MANITOBA JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

OTTAWA, February 29, 2000 -- The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments:

The Honourable Madam Justice Freda Steel, a judge of the Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench, is appointed a judge of the Manitoba Court of Appeal. She replaces Mr. Justice Lyon, who has chosen to become a supernumerary judge.

Madam Justice Steel received her LL.B. from the University of Manitoba in 1975 and her Master's degree from Harvard Law School in 1978. She was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1976 and to the Ontario Bar in 1980. Before her appointment to the Court of Queen's Bench for Manitoba in 1995, she was a professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba and also acted as a labour arbitrator. Madam Justice Steel is the author of various publications and articles on family law, torts and equality rights. During her time on the Court of Queen's Bench, Madam Justice Steel has participated in continuing legal education programs for members of both the Manitoba Bench and Bar.

The Honourable Judge Frank Aquila, a judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba, is appointed a judge of the Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench, Family Division, in Winnipeg. He replaces Mr. Justice Mullally, who has chosen to become a supernumerary judge.

Mr. Justice Aquila received his LL.B. from the University of Manitoba in 1982, and was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1983. Prior to his appointment to the Provincial Court of Manitoba in 1994, Mr. Justice Aquila was in general practice with the firm of Bueti, Aquila, Baumstark in Winnipeg. He is a former Chair of the Probation Liaison Committee for Manitoba Provincial Judges and of the Committee to assess problems in Youth Court. Active as a community volunteer, Mr. Justice Aquila is past president of the Winnipeg Lodge of the Order of the Sons of Italy, and he has also been involved with the Italian Folk Dancers Association and the Italian Children's Choir.

Robert B. Doyle of Winnipeg is appointed a judge of the Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench, Family Division, in Winnipeg. He replaces Mr. Justice Goodman, who has chosen to become a supernumerary judge.

Mr. Justice Doyle received his LL.B. from the University of Manitoba in 1979, and was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1980. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Justice Doyle practised law with the firm of Pollock & Company in Winnipeg, primarily in civil litigation and family law. Mr. Justice Doyle has appeared before various administrative tribunals, including the Canada Industrial Relations Board. He is a member of the Canadian Bar Association (Manitoba Branch) and a Lifetime Member of Council of the Manitoba Bar Association. He also served as the Manitoba Bar Association representative on the Advisory Committee for the Pilot Project on Case Management in the Family Division of the Court of Queen's Bench.

These appointments are effective immediately.

Line Chabot-Racine
Minister McLellan's Office
(613) 992-4621