From the Department of Justice Canada
The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
The Honourable Sheri Ann Donegan, a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, is appointed a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Donegan replaces Justice J.L.L. Hunter, who resigned February 11, 2024.
The Honourable W. Paul Riley, a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, is appointed a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Riley replaces Justice G.J. Fitch, who resigned effective April 30, 2024.
The Honourable Andrea L. Ormiston, a Judge of the Provincial Court of British Columbia in Chilliwack, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Abbotsford. Justice Ormiston replaces Justice R.W. Jenkins (Abbotsford), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective January 1, 2022.
The Honourable Tina L. Dion, a Judge of the Provincial Court of British Columbia in Surrey, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in New Westminster. Justice Dion replaces Justice F.E. Verhoeven (New Westminster), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective January 22, 2024.
David M. Layton, K.C., Deputy Director, Criminal Appeals, at the British Columbia Prosecution Service of the Ministry of the Attorney General of British Columbia in Vancouver, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Port Coquitlam. Justice Layton fills the remaining position authorized further to the Budget Implementation Act, 2022, No. 1.
Eric V. Gottardi, K.C., Senior Partner at Peck and Company in Vancouver, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in New Westminster. Justice Gottardi replaces Justice W.P. Riley (New Westminster) who was elevated to the Court of Appeal for British Columbia effective August 28, 2024.