Quebec Chief Justice Geneviève Cotnam Appointment Announced

• Geneviève Cotnam appointed as Quebec's new chief justice, replacing Manon Savard.
• Gabriel Gaudreault appointed as a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec.
• Linda A. Maj appointed as a justice of the Court of King's Bench of Alberta.
• Cotnam has extensive experience in civil law and professional liability.
• Gaudreault has a background in human rights, having served on the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.

Cotnam most recently served as a puisne judge of the Court of Appeal of Quebec, which she joined in 2018. Her experience spans civil law, professional liability, and insurance law, making her well-suited for the role of chief justice.

The federal government has announced three new judicial appointments: Geneviève Cotnam as Quebec's new chief justice, Gabriel Gaudreault as a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec, and Linda A. Maj as a justice of the Court of King's Bench of Alberta. These appointments are significant for the legal community in Quebec, where Cotnam will bring her extensive experience in civil law and professional liability to the role of chief justice.

Cotnam has a long history of serving as a judge on various courts in Quebec. She most recently served as a puisne judge of the Court of Appeal of Quebec, which she joined in 2018. Her experience spans civil law, professional liability, and insurance law, making her well-suited for the role of chief justice. Before sitting on the bench, Cotnam worked at several private practices, including Flynn Rivard and Desjardins Ducharme Stein Monast. She gained admission to the provincial bar in 1990 and received her master's degree in criminal law from York University's Osgoode Hall Law School recently.

Gaudreault has a unique background in human rights, having served as a full-time member of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. He dealt with discrimination claims at the federal level and also led a litigation service to act on behalf of the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay before judicial and political authorities. Gaudreault's experience in private practice, where he acted for directors of youth protection from Hudson's Bay, Ungava, and James Bay, will serve him well as a judge on the Superior Court of Quebec.

Maj has had a distinguished career in public service, serving as general counsel of the federal justice department in Edmonton since 2003. Her experience encompasses administrative law, criminal law, and civil litigation before all court levels. She has worked with numerous Indigenous groups to advance reconciliation and received the designation of King's Counsel in 2022.

Lawyers practicing in Quebec should be aware that Geneviève Cotnam, a seasoned jurist with experience in civil law and professional liability, has been appointed as the new chief justice. This development may impact existing cases or future litigation strategies.

Source: Original reporting via federal government news releases