Ontario Superior Court Welcomes Five New Judges
In a significant move to strengthen its judicial capacity, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has appointed five new judges to its bench. The federal government announced these appointments on March 4, 2025, marking a notable expansion of the court’s roster.
The new judges—Chantal M. Brochu, Michael P.D. Derstine, Andrew J. Spurgeon, Sunil S. Mathai, and Robin A. Lepere—bring a wealth of experience and diverse expertise to their respective roles. Their appointments fill critical vacancies created by judicial transfers and elevations, ensuring continuity and stability in the delivery of justice across Ontario.
Meet the New Appointees
Each of the newly appointed judges comes with a unique background, reflecting the diversity of legal practice in Ontario. Their collective experience spans criminal law, family law, civil litigation, and public law, underscoring the government’s commitment to a well-rounded judiciary.
Justice Chantal M. Brochu, who previously served as a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay, has been elevated to the Superior Court of Justice in the same city. With over 15 years of experience, Justice Brochu has developed a strong reputation for her work in both criminal and family law, making her a valuable addition to the Superior Court.
Michael P.D. Derstine, a seasoned criminal law expert, has been appointed to the Superior Court of Justice in Brampton. With over 25 years of experience, including roles as both a prosecutor and defense counsel, Justice Derstine brings a deep understanding of the complexities of criminal law to his new position.
Andrew J. Spurgeon, formerly counsel at Ross & McBride LLP in Hamilton, will serve in Brantford. His extensive background in civil litigation, particularly in personal injury and insurance law, equips him to handle complex cases with precision and fairness.
Sunil S. Mathai, who previously served as general counsel at the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario, has been appointed to the Superior Court of Justice in Oshawa. His expertise in public law litigation, including constitutional and administrative law, will be instrumental in addressing high-stakes cases involving government interests.
Robin A. Lepere, a criminal law specialist with over 20 years of experience, has been appointed to the Superior Court of Justice in Thunder Bay. Her dual experience in prosecution and defense will serve her well in upholding justice in Northern Ontario.
“These appointments reflect the federal government’s dedication to building a judiciary that is not only skilled but also representative of the diverse legal community in Ontario,” said a government spokesperson. “The new judges will play pivotal roles in ensuring access to justice for all Ontarians.”
The addition of these five judges is expected to enhance the court’s ability to address its growing caseload and deliver timely, fair outcomes for individuals and communities across the province.
Justice Chantal M. Brochu’s elevation to the Superior Court of Justice in Thunder Bay is particularly significant given her extensive experience in both criminal and family law. Her deep understanding of the legal issues specific to Northern Ontario will be invaluable in addressing the unique challenges faced by communities in that region.
Michael P.D. Derstine’s appointment to the Superior Court of Justice in Brampton brings a wealth of criminal law expertise to one of Ontario’s most populous regions. His experience as both a prosecutor and defense counsel will provide a balanced perspective in handling complex criminal cases, ensuring fair and just outcomes for all parties involved.
Andrew J. Spurgeon’s move to the Superior Court of Justice in Brantford is a strategic addition to the court’s civil litigation capacity. His over 30 years of experience in personal injury and insurance law will be instrumental in resolving disputes efficiently and equitably, particularly in cases involving significant financial and emotional stakes for the parties involved.
Sunil S. Mathai’s appointment to the Superior Court of Justice in Oshawa is a testament to his expertise in public law litigation. His extensive experience in constitutional and administrative law will be crucial in handling cases that involve government interests, ensuring that the legal framework governing public institutions is applied fairly and consistently.
Robin A. Lepere’s appointment to the Superior Court of Justice in Thunder Bay further strengthens the court’s criminal law bench in Northern Ontario. Her dual experience in both prosecution and defense will enable her to approach cases with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, ensuring that justice is served with integrity and fairness.
These appointments highlight the federal government’s commitment to ensuring that the judiciary reflects the diversity and complexity of the legal issues faced by Ontarians. By selecting judges with such varied and extensive experience, the government has demonstrated its dedication to building a judiciary that is not only highly skilled but also deeply connected to the communities it serves.
The addition of these five judges is expected to have a positive impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Their combined expertise will help the court manage its caseload more effectively, ensuring that all Ontarians have access to timely and fair justice.
Conclusion
The appointment of five new judges to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice marks a significant step forward in enhancing the court’s ability to deliver fair and timely justice across the province. Justices Chantal M. Brochu, Michael P.D. Derstine, Andrew J. Spurgeon, Sunil S. Mathai, and Robin A. Lepere bring a wealth of experience and diverse expertise to their respective regions, ensuring that the judiciary remains well-equipped to handle the complexities of modern legal challenges.
These appointments not only address the current needs of the court but also lay a strong foundation for the future of the judiciary in Ontario. By selecting judges with deep roots in their communities and a wide range of legal expertise, the federal government has demonstrated its commitment to building a judiciary that is both skilled and representative of the diverse legal landscape of Ontario.
As these new judges take on their roles, they will play a crucial part in upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and accessibility for all Ontarians. Their combined experience and dedication will undoubtedly contribute to the court’s efficiency and effectiveness in addressing the growing caseload and ensuring that justice is served with integrity.
