News Release

For Immediate Release
May 2, 2008

NEWS

Francesco Valente has been appointed as a Judge to the Ontario Court of Justice, effective May 14, 2008.

Mr. Justice Valente was called to the Bar in 1984 and has practised criminal, family, child protection, civil and real estate law. The Law Society of Upper Canada has certified him as a specialist in criminal law. He has been a director of the Thunder Bay Law Association, and served as co-chair of its Courthouse committee and Criminal Law Liaison committee.

Mr. Justice Valente has been a member of the local Domestic Violence Court Advisory committee, and has been involved in continuing legal education activities. He has been a director of Options Northwest Personal Support Services, which provides assistance to persons with disabilities. He has also been a local baseball coach and organizer.

QUOTE

"The appointment of Justice Valente will boost access to justice in Thunder Bay and help the justice system there run more effectively," said Attorney General Chris Bentley.

QUICK FACTS

• Chief Justice Annemarie Bonkalo has assigned Mr. Justice Valente to preside in Thunder Bay.
• Since 2003, the McGuinty government has appointed 74 judges and 113 Justices of the Peace to the Ontario Court of Justice.

LEARN MORE

Read more about the Ontario Court of Justice

Read more about the appointment of judges to the Ontario Court of Justice