Mary Moreau has made history as the first female judge appointed as chief justice of the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench, marking a significant milestone in the legal landscape. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced her appointment, signifying a momentous occasion for gender equality within the judiciary. Moreau, with over two decades of experience in criminal, civil, and family law cases, brings a wealth of expertise to her new administrative role.
Transitioning from the courtroom to administration, Moreau’s focus shifts to overseeing case assignments, managing judicial resources, and liaising with both federal and provincial governments. Embracing the challenges ahead, she looks forward to spearheading initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the court system. Throughout her career, Moreau has been actively involved in education, administration, and strategic planning for Canada’s judiciary, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the legal profession.
A trailblazer in bilingual and French-language trials, Moreau has litigated landmark cases involving minority language rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As a co-founder of the Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Alberta, she has championed linguistic diversity and inclusion within the legal community. Additionally, her role on the advisory committee on judicial ethics underscores her dedication to upholding the highest ethical standards among federally appointed judges.
Before ascending to the bench, Moreau practiced criminal law, constitutional law, and civil litigation in Edmonton, honing her skills and expertise in diverse legal fields. Her appointment follows in the footsteps of trailblazing women like Catherine Fraser, the first female Chief Justice of Alberta’s superior Court of Appeal, highlighting the ongoing progress towards gender parity and representation within the judiciary.
