Department of Justice

, November 8, 1996 -- The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Allan Rock, today announced the following appointments:

Jean Lemelin of Sillery is appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Quebec. He replaces Mr. Justice A. Desmeules who has chosen to become a supernumerary judge.

Mr. Justice Lemelin received a law degree from Laval University in 1971 and was called to the Quebec Bar in 1973. He then practised law with the firms of Langlois, Drouin, Laflamme and Cannon, Lemelin, Rourke. Since 1983, he has been a partner in the Quebec firm of Martineau, Walker. He has operated a general practice focusing on civil litigation and commercial law.

Marie Christine Laberge of Montreal, is appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Montreal. She replaces The Honourable A. Deslongchamps who was appointed Associate Chief Justice of the Court.

Madam Justice Laberge graduated in law, with distinction, from the Université de Montréal in 1972 and was called to the Quebec Bar in 1973. She then joined the firm of Degrandpré Godin with whom she has been a partner since 1986. She first practised in the areas of civil and commercial litigation and real estate law, but has since specialized in family law. She has been Vice-President and President of L'Association des avocat et avocates en droit familiale du Québec.

Julie Dutil of St-Nicolas is appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Québec. She replaces Mr. Justice R. Letarte who has chosen to become a supernumerary judge.

Madam Justice Dutil received a law degree from Laval University in 1979 and was called to the Quebec Bar in 1980. She then joined the firm of Grondin, Poudrier, Bernier, becoming a partner in 1984. She has operated a general practice focusing on labour law and administrative law. Since 1995, Madam Justice Dutil has been a part-time member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Public Complaints Commission.

These appointments are effective immediately.

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