Department of Justice

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

Ysanne Wilkinson, Q.C. of Prince Albert, is appointed a judge of the Court of Queen's Bench for Saskatchewan (Family Division) in Saskatoon. She replaces Mr. Justice F.G.W. Dickson who has chosen to become a supernumerary judge.

Madam Justice Wilkinson graduated in law from the University of Saskatchewan in 1977 and was called to the Bar of Saskatchewan in 1978.

Madam Justice Wilkinson has been practising law with the firm of Sanderson & Wilkinson in Prince Albert, since 1977. She has practised general litigation with emphasis in corporate and commercial litigation.

Madam Justice Wilkinson has been President of the Prince Albert Bar Association.

Merri-Ellen Rose Wright, Q.C. of Saskatoon, is appointed a judge of the Court of Queen's Bench for Saskatchewan (Family Division) in Saskatoon. She replaces Madam Justice M.Y. Carter who has chosen to become a supernumerary judge.

Madam Justice Wright graduated in law from the University of Saskatchewan in 1981 and was called to the Bar of Saskatchewan in 1982. Justice Wright then practised law with Cuelenaere, Beaubier, Kendall, Fisher & Gaucher. Since 1990, she has been practising with the firm of McDougall, Ready. Justice Wright has primarily practised family law.

Madam Justice Wright has been a Bencher with the Law Society of Saskatchewan since 1992. She has frequently lectured on family law at the University of Saskatchewan, the Bar Admission courses and Continuing Legal Education seminars.

These appointments are effective immediately.

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