Alberta Court of Justice Welcomes Five New Justices
In a move to enhance judicial capacity and improve access to justice, the Alberta government has announced the appointment of five new justices to the Alberta Court of Justice. Tracey Bailey, KC, Sheri Epp, Karen McGowan, Alicia Wendel, and Colin Wetter will join the court, serving in Edmonton and Calgary.
These appointments aim to address the growing demand for timely legal resolutions in civil, criminal, and family matters across Alberta. The new justices bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective roles.
New Appointees and Their Roles
Edmonton will see four new faces:
- Tracey Bailey, KC – Appointed to the Edmonton Family and Youth Division.
- Karen McGowan – Also joining the Edmonton Family and Youth Division.
- Alicia Wendel – Assigned to the Edmonton Region.
- Colin Wetter – Named as a part-time justice of the peace in Edmonton.
Calgary will welcome:
- Sheri Epp – Appointed to the Calgary Criminal Division and the Calgary Region.
Their terms will commence between May 14 and June 23, 2025.
Strengthening Alberta’s Legal System
Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, emphasized that these appointments are crucial for enhancing court capacity and ensuring efficient justice delivery.
Chief Justice James Hunter congratulated the appointees, highlighting that access to justice is a fundamental value. He expressed confidence in their ability to serve Albertans effectively.
Broadening Judicial Capacity
Since June 2023, Alberta has made 30 judicial appointments, reflecting a significant investment in legal infrastructure. These appointments underscore the government’s commitment to meeting the province’s legal needs.
Eligibility for these roles requires at least 10 years of legal experience for justices and 5 years for justices of the peace.
Enhancing Access to Justice Across Alberta
The addition of these five justices is expected to significantly enhance the Alberta Court of Justice’s ability to address the growing caseload in both Edmonton and Calgary. By increasing judicial capacity, these appointments aim to reduce delays and improve the efficiency of legal proceedings across civil, criminal, and family law matters.
Impact on Edmonton and Calgary Courts
In Edmonton, the appointment of Tracey Bailey, KC, and Karen McGowan to the Family and Youth Division will strengthen the court’s capacity to handle complex family law cases, ensuring that vulnerable populations, including children and families, receive timely and compassionate legal resolutions. Alicia Wendel’s appointment to the Edmonton Region will further bolster the court’s ability to manage a diverse range of civil and criminal cases.
Meanwhile, in Calgary, Sheri Epp’s dual appointment to the Criminal Division and the Calgary Region underscores the government’s focus on addressing the backlog of criminal cases. Her expertise will help streamline criminal proceedings, ensuring that justice is served promptly and fairly.
Colin Wetter’s role as a part-time justice of the peace in Edmonton will provide additional support in managing smaller-scale legal matters, freeing up other justices to focus on more complex cases.
Experience and Qualifications of the Appointees
The newly appointed justices bring a wealth of legal expertise to their roles. Tracey Bailey, KC, and Sheri Epp, with their extensive experience in family and criminal law, respectively, are well-equipped to handle the demands of their new positions. Karen McGowan and Alicia Wendel also come with strong backgrounds in legal practice, having demonstrated a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness throughout their careers.
Colin Wetter’s appointment as a part-time justice of the peace reflects his deep understanding of the legal system and his ability to navigate the complexities of judicial decision-making.
Eligibility and Selection Process
The process for selecting justices for the Alberta Court of Justice is rigorous, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are appointed. To be eligible, candidates for justice positions must have at least 10 years of experience at the bar, while justices of the peace require a minimum of five years of legal experience. This ensures that appointees possess the necessary expertise and judgment to serve the public effectively.
A Broader Commitment to Judicial Excellence
These appointments are part of a larger effort by the Alberta government to modernize and strengthen the province’s legal system. Since June 2023, the government has made a total of 30 judicial appointments, demonstrating a clear commitment to ensuring that the courts have the resources and personnel needed to meet the needs of Albertans.
By continuing to invest in judicial capacity, the government aims to create a legal system that is both accessible and efficient, ensuring that all Albertans can access the justice they deserve.
Conclusion
The appointment of five new justices to the Alberta Court of Justice marks a significant step forward in enhancing access to justice for Albertans. These appointments address the growing caseload in both Edmonton and Calgary, ensuring that legal proceedings across civil, criminal, and family law matters are handled more efficiently. The addition of Tracey Bailey, KC, Karen McGowan, Alicia Wendel, Sheri Epp, and Colin Wetter brings a wealth of legal expertise to the court, strengthening its capacity to deliver timely and fair resolutions.
By focusing on judicial excellence and increasing judicial capacity, the Alberta government has demonstrated its commitment to modernizing the legal system. These appointments are part of a broader effort to ensure that all Albertans can access the justice they deserve, fostering a legal system that is both accessible and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new justices were appointed to the Alberta Court of Justice?
Five new justices were appointed to the Alberta Court of Justice to address the growing caseload in Edmonton and Calgary.
What is the process for selecting justices for the Alberta Court of Justice?
The selection process for justices is rigorous, requiring candidates for justice positions to have at least 10 years of experience at the bar, while justices of the peace need a minimum of five years of legal experience.
How will these appointments impact the backlog of criminal cases in Calgary?
Sheri Epp’s dual appointment to the Criminal Division and the Calgary Region will help streamline criminal proceedings, addressing the backlog of cases and ensuring justice is served promptly and fairly.
Which courts will benefit from these appointments?
The appointments will primarily benefit the courts in Edmonton and Calgary. In Edmonton, Tracey Bailey, KC, Karen McGowan, Alicia Wendel, and Colin Wetter will strengthen the court’s capacity, while Sheri Epp will focus on criminal cases in Calgary.
What qualifications do the newly appointed justices bring?
The newly appointed justices bring extensive legal expertise in family, criminal, and civil law. They have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness throughout their careers.
