Judge Nancy Orr has been named the new Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Prince Edward Island.
“Judge Orr’s 20 years of distinguished service on the Provincial Court bench uniquely qualify her to be the court’s new chief,” said Premier and Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General Wade MacLauchlan. “She is a well-respected jurist and will serve Islanders well in this new role.”
Judge Orr became the first female Provincial Court judge when she was appointed on August 17, 1995. She will be the first female to serve as Chief Judge when she is officially sworn-in on December 2.
“We are encouraged to see a woman of great accomplishment being appointed to a key leadership position in the justice system,” said Jane Ledwell, executive director of the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women. “Her work will make her a role model for young women and under-represented groups and will no doubt inspire those who come after her.”
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. Prior to her tenure on the Provincial Court, she devoted many years of service to the province as a lawyer in the Legal Aid section.
The three Provincial Court judges sit in Charlottetown, Summerside, and Georgetown. The Chief Judge administers the Provincial Court, including assigning duties to the judges and judges to the court facilities.
Judge John Douglas and Judge Jeffrey Lantz also serve on the Provincial Court. Judge Douglas has served as Chief Judge since 2000.
“I have always considered it an honour to serve as Chief Judge of the Provincial Court,” Judge Douglas said. “My successor in the position has shown dedication and commitment to her work on the bench, and I look forward to continuing to work with Chief Judge Orr as she takes on this new responsibility.”
“On behalf of a grateful province, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Judge Douglas for his tenure as chief judge,” the minister said, “and to all of our provincial court judges for the fine work they do for Islanders in the administration of justice."