News Release

New Judges Will Improve Access To Justice In Ontario

July 30, 2008

News

Ontario welcomes the federal government's promise to appoint eight new federal judges and is ready to put them in place when they are appointed.

The Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Justice has the responsibility to assign judges. It is expected that six new federal judges will be placed in courts with a high volume of family cases. Two additional Superior Court judges will likely be appointed to support the Specific Claims Tribunal, a newly created independent federal tribunal to resolve First Nations' specific claims.

The Superior Court of Justice needs these new judges because of increased caseload resulting from population growth over the past 15 years. The new judges will help protect women and children by resolving family cases faster.

Quotes

"For over four years, we've asked for 12 new federal judges to relieve pressure on our family courts," said Attorney General Chris Bentley. "The promise of eight new federal judges is a good start. As soon as they are appointed, they will improve access to justice by helping to address delays, particularly in family courts where vulnerable children and families are involved."

Quick Facts

• The Superior Court of Justice has jurisdiction over criminal, civil and family cases.
• The federal government pays the salaries of Superior Court judges; the province pays for costs related to administrative support and facilities.
• The appointment of eight new judges would increase the number of regular judges of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to 231.

Learn More

Learn more about the Superior Court of Justice.

Learn more about the Ontario Court of Justice.

Contacts

Sheamus Murphy
Minister's Office, 416-326-1785

Brendan Crawley
Communications Branch, 416-326-2210

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