WHAT WAS YOUR PATH INTO LAW AND ONTO THE BENCH?

I had a late start to attending law school. I wanted to be a lawyer in high school, but thought it would take seven years and I could not fathom going to university for that length of time. I also wanted to be a Conservation Officer, as I loved the outdoors, and my two older brothers were officers. I was accepted into the Renewable Resources program after I graduated from high school and worked as a full-time Officer for approximately 9 years in northern Saskatchewan. While at work I came across the calendar of classes for the University of Saskatchewan and discovered I could attend as a mature student and go directly into the College of Law. I applied, wrote the LSAT, and advocated on behalf of myself to the Admissions Officer (ie: shamelessly pestered her!). I was accepted and successfully graduated with my Bachelor of Laws in 1990.

I articled with Saskatchewan Justice and worked as a Prosecutor for 21 years, including a year secondment with federal prosecutions. I handled cases across Saskatchewan, as well as in Nunavut and Yukon. From 2006 to 2012, I was the designated Environmental Prosecutor for Saskatchewan and in addition to my usual duties, travelled across Canada and the United States attending meetings and giving presentations to various groups on environmental issues.

I have been involved with the CBA since law school and was the President of the CBA Saskatchewan Branch in 2006-07. I have always been very proud of the work the CBA does on behalf of the public, lawyers and judges and am grateful for the experiences it has given me.

I was appointed to the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan on February 29, 2012 and have been active on the executive of both our local judges’ association as well as the Canadian Association of Provincial Court Judges. I cannot believe I have been on the bench for 10 years, nor can I imagine not being a judge.

WHAT EXPERIENCE IN YOUR LEGAL CAREER BEST PREPARED YOU FOR WORK ON THE BENCH?

I credit my parents with instilling a strong work ethic and a desire to serve the community that has shaped my life and my legal career. As a Prosecutor, I was eager to tackle any case in order to gain experience and expand my legal knowledge. I was never afraid to ask my colleagues for advice or assistance and was happy to return the favour. As I gained more experience, I took on more complex files and legal issues. I learned to think quickly on my feet and have been exposed to many areas of the criminal law. I do my best to remain current and knowledgeable concerning changes in the law.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR COUNSEL WHO APPEAR BEFORE YOU?

Prepare, prepare, prepare. Be on time, or even better is to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to court opening so you can touch base with opposing counsel. Be civil, not only to the Judge, and other Counsel, but to the Court Clerk and anyone else in the court room. A Counsel should be thoroughly familiar with their case, the law of evidence and be able to answer questions put to them by the Judge.

Remember that all lawyers are considered officers of the court. As a professional, your integrity is everything. Do not compromise it for any reason.

WHAT DO YOU WISH THE PUBLIC KNEW ABOUT THE JUSTICE SYSTEM?

Judges are called upon daily to make decisions that impact lives and communities. We must be independent and objective, as well as compassionate and understanding. Courts across Canada have been on the forefront of finding and implementing ways to resolve matters that focus upon reconciliation and rehabilitation while holding offenders accountable. This has helped launch initiatives such as domestic violence, drug treatment and mental health therapeutic courts. This collaboration with stakeholders highlights that courts are concerned about healthy communities and finding solutions within our legal framework, for the betterment of society.  While our system may not be perfect, it is one of the best in the world, and one I am proud to serve.