September 4, 2009

NEW JUDGE APPOINTED TO PROVINCIAL COURT


Attorney General Dave Chomiak today announced the appointment of Robert Heinrichs to the provincial court of Manitoba.

“The dedication of Robert Heinrichs to the profession of law and his deep commitment to community have been made evident in the 24 years he has been practising law in this province,” said Chomiak. “He will serve the people of Manitoba well in this new position.”

Until his appointment, Heinrichs was a senior attorney with the legal aid office in Brandon. Much of his practice has been in the areas of criminal law and child protection. He is a graduate of the University of Manitoba and received his law degree in 1982.

In addition to being a foster parent for the past 12 years, Heinrichs has been the registrar for the Brandon Diocese Anglican Church and served as the president of the Brandon Community Options board, which provides residential and day programming for mentally disabled adults.

Heinrichs will sit in Winnipeg. His appointment will assist the provincial court to offset demands on the judiciary stemming from some unusually lengthy and complex matters scheduled for the coming year.

The new judge was selected from a list of candidates recommended by an independent judicial nominating committee. The committee was chaired by then chief judge of the provincial court of Raymond E. Wyant and included three community representatives, representatives of the Law Society of Manitoba and the Manitoba branch of the Canadian Bar Association, and a provincial court judge.

The appointment is effective immediately. A swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled as soon as possible.