s strategy to strengthen judicial capacity is seen as a critical step in maintaining public confidence in the justice system. With these latest appointments, the Alberta Court of Justice is better positioned to address backlogs and ensure that all Albertans have access to fair and timely legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The recent appointments of David Hancock and Clarissa Pearce to the Alberta Court of Justice underscore the provincial government’s strategic efforts to enhance judicial capacity and ensure equitable access to justice. By prioritizing judicial appointments, the government has significantly expanded the court’s bench, bringing in diverse expertise and strengthening its ability to address complex legal challenges. These appointments reflect a commitment to modernizing the judiciary, ensuring timely and fair legal proceedings for all Albertans. As Alberta’s population grows and legal issues become more intricate, these measures are crucial for maintaining public trust in the justice system and upholding the principles of equity and reconciliation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many judges have been appointed to the Alberta Court of Justice since 2024?
Since 2024, a total of 13 judges have been appointed to the Alberta Court of Justice, including three assistant chief justices and nine justices.
What is the significance of the recent judicial appointments in Alberta?
The recent appointments aim to address the growing demand for judicial services, enhance the court’s capacity to handle complex cases, and ensure timely access to justice for Albertans.
How is the Alberta government ensuring diversity in judicial appointments?
The government is committed to diversifying the bench by appointing judges with varied expertise and backgrounds, such as Clarissa Pearce, who has experience working with Indigenous communities and justice system reform.
How will these appointments impact court backlogs in Alberta?
The increased number of judges is expected to help reduce case backlogs by improving the court’s capacity to process cases more efficiently.
What does the future hold for access to justice in Alberta?
The future looks promising, with a stronger, more diverse judiciary better equipped to provide fair and timely legal proceedings, ensuring access to justice for all Albertans.
