Myers, Harris and Nishikawa elevated to the Court of Appeal, five other judges join Superior Court
Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada Sean Fraser has announced eight judicial appointments in Ontario, including three elevations to the Court of Appeal for Ontario and five appointments to the Superior Court of Justice.
Justices Frederick L. Myers, David E. Harris and Sandra Nishikawa, all judges of the Superior Court of Justice, have been appointed to the Court of Appeal in Toronto.
Justice Myers, who joined the Superior Court in 2014, fills the remaining Toronto position authorized under Bill C-74 in 2018. Before his judicial appointment, he was a partner at Goodmans LLP and previously practised at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, focusing on insolvency law and general commercial litigation. He has been outspoken about mental health in the profession.
Justice Harris replaces Justice L.B. Roberts, who became a supernumerary judge effective September 1. Before joining the Superior Court in 2017, Justice Harris practised criminal defence law, with a particular focus on appellate work. Over the course of his career, he argued more than 150 cases before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Justice Nishikawa replaces Justice G.T. Trotter, who became a supernumerary judge effective June 30. Before her 2018 appointment to the Superior Court, she served as counsel at the Ontario Human Rights Commission and practised commercial, administrative, public and human rights law.
Fraser also announced the appointment of five justices to the Superior Court.
Justice Christopher M. Arnone, formerly a partner at Atwood Labine LLP in Thunder Bay, has been appointed to the Superior Court in Thunder Bay. He replaces Justice F.B. Fitzpatrick, who became a supernumerary judge effective July 17. Justice Arnone practised family law for more than 20 years.
Justice Michael S. Dunn, formerly Crown counsel with Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General, has been appointed in Newmarket. His experience includes constitutional litigation and criminal appeals.
Justice Nicolas M. Rouleau, formerly a Toronto sole practitioner, joins the Superior Court in Toronto, replacing Myers following his elevation. Justice Rouleau practised appellate and constitutional litigation in French and English.
Justice Shantona Chaudhury, formerly a partner at Pape Chaudhury LLP, also joins the Superior Court in Toronto, replacing Nishikawa. Her practice included civil and commercial litigation, constitutional law, public inquiries and national security law.
Justice Bevin E. Shores, formerly a partner at Gowling WLG in Hamilton, has been appointed to the Superior Court in St. Catharines. She replaces Justice M.A. Donohue, who resigned effective January 1. Justice Shores practised across several litigation areas, including commercial, construction, insurance and professional liability disputes.
“I wish Justices Myers, Harris, Nishikawa, Arnone, Dunn, Rouleau, Chaudhury, and Shores every success as they take on their new roles,” Fraser said in a statement. “I am confident they will serve the people of Ontario well as members of the Court of Appeal for Ontario and the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario.”
