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

I practised law for over twenty years and had a general practice focused on wills and estates, real property , debtor/creditor and insolvency, and corporate/commercial law. As such, I was exposed to a wide variety of people and experiences. My legal practice provided me with an excellent grounding in the law. While I did not do a great deal of litigation, the scope of my practice provided me with an excellent foundation to be a judge. My years in private practice also exposed me and provided me with an awareness that in certain circumstances people need legal representation and sometimes that meant that it would be provided on a pro bono basis. This particular experience fostered my interest in access to justice which is something that I remain passionate about to this day.

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

I wish that the public was aware that even with any shortcomings it may have it is still the best justice system in the world. Our democracy is founded upon the "Rule of Law" meaning that the law is applied equally to everyone. Our justice system should not be taken for granted and all of us have an obligation to continue to maintain it and resist any threat or attack on judicial independence. I believe that our justice system continues to change and evolve. The COVID pandemic has forced us to realize that the justice system can be receptive and responsive to change and to other ways to dispense justice. At the same time, there are many areas where the justice system must strive to do better. We must continue with the work undertaken by the many Access to Justice Committees across the country and we must ensure there is access for all Canadians regardless of their background or circumstances.