Althea Francis elevated to deputy chief federal prosecutor at Ontario prosecution service
In a significant move within Canada’s legal landscape, Althea Francis has been promoted to Deputy Chief Federal Prosecutor at the Ontario Regional Office of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC). This elevation underscores her trailblazing career, marked by breaking barriers and achieving milestones.
Francis’s journey began with her call to the bar in 2001. Over two decades, she has excelled in prosecuting high-profile cases involving national security and cross-border crimes. Her role as senior counsel on the Integrated Road Team and advisor to the Ontario Court of Justice highlights her expertise and leadership.
Her advocacy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is equally notable. As Chair of PPSC’s DEI Committee since 2021, Francis has spearheaded initiatives to combat systemic discrimination, fostering inclusivity and awareness. Her efforts have influenced policy reforms and training programs, earning recognition from organizations like the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers.
Francis’s impact extends beyond the courtroom. Her commitment to equity has inspired legal professionals and systemic change. Her journey reflects resilience and excellence, paving the way for greater representation in Canada’s legal field.
The PPSC, established in 2006, prosecutes federal offences, emphasizing respect and fairness. Francis’s promotion aligns with these values, embedding equity into the organization’s framework and solidifying her legacy as a driving force for justice and innovation.
As Francis takes on her new role, her influence continues to grow, inspiring future legal professionals and advancing systemic change. Her story is a testament to dedication and the pursuit of a more equitable justice system.
Source: Lexpert
Althea Francis elevated to deputy chief federal prosecutor at Ontario prosecution service
Althea Francis’s promotion to Deputy Chief Federal Prosecutor at the Ontario Regional Office of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) marks the latest milestone in her distinguished career. Previously, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to serve as General Counsel at the PPSC in August 2023, a role in which she provided strategic legal advice on complex cases, including terrorism prosecutions and matters without legal precedents.
Francis’s career with the PPSC spans over two decades, during which she has held diverse roles such as senior counsel on the Integrated Road Team, advising on prosecutions before the Ontario Court of Justice, and serving as Special Advisor to the Assistant Deputy Attorney General. Her expertise in prosecuting high-profile cases involving national security, cross-border crimes, and organized crime has solidified her reputation as a leader in her field.
As Chair of the PPSC’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee since 2021, Francis has been instrumental in driving systemic change. She developed a comprehensive DEIA plan for the Ontario Regional Office, which has influenced governance priorities across the entire organization. Her initiatives have included policy reforms, training programs, and leadership on the National Prosecution Policy Committee, all aimed at eliminating unconscious bias and systemic racism, fostering awareness about Indigenous relations, and promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
Francis’s commitment to equity and inclusion extends beyond her legal work. She has been recognized by organizations such as the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers for her passionate advocacy for fairness and equity. Her efforts have encouraged open dialogue on diversity topics and inspired events such as unconscious bias training and discussions on gender equity. Francis describes her involvement in promoting inclusion as both a professional and personal passion, deeply rooted in her lived experiences as a woman of color and a public servant.
The PPSC, established in 2006, is an independent federal organization responsible for prosecuting offences under federal jurisdiction, such as drug crimes, tax evasion, and national security cases. It operates under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act and is accountable to Parliament through the Attorney General of Canada. The organization’s core values of respect, diversity, professionalism, and fairness align closely with Francis’s efforts to embed equity and inclusion into its framework.
Francis’s journey from her call to the bar in 2001 to her current role as Deputy Chief Federal Prosecutor highlights her resilience and commitment to excellence. Her leadership has paved the way for greater representation and inspired emerging legal professionals to engage in meaningful systemic change. As she takes on her new role, her impact on Canada’s legal and prosecutorial landscape continues to grow, solidifying her as a driving force for innovation and justice in the field.
Source: Lexpert
Conclusion
Althea Francis’s promotion to Deputy Chief Federal Prosecutor at the Ontario Regional Office of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada is a testament to her remarkable career and unwavering commitment to justice and equity. With over two decades of experience in prosecuting high-profile cases and championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Francis has left an indelible mark on Canada’s legal landscape. Her trailblazing journey, from her call to the bar in 2001 to her current role, reflects her resilience, leadership, and dedication to creating a more equitable justice system. As she continues in her new position, her influence will undoubtedly inspire future generations of legal professionals and drive systemic change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Althea Francis’s new role?
Althea Francis has been promoted to Deputy Chief Federal Prosecutor at the Ontario Regional Office of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC).
2. What were Althea Francis’s key contributions before her promotion?
Francis was the first Black woman to serve as General Counsel at the PPSC, where she provided strategic legal advice on complex cases, including terrorism prosecutions. She also led the PPSC’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee since 2021.
3. How has Althea Francis advocated for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?
Francis developed a comprehensive DEIA plan for the Ontario Regional Office, influencing governance priorities across the PPSC. She implemented policy reforms, training programs, and initiatives to address systemic racism, promote Indigenous relations, and support LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
4. What is the significance of Althea Francis’s career?
Francis’s career is marked by breaking barriers and achieving milestones, inspiring legal professionals and driving systemic change. Her work has earned recognition from organizations like the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers.
5. Where can I learn more about Althea Francis’s promotion?
More details about Althea Francis’s promotion can be found in the article from Lexpert, available at this link.
