Marie-Anne Paquette was appointed Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Quebec

Justice Paquette, who became the coordinating judge of the Commercial Division of the Superior Court, will replace Justice Jacques Robert Fournier, who announced his resignation in December. Judge Fournier, a prominent magistrate, will retire, but will remain available as a supernumerary judge.

The appointment was confirmed on Monday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He said in a press release Justice Paquette brings extensive experience in this position, including more than 10 years as a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec.

Although he has served as a Superior Court judge since 2010, Justice Paquette is less well known to the general public, as he has worked in civil and commercial matters, a sector where cases rarely make headlines. .

A time of turmoil

His appointment comes at a time when the courts are faced with a severe staff shortage. Last October, his predecessor issued a stern warning in a public speech, denouncing the lack of clerks, assistant judges and ushers. The dazzling shortage of staff is linked, according to Judge Fournier, to unattractive salaries.

In her appointment, the main courts in the province are now headed by women, with the Quebec Court having Lucie Rondeau as Chief Justice and the Quebec Court of Appeals headed by Chief Justice Manon Savard. As for the Municipal Court, the co -chief justice of the Quebec Court, Claudie Bélanger, is in charge.

Superior Court appointments are a federal responsibility, as are appointments to the Court of Appeal. The judges of the Quebec Court, the Municipal Court and the justices of the peace are appointed by the provincial government.

The Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices are appointed by the Governor General, on the advice of the Cabinet and on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.