Lethbridge Courthouse. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

By Jerran Fisher/LethbridgeNewsNow

Southern Alberta gets new provincial court judge

Oct 26, 2022 | 2:16 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta is appointing four new judges to the Provincial Court of Alberta, including Mark Mastel who has been appointed for the Southern Region.

He will fill an existing vacancy in the region as of Nov. 7.

Mastel received a bachelor of the arts degree from the University of Calgary in 2004 and a bachelor of law from the University of Saskatchewan in 2007.

He was admitted to both the Northwest Territories bar in 2008, and the Alberta bar in 2009.

Most recently, Mastel served as the deputy chief prosecutor of Regional Prosecutions, Justice and Solicitor General.

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A news release from the Government of Alberta states the provincial court handles more than 100,000 criminal cases, 17,000 family and child protection cases, and about 10,000 civil cases each year.

Tyler Shandro, minister of justice says, “The Provincial Court of Alberta plays an essential role in our society, the justice system and in protecting public safety.” Shandro says, “I congratulate these four judges on their new roles, with each of them bringing a great deal of expertise and experience to the bench. They will serve the justice system and Albertans well by upholding the rule of law through the administration of Alberta’s justice system.”

Three more judges have been appointed for the Provincial Court of Alberta.

Jeffrey Morrison and Andrea Hemmerling will fill existing vacancies in the Edmonton Region on Oct. 17 and Nov. 1, respectively.

Suzanne Polkosnik, KC will fill a vacancy in the Edmonton Criminal Division on Nov. 14.

Derek G. Redman, chief judge, Provincial Court of Alberta says, “I am very pleased that these timely appointments are occurring at this time and in regions that have a significant need for judicial resources.” Redman continues, “I offer my congratulations to each of these new judges and welcome them to the Provincial Court of Alberta.”

Lawyers with at least 10 years at the bar can apply to become a provincial court judge.

Applications are considered first by the Alberta Judicial Council, which sends its recommendations to the Provincial Court Nominating Committee, and finally to the minister of justice, who makes recommendations to cabinet.