Department of Justice

, September 25, 1996 -- The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Allan Rock, today announced the following appointments:

Linda Ann Loo, Q.C. of Vancouver is appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver. She replaces Mr. Justice H.D. Boyle, who has chosen to become a supernumerary judge.

Madam Justice Loo graduated in law from the University of British Columbia in 1974, and was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1975.

Madam Justice Loo practised law as counsel for British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority until 1985. She then joined the firm of Singleton, Urquhart, Macdonald, with whom she became a partner in 1988 and managing partner in 1990. Madam Justice Loo has had an extensive litigation practice with emphasis in personal injury, construction litigation, employment law, and environmental litigation.

Madam Justice Loo was an Ad Hoc Bencher for the Law Society of British Columbia Professional Standards Subcommittee on Unauthorized Practice. Since 1992, she has been an Ad Hoc Bencher of the Society's Competency Committee.

This appointment is effective immediately.

Chief Justice William Esson of the Supreme Court of British Columbia is appointed a judge of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia. He replaces Mr. Justice Bryan Williams.

Mr. Justice Esson graduated in law from the University of British Columbia in 1957, and was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1958. He practised law with the firm Bull, Housser & Tupper in Vancouver. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 1979, and to the Court of Appeal for British Columbia in 1983.

Mr. Justice Esson was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 1989, and will continue to hold this position until September 30, 1996.

The new appointment is effective October 2, 1996.

Ref.:   Johanne Senécal
        Minister's Office
        (613) 992-4621