JUDICIAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS

OTTAWA, October 12, 2007 - Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, today announced the appointments of Sheila R. Block, Paul M. Tellier, P.C., C.C., Q.C., and Wayne McCutcheon to the Judicial Compensation and Benefits Commission. All appointments are effective until August 31, 2011.

Sheila R. Block of Toronto is appointed Chairperson.

Ms. Block graduated in law from the University of Ottawa and was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 1974.

Ms. Block is currently a partner at the law firm of Torys and is chair of Torys’ Toronto litigation practice. She has appeared as counsel at all levels of court in Ontario; before the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada; and before arbitration and other tribunals.

Paul M. Tellier, P.C., C.C., Q.C., of Montreal is appointed a member as recommended by the judiciary.

Mr. Tellier graduated from the universities of Ottawa and Oxford, England and was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1963.

Mr. Tellier is a Director of several companies, is Strategic Advisor to Société Générale, a global bank, and is co-chair of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Committee on the Public Service. He has served as the Clerk of the Privy Council, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian National Railway Company and of Bombardier Inc.

Wayne McCutcheon of Ottawa is appointed a member as recommended by the Minister of Justice of Canada.

Mr. McCutcheon obtained his B.A., B. Ed. and M.A. from the University of Saskatchewan.

Mr. McCutcheon worked as a public servant for 32 years in various positions at the National Archives and National Library, the Treasury Board Secretariat, and the Privy Council Office. At the time of his retirement from the public service in 2005, he was serving as Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Senior Personnel and Special Projects at the Privy Council Office.

The Judicial Compensation and Benefits Commission is established under the Judges Act to inquire at least every four years into the adequacy of the salaries and benefits of the federally appointed judiciary. The Commission consists of three members: one is nominated by the judiciary and another by the federal Minister of Justice, and these two then nominate a Chairperson. The Commission will conduct its inquiry and provide its recommendations to the Minister of Justice by May 31, 2008 for consideration by the government.

- 30 -

For more information:

Geneviève Breton
Director of Communications
Minister’s Office
613-992-4621

Media Relations
Department of Justice Canada
613-957- 4207