The Provincial Court of Prince Edward Island has a new chief judge for the first time in 15 years.
Judge Nancy Orr took the oath this morning beneath the Christmas decorations of Government House, becoming the first female provincial court chief judge in Island history. Judge Orr was praised for her 20-year career as a distinguished, efficient, and fair jurist who will serve the court and Islanders well.
She replaces Judge John Douglas, who has served as chief judge since 2000. Of his colleague, Judge Douglas said “she will represent us with competence and enthusiasm as she continues to work for the public good.”
The three provincial court judges – Orr, Douglas, and Judge Jeffrey Lantz – sit in courtrooms in Charlottetown, Summerside, and Georgetown. The chief judge is responsible for administering the provincial court, including assigning duties to the judges and judges to the three court facilities.
While serving her five-year term as chief judge, Judge Orr will continue to hear cases in the provincial court. She is also a part-time circuit court judge in the Wellness Court of the Yukon Territory.
Judge Orr became Prince Edward Island’s first female provincial court judge when she was appointed to the bench on August 17, 1995.
Premier and Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General Wade MacLauchlan said Judge Orr’s involvement as a 4-H leader and mentor to Island youth says a great deal about what type of chief judge she will be.
“I am fully confident that she will carry the values for 4-H organization to her work in the service of Islanders,” he said.
“Fortunately I have two excellent colleagues, and we will work together for the benefit of the court and the individuals who come before us,” Chief Judge Orr said. “I look forward to this new responsibility and to the tasks ahead.”