New Judge hired in Manitoba

July 22, 2014

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW PROVINCIAL COURT JUDGE

Attorney General Andrew Swan today announced the appointment of a new judge to the provincial court.  Catherine Hembroff of The Pas has been appointed to the court in Thompson.

“Judge Hembroff has been living in northern Manitoba for almost two decades, practising criminal law as a Crown attorney and taking part in a number of community activities,” said Minister Swan.  “Her extensive experience and expertise will be a valuable asset in her new role.”

After receiving her law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1994, Hembroff began working as a provincial Crown attorney in 1995, serving in The Pas and other northern communities.  In 2008, she became the supervising senior Crown attorney in The Pas.  She has made regular presentations at legal conferences and has worked with justice committees, elders and others to make improvements to the court system in the region.

Hembroff is involved in her community as a board member of a local preschool and has volunteered with a number of local organizations including Girl Guides of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, and local museums and festivals.  In 2006, she received a commendation from the Governor General of Canada and in 2004 she received a rescue commendation from the Lifesaving Society.

Hembroff was selected from a list of candidates recommended by an independent judicial nominating committee, chaired by Chief Judge Ken Champagne.  This committee also included three community representatives, representatives of the Law Society of Manitoba, the Manitoba branch of the Canadian Bar Association and a provincial court judge.  The appointment is effective immediately.

An official swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled as soon as possible.

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