OTTAWA, September 17, 2003 -- The Honourable Martin Cauchon, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments:

Martin Bureau of Sherbrooke is appointed a judge of the Quebec Superior Court, district of Mégantic and St-François. He replaces the Honourable R. Fréchette who elected to become a supernumerary judge.

Mr. Justice Bureau graduated in law from l'Université de Sherbrooke in 1974, receiving then the Prix du Barreau du Québec. He was admitted to the Bar of Quebec in 1975. At the time of his appointment, he was a partner with Heenan Blaikie where he practised mainly in civil and commercial litigation. He also served as a mediator. In the past, he had been a partner with Fournier Savoie Demers, later known as Demers, Bureau, Borduas.

Mr. Justice Bureau has been an Instructor at the Faculty of Law of l'Université de Sherbrooke as well as at the Bar admission course. He has also been Bâtonnier of St-François and has been active with the Bar of Quebec, sitting on its Executive Council as well as on several of its committees, including those dealing with ethics, discipline and the Court of Appeal.

Marie Gaudreau of Montreal is appointed a judge of the Quebec Superior Court, district of Montreal. She replaces the Honourable P. Viau who resigned.

Madam Justice Gaudreau graduated in law from l'Université de Montréal in 1980 and was admitted to the Bar of Quebec in 1981. At the time of her appointment, she was a partner with Lavery de Billy where she was the Head of the practise group in family law, wills and estates. She also has experience in private international law. Prior to joining the firm of Lavery de Billy in 1993, she had been in sole practice.

Madam Justice Gaudreau has been an Instructor at the Faculty of Law of l'Université de Montréal, l'Université du Québec à Montréal as well as at the Bar admission course. She is a Fellow of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She has been active amongst the Barreau de Montréal and the Canadian Bar Association, presiding over committees of both groups.

She has also been a member of several committees of the Bar of Quebec and Vice-President of the Association des avocats en droit familial du Québec. Madam Justice Gaudreau is the author of several publications dealing with family law.

These appointments are effective immediately.

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Ref.: Catherine Gagnaire
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
(613) 992-4621