News Release

For Immediate Release
July 18, 2005

New Judge To Preside In St. Catharines

TORONTO — Attorney General Michael Bryant announced the appointment of Ann Watson as a provincial judge to the Ontario Court of Justice, effective August 4, 2005.

"Madam Justice Watson brings a breadth of experience to her new position," said Bryant. "Her appointment to the bench illustrates our continuing commitment to the justice system."

Madam Justice Watson has been an assistant Crown attorney for St. Catharines since 2001. She was called to the Bar in 1982, and became an assistant Crown attorney for Hamilton-Wentworth, responsible for criminal prosecutions in all levels of court. She was in private practice with a Mississauga law firm from April 1985 to October 1986. Madam Justice Watson was also an assistant Crown attorney in several areas of the province, including Peel for six years.

Madam Justice Watson has been the chair of the Domestic Violence Community Coordinating Committee for the Niagara region, which oversees the operation of the domestic violence court. She was a member of the Niagara Regional Human Service and Justice Committee that is implementing a mental health court diversion program for the Niagara region.

Chief Justice Brian W. Lennox has assigned Madam Justice Watson to preside in St. Catharines.

Bryant has appointed 32 judges since the McGuinty government was sworn in on October 23, 2003.

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