News Release

Three citizenship judge appointments

Ottawa, October 15, 2007 — The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, today announced the appointment of three Citizenship Judges. Alain Gariépy was appointed for a three-year term. Suzanne Pinel was reappointed to a three-year term, and Barbara Seal was reappointed for a one-year term. 

Prior to his appointment as a Citizenship judge, Alain Gariépy, was a consultant in Indian Affairs, land use planning, natural resources management, environment and parks. He has also held various managerial positions within the Ministry of the Environment in the Government of Quebec. Judge Gariépy received his licence in Geography and his Master of Arts from the Université de Montréal.

Suzanne Pinel, an Ottawa-based Citizenship judge since 1998, has had a distinguished career as a teacher, performer and counselor, focusing her energies toward helping children. Judge Pinel is best known for her work in television and the arts. She has worked in both radio and television, and has released several albums and videocassettes, including educational materials for schools. She received a Diploma in Public Health Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Ottawa.

Barbara Seal, a Citizenship judge in Montreal since October 1997, was also reappointed. Judge Seal was a City Councillor for the Town of Hampstead. Prior to that position, she was the President of Hampstead Municipal Recreational Association. Judge Seal is a former Member of the Conseil des Arts de la Communauté urbaine de Montréal and the Board of Directors of Place des Arts.

Citizenship judges are responsible for making decisions with regard to citizenship applications, presiding over citizenship ceremonies and administering the oath of citizenship to new citizens. Citizenship judges are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Tim Vail
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064